While on the way to testify in a case (as an expert witness) that looks similar to Scott Peterson’s murder case of his wife Lacey and their unborn chiWhile on the way to testify in a case (as an expert witness) that looks similar to Scott Peterson’s murder case of his wife Lacey and their unborn child, main protagonist Hailey Dean and her crime investigator, Garland Fincher hear over the police radio of an “officer down.” They decide to stop by and check it out.
As it turns out, the officer down was Alton Turner, a desk officer who was very meticulous at his job and well-liked. The first officers on the scene thought his death was an accident, but Hailey Dean, a seasoned former prosecutor who is now a therapist, could tell it was murder, and pointed out her observations to the homicide detective on duty.
For readers, we can’t help but wonder if this murder has anything to do with the current trial that Hailey has been brought in to testify for the prosecution.
When another murder occurs of a court clerk at the courthouse, (Hence: the title of the book!), Hailey can’t help but wonder if her demise is linked to Alton Turner’s murder.
What will Hailey discover?
Apparently, Hailey Dean mysteries are a series by this infamous author who is an American legal commentor and television journalist. This is the 3rd and final one in the series, which was originally published in 2016. I have not read her earlier books in this series. And, even though I haven’t read the previous two books at this point, I still felt I could read this one as a stand-alone.
I am, however, curious as to why the author hasn’t published anything further since this book. In researching that answer, I discovered that Hallmark did create a Hailey Dean Mystery movie series which has taken up a considerable amount of the author’s time. Perhaps this is why?
One thing is clear about this book, the author knows her way around a courtroom and a crime scene. Her characters are well-fleshed out, and some who may seem comical in nature, do reflect a bit of what we as readers would normally imagine if we were to meet them in person. Or see them in a Hallmark movie version.
This was a twisty, somewhat over-the-top thriller mystery with what appeared to be close to a HEA ending. And, that ending, might be what answers the question as to why this is the last Hailey Dean book. (No spoilers from me.) ...more
“…what difference did any of it make to how good the books they wrote actually were, or whether a normal person – herself, for example – would even wa“…what difference did any of it make to how good the books they wrote actually were, or whether a normal person – herself, for example – would even want to read them?”
As readers we are in the midst of a literary world that isn’t quite as it seems. And, “Anna,” our newly sensational successful author who appears devoid of real feelings and has her own script front that she presents, has a story to tell. Where fact becomes fiction, and what happened in “The Plot” bleeds into “The Sequel” in a way that leaves readers turning pages faster than they can read them.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it reads better if you have read “The Plot” first. In “The Plot” the attention is on best-selling author, Jake, best known as Jacob Finch Bonner.
“He was the perfect literary helpmeet: gifted, successful, and deceased.”
In “The Sequel” the attention, spotlight is on his widow, Anna. Now that she has had a chance to make herself known as a worthy writer, she has no room for anyone to change this view. And, thus a dark quest begins.
Who is Anna really?
Pay particular attention to the chapter titles. An explanation is offered at the end of the book, but these titles also give clues of what is to come in each chapter. Thus, making this book, immensely readable, and darkly thrilling.
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare, All’s Well that Ends Well
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book because of othe“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare, All’s Well that Ends Well
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book because of others reviews, so I didn’t put it in my “currently reading” pile. But the moment came, and I decided to go ahead anyway. Was that a good decision – or not?
Gia and Abby have been lifelong friends. That share a terrible secret. But when something happens to Gia, and she goes missing, what is to be believed? Along with Gia’s brother, Benny, they both race to find her. Is she in danger – or is something more sinister going on? And, what if they do find Gia? Will answers come easily? Will trust come? And, if it doesn’t how are readers to feel? What are readers to believe?
“His stories were good because he imagined them intensely, so intensely that he came to believe them.” – Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Secrets and lies. Who does one trust? Who does one believe? Does Abby’s secret keep her safe or guilt ridden? And then when something else happens, who is she to believe? Will she be safe in the end? What price does Abby pay to be friends with Gia? And, can Gia be believed after all that has happened? And, what of the title of the book, does it tell readers something more?
