The Door-to-Door Bookstore - Carsten Henn

Carsten Henn's novel, The Door-to-Door Bookstore is an international best seller. I was hooked by the title and the premise. And isn't that cover wonderful!

Door-to-door to most of us means buying online and having it delivered to our homes. In Henn's novel, the door-to-door involves a bookstore employee, a hand chosen book meant just for one customer, a carefully wrapped parcel, delivery in person at their home and a personal conversation. All done after the shop closes. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? I very much enjoyed the descriptions of reading and the love of books.

The deliveries have been a part of Carl Kollhoff's job for over thirty years. He likes the routine of it, the peace of walking his route, and the happiness of delivering the books people need and want. 

Indeed, Carl has not left his small village for decades. His world is turned upside down when a precocious ten year old girl decides she will join Carl on his deliveries. And.....you can see where things might go. 

I liked Henn's writing, it's measured and thoughtful. His characters are engaging, especially Carl. What a wonderful tale of books, friendship and finding what you didn't know you needed!

If you enjoyed A Man Called Ove, you would absolutely love The Door-to-Door Bookshop. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Door-to-Door Bookstore. 

The Homewreckers - Mary Kay Andrews

Are you looking for a new beach read? Yes? Well, you can't go wrong with Mary Kay Andrews. The Homewreckers is newly released in trade paperback - and is just waiting to be tucked into your beach bag!

I'm a fan of MKA's storytelling. Why you ask? Well, there's always a lead character that you'd like in real life. Hattie Kavanaugh is that character. She's a young widow and works with her father-in-law and best friend flipping houses in Savannah, Georgia. She's ambitious, smart and driven. The supporting cast of characters are just as warm and likeable. Most of them that is. There needs to be some antagonists in every tale as well. Oh, and there's a dog. Every good book has a dog. ;)0

When the latest flip loses money, Hattie has to find a way to recoup their losses. She finds a property, but it's still going to be a struggle. Until....a Hollywood producer offers Hattie a chance to star in a 'home show.' I have to admit, I love those shows. It was fun to read what transpires 'behind the cameras'.

There are some strings attached to the offer though - including one in the form of a co-host - an attractive designer. And there's the next bit - a romantic angle - or two. There's always the right one and the wrong one. We just need Hattie to see what we see!

The last few books have included a mystery as well. Someone seems determined to not have Hattie succeed with this latest reno. But who and why? Well, we discover the why, but the who takes us right to the final pages. There are lots of suspects for the answer to the whodunit, and I was kept guessing. 

And let's not forget the setting. The house they're working on is on Tybee Island, Georgia. Mary Kay Andrews herself has ties to the island. Her descriptions make me want to visit, sit on a porch or walk on the beach. Here's a fun fact  - "Mary Kay is an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses."

Now, take these wonderful characters, the fantastic setting and weave in the mystery and romance and what have you got? A book you don't want to put down. And I didn't. Five stars for another engaging, heartwarming, eminently readable, take me away from it all, beach worthy read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Housewreckers.

And keep your eyes out for Bright Lights, Big Christmas: A Novel, coming out on  September 26, 2023.

Death Comes to Marlow - Robert Thorogood

I have developed a fondness again for amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries lately. 

Robert Thorogood's newest book is Death Comes to Marlow, the second entry in the Marlow Murder Club series. 

All the comfort bits are there - a small English village, a quirky set of lead and supporting characters, as well as villagers. And more deaths than you would expect in a small community! The trio of sleuths consists of Judith who sets crosswords, Suzie is a dogwalker, and Becks is the Vicar's wife. 

The latest case is a locked room death that could be an accident. Or is it murder? Our trio try to determine the answer to that question by using their own skills - and methods that the police can't. 

I quite like Judith. She's older (which seems to open doors for her), very intelligent, unafraid to speak her mind and is a good friend. The case itself is well written and although I had my suspicions for the final whodunit, Thorogood kept me guessing. Thorogood gives the three a personal touch as well. 

I've chosen to listen to this series. The narrator is Nicolette McKenzie  and she does a fantastic job. She has a growly undertone tone to her voice that absolutely matched the mental image I had created for Judith. Suzi's voice is rough and ready and Becks is so polite and proper. McKenzie enunciates clearly and she is easy to understand. She captures the action and tone of the book easily with her voice.  A great performance of a wonderful tale. I'm already looking forward to book three! Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Death Comes to Marlow.

