My Thoughts
Samantha Jones, formerly a celebrated television star who has fled her past, sees quiet life in Heywood destroyed when her friend Gina is charged with the murder of her sadistic ex-husband. While everything about Gina suggests her guilt, Samantha is loyal to her friend and believes she is innocent, so she decides to find the real murderer.
Carly is adept at maintaining the book’s suspense with plot twists and red herrings that will puzzle any armchair detective. The characters are not simplistic; they are layered, too, each character smartly hiding motives and connections to the victim that are painfully uncovered one by one. The background is set in a small town and brings the picture alive, and each odd supporting character adds a new dimension to the character-driven mystery.
However, just as you’re ready to resign from your investigations, Carly delivers a stunning final revelation that she has pulled the rug from under your feet. The conclusion leaves a few hanging threads while maintaining the vibes of the lead characters for possible sequels. This cozy mystery reveals that the adage of not judging a book by its cover also applies to the people of the book. If you are looking for a clever, character-driven, heartwarming, and cozy novel, this book should be on your shelf. Carly Winter has an immense talent for storytelling. So far, I have read three of her books and enjoyed every single one. I recommend it to all cozy lovers!