This story is told with 2 points of view. Abby’s and Gia’s through her manuscript. The question will be, since there are so many that come, is Gia’s story true?
Full Disclosure: I am all caught up with this author’s latest Andy Carpenter series. For those unfamiliar, Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who doFull Disclosure: I am all caught up with this author’s latest Andy Carpenter series. For those unfamiliar, Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who doesn’t need many cases because he is relatively rich; and, he also has the Tara Foundation, a dog-rescue operation. As for me, because this is my full disclosure statement, I have even read his newest series, The K Team. And, even his David Brock series, which goes back a few years; and, even a couple of his stand-alones. (I have also ordered more from my local library.) But what I have come to discover, is that sometimes I have missed reading some of his earlier Andy Carpenter books, like this one.
So, it is always fun to be reading his stories when I find him in his earlier years, where, as an example, for this book, he and Laurie are still in boyfriend and girlfriend status. It makes me smile at how much I know about what I know about their futures. Yet, I still enjoy being in this engaging past, appreciating his cases, the characters, and how things were during this time. (This particular book was published in 2009.)
One last thing before I talk about this story…
Did you know that David Rosenfelt was the marketing president for TriStar Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays? It certainly makes sense as to why he was to become such a successful author. Okay, now on to this book.
So, what happened here?
Well, what hasn’t changed is Andy’s sense of humor. It is just as charming and silly, as always. Which allows the story to move along nicely. And, what is typical Andy, is that he is there to defend dogs and people and give us a compelling court case, too.
And, when it comes to the courtroom, readers can always look forward to Andy’s style, which he refers to as “free-flowing” and one that “can’t be restricted by meticulously pre-planned tactics.”
Of course, Andy wouldn’t object to a “Perry Mason moment” either. For those unfamiliar with Perry Mason, his was a popular legal drama television series from 1957-1966. Perry Mason’s character was based on stories written by Erle Stanley Gardner.
Perry Mason was a master at being a criminal defense attorney because he knew exactly how to handle difficult cases of innocent people. Especially when he showed a knack for placing the true criminal on the witness stand and finding a way to get them to confess – right then and there. And, that would be the most riveting aspect to Perry Mason. Those “Perry Mason moments” when the true criminal would blurt out their guilt on the stand in those final scenes. And, it would be those ending moments that would make Perry Mason such a distinguished criminal defense attorney in everyone’s eyes!
So, it makes perfect sense that Andy would look for a Perry Mason moment for his case, especially as he is coming to the end of his defense of his client in court.
The question is, does Andy get his Perry Mason moment? Or, will he have to rely on his closing argument to save his client?
And, as readers we anxiously turn pages and await the “moment.” We also get to find out what Laurie decides she wants to do with Andy’s offer to her. Of course, anybody who has read ahead by reading the author’s books into the future, will know her answer. But it is in this book that she gives her answer to him.
So, for anyone who is a fan of Andy Carpenter, this is another page-turning, cozy mystery. It is also enjoyable, and an easy read, with courtroom drama and some sweet romance and oh so much more with its twists and turns. And, it will keep you wanting to stick with this series, no matter where you start with it.
Still, if you can, begin at the beginning of the series, and just keep reading all the way to the end. (Of which as steadfast fans, we hope, the series won’t ever end!). Readers won’t regret it! Especially with this story that also features cute dogs like Andy’s golden retriever, Tara and a delightfully hyperactive, Bernese mountain dog puppy named, Waggy. ...more
One of the first visuals the author wants readers to see is one of the main protagonists, named Rose, a little girl of 9, picking up a piece of glass One of the first visuals the author wants readers to see is one of the main protagonists, named Rose, a little girl of 9, picking up a piece of glass and hiding it under her sleeve. Is the author trying to portray her as sinister? Or, is she trying to put doubt in the mind about Roses’ character to our other main protagonist, Stella, who is sent in to work with her? Or, even worse, is the author, wanting us, the reader to distrust Rose?