I Only Read Murder - Ian Ferguson and Will Ferguson

Oh. my. gosh. It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud. But brothers Ian Ferguson and Will Ferguson did just that - many times over with their new book, I Only Read Murder. 

Miranda Abbott played a crime busting, karate kicking Pastor for many seasons on television. But, the offers are few and far between now. When a cryptic postcard arrives, she is sure things are on the upswing, so she happily packs her bags and heads to the small town of Happy Rock.

Here's the thing - Miranda still sees herself as a star. Her perceptions, actions, dialogue and certainty that she is still fodder for the gossip columns is priceless. "But no one recognized her, or if they did, they were too intimidated to approach." 

Happy Rock is home to a large cast of quirky characters - all who could be found in the pages of a book. There are many characters but its very easy to remember who's who. Again, the interactions and dialogue is so very good. Much more laughing from me! 

One of townsfolk is the owner of the local bookstore - that only sells murder mysteries. The one passion that the entire town has is their beloved yearly play. Hmm, could a role in it be a comeback for Miranda? And then, a cast member is killed. On stage. or And no one saw who did it. Perhaps Miranda's Pastor Fran skills, combined with the the knowledge that can be gleaned from a murder mystery book, could be of use? Especially the cozy mystery tactics!

The authors have excelled at weaving every facet of a cozy mystery into their homage - amateur sleuths, small town, quirky residents, misdirection, every player one is a suspect, no sex, overt violence or profanity. Instead it's a comfortable, entertaining, light hearted and truly very funny read. An easy five stars.

This is the first in a planned series. This reader can't wait for the next entry. See for yourself. Read an excerpt of I Only Read Murder. 

harpercollins.ca  Thanks to Harper Collins Canada for a review copy of I Only Read Murder. This in no way affects my review. 

Much Ado About Nada - Uzma Jalaluddin

I absolutely adored Uzma Jalaluddin's last book - Hana Khan Carries On. I couldn't wait to read her newest novel - Much Ado About Nada - and I loved it just as much. 

From the publisher:  "A sparkling second-chance romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion." Perfect!

Nada Seyd is still living with her parents and brothers in the Golden Crescent neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada. Her mother is bemoaning Nada's single status at the ripe old age of 28. Her bestie, Haleema, convinces her to attend a "giant annual Muslim conference downtown, where Nada can finally meet Haleema's fiancé." She reluctantly agrees to go...and what she didn't want to happen....does. She meets up (again) with Baz...

Jalaluddin has created a wonderful lead in Nada. I loved her inner dialogue, her friendships and her family. Now, the book is told in a now and then timeframe. I have to say, I was surprised and a bit disappointed by young Nada. The past chapters end on some cliffhangers, which only had me staying up late to find out what's next. And as the past and present get closer and closer, everything falls into place. Did not see that coming!

The supporting cast is just as endearing. (I had a soft spot for Nada's younger brother) Most of these players have their own struggles, issues, changes and revelations as well. I cared about each and everyone of them. Except for that one guy....you'll know who I mean!

South Asian/Muslim culture plays a large part in Much Ado About Nada. Parental expectations, traditions and moreis woven into the narrative. 

And yes, last, but not least - romance and the sometimes rocky road to love are the driving forces behind Much Ado About Nada. Loved every bit of this book. Uzma Jalaluddin is such a talented storyteller. An easy five stars. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Much Ado About Nada.  @harpercollinsca 

I received a review copy of this title from the publisher. This in no way influences my opinions. 

Zero Days - Ruth Ware

I've been eagerly awaiting Ruth Ware's latest book, Zero Days. I've enjoyed every book she's written, including this one.

This latest is another edge of your seat read! Ware plays with the reader's perceptions in the first chapter. I was quite certain I knew what was going to happen. And, nope - I was (happily) wrong.

Jack is our protagonist. I quite liked her, her thinking and her tenacity. She's been accused of an unthinkable crime and is determined to clear her name, and find the actual perpetrator. So, she goes rogue and her unusual skill set is put into play. I was fascinated by this bit - how she gets in and out of places, procures information, convinces people to believe in a bit of chicanery. I wondered how much of this part is true? And because I was enjoying the book so much, I decided to just go with it.

Almost every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, there's twists and the suspense just doesn't let up. (Love it!) Which makes for some addictive page turning! I had guessed the whodunit before the final reveal, but it's the journey there that so much fun to read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Zero Days.

