Kelsey Rae Dimberg

This starts off somewhat intriguing but never really finds it feet. The main character was unsympathetic to me after expressing her bullshit opinion about how the political climate is hard on white men. Again, no one cares that white men are now facing minor consequences, that largely amount to inconveniences, when they are outed in racist, sexist, antisemtic, transphobic or homophobic statements, actions or policies. Relax, white men are still allowed to be bullies, they're just gonna be called bullies when they act like bullies. The police won't assassinate them for no reason, their kids won't be held in cages, they'll just be shamed socially. I think they are gonna be alright, after all not being a turd is always a choice.
The story just kinda goes off the rails and not in a good or intriguing way. I never was attached to any of the characters and really barely cared what the mystery was.… (more)

Not since "Jar of Hearts" have I so disliked the main character. Natalie is involved in an unpleasant incident back home and she leaves to go out of state and reinvent herself as Finn (her middle name). She becomes a nanny for a wealthy family heavily involved in politics. The lies she tells about her past come back to haunt her but she realizes other people's lies are much worse. She's a snoopy person but she does have some amazing insight about her employers. Even though I didn't like her it was a compelling read.… (more)

3.5 stars.

Girl in the Rearview Mirror by Kelsey Rae Dimberg is an intriguing mystery set in the world of politics.

Nanny Finn Hunt delights in caring for rambunctious four year old Amabel Martin. Her parents Philip and Marina Martin are influential in the local community. Philip's father, Senator Jim Martin is up for re-election in a tight race. When Amabel points out a young woman whom she says has been following her, Finn is initially skeptical of her claims. But once the woman approaches her with a story that could damage the Martin family, Finn is reluctant to confide in her employers or her boyfriend, Bryant Dewitt, who is an aide to the Senator. As the situation spirals out of control, Finn is determined to uncover the truth after tragedy strikes.

Finn comes from humble beginnings but since reinventing herself after moving to Arizona, she has fabricated much of her background. She has been less than honest with Bryant but she is certain revealing her secrets will end their relationship. Finn's fascination with Philip makes it difficult for her to believe the woman's story, but the situation quickly escalates due to Finn's inaction. She remains on the fringes of the family as she tries to piece together the truth and protect the Martins. However, Finn could never have predicted how terribly wrong her association with the powerful family will end.

Finn is a bit of an enigmatic figure who holds her secrets close. The Martins, of course, know the truth about her past, but with everyone else, she reveals as little as possible about herself. She adores young Amabel but Finn's relationship with Marina is distant and strictly professional. Finn's interest in Philip has run its course but she still believes the best about him. Desperate to understand why this woman has targeted the Martin family, Finn takes matters into her own hands and begins her own investigation. Will uncovering the truth bring her a measure of peace? Or will it ruin the life she has built for herself?

Girl in the Rearview Mirror is an interesting mystery that is a bit slow paced. Finn is a likable young woman but she quickly unravels and makes ill-thought out decisions that puts herself in the path of danger. The political world is often dark, murky and ruthless but how far will the people in the Martin's orbit go to protect the family? With a very shocking twist, Kelsey Rae Dimberg brings her debut mystery to a stunning but somewhat predictable conclusion.… (more)

I am giving this book three and a half stars. It kept attention throughout the entire read, but not in the best way. I kept reading and reading waiting for this big plot twist or something that would bring all the secrets and suspicions in full circle. The big secret was not that thrilling and the book didn't even go into detail about the secret. The book definitely had its pros. I liked the characters, I liked the hidden meanings of every action, and I did ultimately like the big secret the book revolved around. Finn/Natalie is a bit off and there is something with her without a doubt, but I don't think the author meant for her to be the complete protagonist. I see it as in a political, crooked world, everyone has dirt and secrets. This book will give you an inside look at how politicians will do just about anything to cover up their secrets and mistakes. Dimberg does a great job at keeping a reader's attention and makes you not be able to put the book down until you get to the end. I am not a fan of books with open endings and that is definitely what this book had. Overall, I enjoyed this read, I just don't think there was a need for all of the suspense and build-up for the finally revealed secret.… (more)