Whatever the author has in mind, it appears to be her way of wanting to lend credence to why she chose the title of her book.
Needless to say, for this reader, there were a lot of cliches to this story. Vulnerable women. The appearances of a creepy kid. A husband sleeping with a nanny. (Who is now dead {nanny}, by the way.) A dissolving marriage. Nothing is quite as it seems. (So, readers be on your toes!) And, a lot of red herrings, that seemed to have nothing to do with the plot. At all.
And, even when everything seemed to be wrapped up, the story kept going. Why, I wondered. Was there something else to be revealed, still? Or just another way for the author to clean up loose ends?
As a reader, I found this story disappointing, and downright horrifying. To be honest, I think I have become rather tired of so-called “psychological” thrillers that use child characters in this abhorrent way. But please go read other reviews. I am probably an outlier with this one. I liked her book, “Gone Tonight” a tad better. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......more
While deciding to continue reading the Decker/Lazarus series (this is my second in about two weeks), I learned that “The Hunt” was the last book to beWhile deciding to continue reading the Decker/Lazarus series (this is my second in about two weeks), I learned that “The Hunt” was the last book to be written with these characters. So, that was my next Kellerman to read and review. Which I have also done. I was happy that my local library had copies of both, so that I could once again immerse myself in Peter and Rina’s life.
Again, for anyone choosing to read this book, consider starting at the beginning of the series to fully understand the continuing characters.
Of course, it always starts with a case. And, this one was particularly frustrating for Detective Peter Decker. Could the death of this young man be related to a case from 20 years ago?
It seems the more that he investigates, the more trouble and questions seems to turn up. With Rina’s help behind the scenes, more information becomes clear as Decker searches for answers. But as in any police procedural, Decker is relentless in getting to the truth, no matter what it takes. And, what happens when he finally does? Will the case be solved satisfactorily or will he have to speculate what could have really happened?
For fans of the series this will be a fast-paced, page-turner with lots of twists and turns. But for readers, will it be a satisfying end? ...more
I thought I had already posted my review of this book, but as it turns out, I posted the review for his book “Origin” accidentally under tCatching up…
I thought I had already posted my review of this book, but as it turns out, I posted the review for his book “Origin” accidentally under this one. So, whatever happened to my original review is a mystery. Which is why I am here today, catching up and posting a review now.
I actually read this book before I saw the movie. And, I am so glad I did. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the movie, but the book definitely provided more details and background than what could be captured in a 2-l/2-hour screen version of it. Although there is no denying the brilliance of Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou in their roles.
If you have already read this, or have seen the movie, which did you like best – the book or the movie?
I realize that this book has been around since 2003, but it still captivates in its storytelling. By referencing historical events and locations, and the art of Leonardo Da Vinci into his plot, Brown helped make his story feel plausible.
Robert Langdon is our protagonist. As a Harvard professor and symbologist he has been asked to help solve some of the symbols that have been laid out next to the murder victim in the Louvre Museum in Paris. We have the opportunity as readers to race through the streets of Paris and London, along with him, to solve a series of intricate codes and puzzles.
What are the hidden truths behind the religious symbolism? Is there such a thing as a secret society? What will Langdon discover? And, why are there so many people trying to stop him?
The mystery was thrilling, thought-provoking and intense. And, the conspiracies involving the Holy Grail, the Vatican, and a secret society known as the Priory of Sion were compelling.
There will be high speed car chases, escapes from the police, and real villains that will keep readers entranced until the last page. ...more
“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most.”
This is definitely not a straight forward story told in a timeline that “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most.”
This is definitely not a straight forward story told in a timeline that will take readers from day 1 to day 56. To be clear, that it is not going to do that for readers. It is going to jump between present day, near past, through lockdown Covid era (but not be just about that) into the lives of Ciara and Oliver.