I can see Zero Days as a movie and indeed, it will be one! Universal International Studios has acquired the rights. 

Zero Days - Ruth Ware

Oh, I've been waiting for Ruth Ware's new book! Zero Days is here. 

This latest is another edge of your seat listen! Ware plays with the reader's perceptions in the first chapter. I was quite certain I knew what was going to happen. And, nope - I was (happily) wrong.

Jack is our protagonist. I quite liked her, her thinking and her tenacity. She's been accused of an unthinkable crime and is determined to clear her name, and find the actual perpetrator. So, she goes rogue and her unusual skill set is put into play. I was fascinated by this bit - how she gets in and out of places, procures information, convinces people to believe in a bit of chicanery. I wondered how much of this part is true? And because I was enjoying the book so much, I decided to just go with it.

Almost every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, there's twists and the suspense just doesn't let up. (Love it!) Which makes for some addictive page turning! I had guessed the whodunit before the final reveal, but it's the journey there that so much fun to listen to. 

I chose to listen to Zero Days. The reader was Imogen Church, a narrator I've enjoyed before. She has a rich full voice that is very, very expressive. She can convey much within even a single word. She's easy to understand and speaks clearly. The emotions, the danger and the suspense are easily portrayed. Church has interpreted and presented Ruth Ware's book, very, very well. (I chose to listen at 1.1 speed)

Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Zero Days.  13 hours and 57 minutes

I can see Zero Days as a movie and indeed, it will be one! Universal International Studios has acquired the rights. 

What the Dead Know - Barbara Butcher

Barbara Butcher's memoir, What the Dead Know - Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator, was an absolutely amazing read. 

I read a number of fictional forensic series and enjoy the details and clues of determining the causes of death. But, Butcher is the real deal - she was the second woman ever hired for the role of Death Investigator in Manhattan - and the first to last more than three months.

I was fascinated by this inside look behind the curtain. Butcher recounts a number of deaths that have stuck with her over the years, for different reasons, including the 9/11 attacks. The factual bits are there - and I learned quite a bit. It's the personal part of death that stayed with me as I read, especially those who died alone. Butcher has a dark sense of humor that suits her narrative.

What makes this book a standout is Ms. Butcher herself. She shies away from nothing, exposing her own life for all to see. Addiction and mental health issues are part of her story. She's highly intelligent, driven and successful, working additionally as a speaker, professor, consultant and providing detail for mystery writers.

I literally I could not put the book down. Honestly, one of the best memoirs I've ever read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of What the Dead Know.

Speak of the Devil - Rose Wilding

Speak of the Devil is Rose Wilding's debut novel. 

New Years Ave 1999. Seven women are gathered in a hotel room - along with the remains of a man. A man that all seven women have a connection to. Who killed him? Each women says they didn't. Does it matter? Will they be found out? Why are they all together? Why has he been killed?

It's this last question that brings us to know the seven and their connection to Jamie. Jamie - well, he's not a very nice man. Wasn't.

I found it a bit difficult in the beginning chapters to get a handle on and remember who was who. The eighth woman is the female detective running the case. As the book progresses we slowly learn about each of their relationships to Jamie - and each other. The women are all of different ages, so the book goes back and forth from 1964 to 2000, depending on who is 'speaking'. I think it's a big undertaking to have so many viewpoints. I found it to be very busy, and in the end, I hadn't bonded with any of them. 

I think Wilding did a good job with constructing her antagonist. He was perfectly awful. I wasn't totally sold on the women and their situations though. Although they have been wounded, I was angry with more than one of them. I won't say why as I don't want to provide spoilers. But, no man is worth some of the choices made.

The answer to the questions above are answered by the last pages, but the ending was anticlimactic for me. It's a good debut, but it isn't a standout for me.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Colleen Prendergast. She has a rich, full voice that is a treat to listen to. She enunciates well and is easy to understand. Her voice has movement and underlines the emotions and actions of the plot. An excellent performance. See for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Speak of the Devil. 

Gentle readers, there are many triggers and this may not be the book for you.

Speak of the Devil - Rose Wilding

Speak of the Devil is Rose Wilding's debut novel. 

New Years Ave 1999. Seven women are gathered in a hotel room - along with the remains of a man. A man that all seven women have a connection to. Who killed him? Each women says they didn't. Does it matter? Will they be found out? Why are they all together? Why has he been killed?