And, someone is going to die. That is made clear from the beginning. But who and why and how is not. And, who these people (Ciara and Oliver) are to each other is not either.
And, then there is the point of view of detectives. Oh yes, because someone died, right? Because readers know that someone isn’t getting out of this alive, so Irish detectives are a part of this story.
So, the author keeps readers hooked throughout the book with several key questions…
Who is dead?
Who is the killer?
Why did they commit murder?
Who is telling the truth here?
Is this the perfect crime?
Is a perfect crime possible?
Domestic suspense. Murder mystery. Edge of your seat page turner. Brilliant plotting. Go for it. You won’t regret it.
But even as I say all this, because the author twisted the timeline (time jumping) so much, it is the only reason this review did not get 5 stars. The only reason. My brain just couldn’t take it. Still, the story is worth the read....more
When I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persWhen I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persons story that someone felt compelled to write?
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.”
Even though the book cover felt a bit misleading, please don’t pass the book by. It is not a true story. It is something more. Just open it. What comes up from page one through the end will keep readers engaged.
And, as readers, we get to hear Nina’s voice first.
What follows is a story told in multiple points of view that is engrossing and intriguing.
Is this story giving us a sense of a parent’s worst nightmare?
As readers we experience, what happened between Nina and Simon. And, how the parents of both Nina and Simon navigate the landscape of what happened when it becomes clear that Nina is missing.
Readers already are given a sense of what could have been with Nina’s opening voice. But what more lies between the pages to get the answers we as readers are so desperate to find? Lots. That is how page-turning, gut-wrenching, soulful interesting this story plays out.
But what kind of story is this truly?
Is this a mystery or a thriller or a character study of personalities, and what anyone would do in these circumstances?
Of course, we can label it a mystery because we are uncertain what really happened to Nina. We can label it a thriller because as readers we are racing to the end to find out what happened. As readers we may want closure and justice, because we believe something terrible could have happened. But mostly we are left with an interesting look at, what would I do in these circumstances if something happened to my daughter or son? How would I behave?
In this way, it becomes a stirring tale, as we as readers, consider and observe where the moral fiber lies. Especially as parents....more
This is the latest in the Bones series by Reich featuring her forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. And, as is typical, if you are a fan, readeThis is the latest in the Bones series by Reich featuring her forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. And, as is typical, if you are a fan, readers won’t be bored as Tempe finds herself in the midst of an older building in Washington DC addressing arson and burn victims and attempting to unravel a mystery that may be more than recent history.
She also finds herself working alongside a new ally, Ivy Doyle, a telejournalist. She met Ivy reluctantly through her daughter Katy, as a favor. But as it turns out, they form a good alliance in attempting to learn more about the past of the building, the history, the property’s ownership and what really happened and why.
Reich keeps readers moving along quickly through her short chapters, and forensics and setting change of Washington, DC. The question will be, will readers be surprised by the twists and turns that she has a tendency to deliver? And, will readers be patient with her challenging relationship with Ryan?...more
How well do we really know the people we think we love?
Martha’s husband, Alan is a travelling salesman. And, they have a really neat, rather compact How well do we really know the people we think we love?
Martha’s husband, Alan is a travelling salesman. And, they have a really neat, rather compact and comfortable marriage. As a librarian she is content with her life. But when he comes back from one of his trips with blood on one of his shirts, she begins to question what exactly happens at his “selling” conferences, after all.
And, as she begins the painstaking research, to figure out what her husband might be up to, she is uncomfortable enough about what she discovers, that she calls one of her friends from college, Lily Kintner for support.
Now, as I mention Lily Kintner, for those who have not read this series, please understand that this is book #3. It is best if you read the series, to know Lily and Henry from book 1, so you understand their characters fully. You can read this as a stand-alone, but you will appreciate this story better, if you have followed the series.
Back to this story…
Martha and Lily have their own past, in which Lily helped rescue her from an ill-fated relationship with Ethan Saltz back in graduate school.
How can Lily help her discover if her husband could be a potential serial killer? And, will Henry Kimball be able to also help when Lily ventures into dark and deadly territory?
What will readers discover in this twisty, riveting, page-turning tale? And, when all seems to be clear, don’t be so sure. This author has a way of throwing many twists that will keep readers going up to the very last page!
When this one came through as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I was reminded how I felt when I first read it. Have youCatching up…
When this one came through as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I was reminded how I felt when I first read it. Have you read it or seen the movie?
And, do you recall having that feeling about a book or a movie that you aren’t sure you want to re-visit it because it was that frightening?
And, to be honest I am not a fan of horror, scary or being told “boo” around any dark corners.
So, the question for me was, did I really want to go here again just to submit this review?
Well, obviously I did. So, what was I thinking?
When I tell you that this is that kind of a book that once you decide to place yourself within the pages of it, you are making a commitment to maybe not choose to sleep for a week afterwards, will you believe me?
Please know that, I care enough about you to put this much into words. But I am not going to give you explicit details. Nope. Not because I am not a spoiler revealer kind of a person, but this is the kind of a book that is better to go into blindly. At your own risk. It will be important to know that there will be slow reveals. Tension. Because something is ALWAYS happening. And, it WILL always be about choice. For you as a reader. And, for the characters to make. At the cabin. At the end of the world.
And, as the cover of the book says, “save your family or save humanity. Make the choice.”
But the real choice is whether you as the reader will want to just open the pages of this book.
You would think I was obsessed with death. Is it my lifelong love of murder mysteries, or my recent diagnosis of cancer that has me ruminating about iYou would think I was obsessed with death. Is it my lifelong love of murder mysteries, or my recent diagnosis of cancer that has me ruminating about it these days? I don’t know. I actually feel quite calm and hopeful and grateful that living in the moment brings such a love of life to me.
Still, there is something to be said about this kind of a book that gets one wondering about how one contemplates death and living in the moment, in the same breath. Especially when the first line declares…
“Nothing brings people together better than death. …Death reminds us that life isn’t infinite and that one day, our time will come, too.”
If nothing else about this story appeals to readers, please know this…I really loved that line in this book.
What exactly is in store for readers between these pages? Maybe we should take the title of this book literally?!
Let us start with Mom Laura who passes away and leaves her things to her adult children who have been rather estranged from each other. She after all is one of the POV’s. The other POV’s are the daughters, Beth and Nicole.
As they are going through those things, what should they discover but an old VCR tape which reveals more than they had ever expected to learn about their mother and their “missing” father who had “supposedly” left many years earlier without any explanation.
“They say the truth will set you free, but they don’t tell you it can set you free in the same way death does.”
So, what really happened in this story? What is the big reveal? (No spoilers from me.)
To be honest, the premise of this book was promising, but as it progressed it was hard to enjoy. The characters weren’t particularly likable and the plot became rather predictable. And, to top it off, the end was anticlimactic. All and all…Family dynamics at its worst.
Oh Alex, you had me at page 4. And, then you did it again. You kept at it with every chapter. What were you doing to me? My pulse couldn’t stop racingOh Alex, you had me at page 4. And, then you did it again. You kept at it with every chapter. What were you doing to me? My pulse couldn’t stop racing. I kept checking my Apple Watch to make sure I wasn’t hyperventilating from all the excitement, as you kept me hanging and wanting more from all the little shocker reveals at the end of each chapter.
Ryan and Ali(son) are so in love. They are at the end of their high school year, and they want to have this instant romantic evening together before they head off to their separate colleges. And, just as they might be able to have that loving teenage moment together at their favorite hang-out secluded spot, a storm hits.
But wait readers, there is more!
As they head for shelter to Ali’s car, did someone knock Ryan out, or are we imaging it?
And then, readers find Ryan waking up, Alison and her car are gone and it is daylight. Chapter ends.
And, thus this is how it is throughout the book. Moments like this with explicit tension.
Something dramatic happens at the end of each chapter where readers are left hanging with a piece of news hoping for some explanation…but not necessarily getting it. Yet!
And, that is where readers feel like they are attending a masterclass in expert plotting.
By chapter 2, readers find themselves fast forwarding 5 years later. What happened? Ryan has changed his last name and although he is evading his past, it seems to be catching up to him. Why?
Readers are still left wondering what happened to Alison that fateful night 5 years earlier. And, what happens when Alison’s car is found 5 years later? And, what happens when some (thing?) is found in Alison’s car that isn’t Alison? And, who is after Ryan now?
Will the past ever be resolved?
And, will Karen ever get some sleep? (That’s me! Spoiler reveal: No.)
So many questions…
I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to keep up with the twists and turns in this fast-paced, riveting story that will have readers guessing what really happened on that night long ago. And, if readers think they know…don’t be so sure of yourself!...more
Imagine that you and your best friend are having a sleepover in the backyard tent. You both are 10-year-old kids. All seems good, until you wake up toImagine that you and your best friend are having a sleepover in the backyard tent. You both are 10-year-old kids. All seems good, until you wake up to find that there is a slash down the side of the tent and your best friend is nowhere to be found.
How would you feel upon waking?
In this story, this is the nightmare Ethan carries for the next 30 years. It is a real nightmare for Ethan, because his best friend Billy, is forever gone.
How does anybody live with this kind of memory? This has been what Ethan has had to deal with his whole life. And, when he is expected to return to his childhood home, and things begin to happen again to stir up these old memories, what is he to do? How can he overcome this past?
Will he ever know what happened to Billy?
In many ways this feels like a twisty mystery with just a slight touch of the supernatural. But more than anything there is a strong sense of the complications of friendship amongst these pages.
Most importantly, the author shows readers how grief and trauma are complicated, by showcasing both sensitively.
At the same time, readers are quickly turning pages for the resolution to the mystery of missing Billy....more
Readers meet her as she is meeting her new boyfriend Ryan’s circle of friends at this party. But we quickly get a feeling thWho really is Evie Porter?
Readers meet her as she is meeting her new boyfriend Ryan’s circle of friends at this party. But we quickly get a feeling that she really isn’t who she seems to be. It appears that Evie’s boss, Mr. Smith wants her to be Ryan’s girlfriend. Why? And, who is this Mr. Smith?
And, then Evie meets a woman at this same party who appears to have taken on Evie’s real identity. Is Mr. Smith playing Evie?
As the story takes readers back and forth in time, we learn more about Evie’s life, and we become witness to how her past catches up to her present. Making this a twisty, fast-paced read and Evie a very fascinating character to watch.
Paul is the narrator of this one “perfect” day tale. And, he will be an unreliable narrator because of his cocky, outbursts and justifications for whaPaul is the narrator of this one “perfect” day tale. And, he will be an unreliable narrator because of his cocky, outbursts and justifications for what he believes will create the “best day ever” for his meticulously planned drive with his wife Mia to their vacation home.
But not all will go as planned. What will be truth and what will be lies? How healthy and perfect is this marriage really? What is Mia thinking about what Paul has planned for her?
Readers will feel the suspense and angst and drama and deception and could it possibly be betrayal as pages turn? The drive will be tense as readers wait for the riveting conclusion.
But…about that ending…(no spoilers from me.)...more
This series was recommended to me by another Goodreads reader because of my interest in Door County, Wisconsin. When my husband and I were travelling,This series was recommended to me by another Goodreads reader because of my interest in Door County, Wisconsin. When my husband and I were travelling, we truly enjoyed this small town. Apparently, the author has created a “puzzle-type” mystery to solve within the pages of each book in the series.
Unfortunately, this was the only print copy available at my local library, so I am beginning the series with book #3. I felt that I could read this as a stand-alone. Even so, I also knew I was missing some of the characters back stories from book #1 & #2. Sheriff Dave Cubiak is a reoccurring character, and this is his series.
In this story, an older wealthy town patron is kidnapped and held for ransom. The FBI gets involved because it appears that terrorists might be involved in the plot.
And then, bones wash up on the shore. Could this relate to his disappearance?
With many twists and turns readers will be kept engaged and guessing as answers are sought and eventually revealed. (No spoilers from me.)...more
“Read your own obituary notice; they say you live longer.” – James Joyce, Ulysses
It begins with the last word. (Hence: the title of the book!) Will th“Read your own obituary notice; they say you live longer.” – James Joyce, Ulysses
It begins with the last word. (Hence: the title of the book!) Will the clue be the writing retreat? Am I getting ahead of myself? Or did the book title tell all? Maybe it all started with…
If only I hadn’t…
What could those words possibly mean?
But let us start at the beginning. Two sisters are beside themselves. Minnie and Harmony are convinced that their mother, Melody Chambers, a writer, has been murdered by her second husband, a pharmacist, Alan Franklin, who just happened to be younger than her, so that he could abscond with her estate. After all, it wasn’t meant for him. It was meant for them.
So, what does the mother’s murder have to do with a writing retreat? And, did you hear about all those women dying who belonged to a book club? Be careful ladies who belong to a book club!
Enter, an unlikely duo, elderly Edwin Fitzgerald and Natalka Kolisnyk, a young Ukrainian woman who run a detective agency with the assistance of her ex-monk boyfriend, Benedict Cole. With a cameo appearance from Detective Sergeant Harbinger Kaur. (For those who may be familiar or who don’t know DS Harbinger Kaur, she was first introduced in “The Stranger Diaries.” She is best known as a gay Sikh detective in West Sussex.)
Edwin and Natalka have been asked to uncover the “accidental death” of Minnie and Harmony’s mother as a possible murder. And, in order to do so, they must attend her last known locations. Hence, the writing retreat. And, this is where things get dicey. Lots of characters to keep track of and more murders to add to the growing list of things to solve.
So, who is the culprit and why? And, why are all these other people getting murdered, too?
Readers will have a good time trying to unravel this twisted tale that will have them turning pages to figure things out. If readers can be patient, it may lead them to a satisfactory end.
“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened t“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened to Katy’s sister?
In this road trip, 3 narrators will give readers their version of a road trip.
Grief struck Katy who wants to desperately figure out what happened to her sister Phoebe when she went on a solo road trip in her van. Then there is Beth who is also a solo traveler escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas. And, finally, Wyatt, the younger brother of Lucas who lives with their father following their mother’s disappearance.
Everyone has their own story. And, unfortunately for me, this is a psychological thriller. (I say unfortunately, because these-type-of-stories have a tendency to create confusion and twists and darkness that take the story down a road that leaves readers a bit exasperated.) At least, this one.
I prefer a good old-fashioned mystery that doesn’t hurt my head with so much twisty darkness. It is also difficult when you have an unreliable narrator, such as Katy.
So, what happens when Katy and Beth connect? Can Beth be trusted? And, what does Wyatt’s point of view bring to the story?
But wait, there might be another narrator? (No spoilers from me.)
The book will give a sense of strong female characters against all odds, but…and there is that but… it will touch on domestic violence, and trauma. And, the risks of stranger danger. On the pretty side…It will be quite scenic with the Australian outback.
The question is, will readers find the conclusion intriguing, satisfying or confusing? With all the red herrings, it will be hard to know how best to decide.
For me, the story didn’t seem to come to life until towards the end, and by then I just wanted the book to end. By then, I seemed more fascinated with the author’s note.
I am probably an outlier here, so please read other’s reviews.
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