It's this last question that brings us to know the seven and their connection to Jamie. Jamie - well, he's not a very nice man. Wasn't.

I found it a bit difficult in the beginning chapters to get a handle on and remember who was who. The eighth person is the female detective on the case. As the book progresses we slowly see learn about each of their relationships to Jamie - and each other. The women are all of different ages, so the book goes back and forth from 1964 to 2000, depending on who is 'speaking'. I think it's a big undertaking to have so many viewpoints. I found it to be very busy and in the end, I hadn't bonded with any of them. 

I think Wilding did a good job with constructing her antagonist. He was perfectly awful. I wasn't totally sold on the women and their situations though. Although they have been wounded, I was angry with more than one of them. I won't say why as I don't want to provide spoilers. But, no man is worth some of the choices made.

The answer to the questions above are answered by the last pages, but the ending was anticlimactic for me.

It's a good debut, but it isn't a standout for me. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Speak of the Devil. 

Gentle readers, there are many triggers and this may not be the book for you.

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality - Kate Khavari

It was the cover of Kate Khavari's new book, A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality, that first caught my eye. Then I read the synopsis of the book - and I was hooked! This is the second book in the Saffron Everleigh series. I had not listened to the first book, but it was great as a stand alone as well.

1920's London, England. Saffron Everleigh is a research assistant at a London University. Her field? Poisonous plants. She is called on to the local constabulary when a number of deaths occur - and each of the victims have received a bouquet. In addition to her skill with plants, Saffron is well versed in the Victorian practice of floriography. But she won't be investigating on her own. Dr. Michael Lee will be on the case with her. 

Could there be any better name than Saffron for a poison plant expert? She is a wonderful lead character, one you are firmly behind from the first chapter. She's intelligent, intuitive, determined, brave and more than a little impulsive. I also quite liked Saffron's flatmate Elizabeth - she's a great 'sidekick' supporting player. Dr. Lee provides a will they/ won't they romantic thread. Khavari has given this part of the book the right amount of attention as it never overpowers the murder mysteries. 

I thought the poison plants and floriography was a fresh idea and perfect for the timeframe. Khavari has captured 1920 with the depictions of society, relationships, mores and my favourite - the verbal jousting.

And the mystery of whodunit? Not who you would have expected! The case was well written, with more than a few choices for the culprit.

I chose to listen to A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality. The narrator was Jodie Harris - a new to me reader. I really liked her voice and accent. Her voice is easy on the ears and the accent is perfect for my mental image of Saffron. She's easy to understand. The speed was just right. Harris easily captures the plot, the emotions, danger and more with her reading. She also provides believable male voices and different and recognizable voices for other female characters. An excellent performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality. 11 hours 18 minutes

The Island of Lost Girls - Alex Marwood

I've read and enjoyed all of Alex Marwood's books. I picked up her latest book - The Island of Lost Girls - by her name on the cover.

The prologue introduces us to twelve year old Mercedes, who lives on a small Mediterranean island, in 1985. Mercedes is our protagonist and her timeline flips from 1985 to present day 2016. Robyn is also on in 2016, looking for her daughter - a teenaged runaway.

And behind the seemingly idyllic façade, there is a wealthy man who believes he can buy anything and everything - and this extends to people as well.

I enjoyed the then and now timeline flips. As readers we are now witnesses to the 'how things got to be like this'. And the tension grows with every new chapter.

The level of debauchery and cruelty is quite ugly to read, and I had to put the book down more than once. But it was Mercedes who had me picking the book back up. She's an excellent lead that you'll be urging on. I quite liked the depiction of her marriage to Felix. Robyn is just as tenacious in her desire to find her daughter. But she too encounters nothing but the circle of protection around the wealthy. I'll leave things there for you to discover if there is retribution for our protagonists....

Here's the thing - sadly, this tale isn't that far from the truth at all. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Island of Lost Girls. 

Gentle readers please note there are a number of triggers in this book and may not a book for you.

Marion Lane and the Raven's Revenge - T.A. Willberg

Marion Lane and the Raven's Revenge is the third book in T. A Willberg's absolutely wonderful Marion Lane series. 

First off - how about that cover? It's spot on for the series. The first two books are blue and red. Now, you could read this latest entry without reading those first two, but you'd be missing a really good thing. 

I love this series. Why? Well, what's not to love? How about a hidden detective agency below the streets of London, an eclectic group of 'Inquirers', wondrous, magical gadgets that aid in investigations and a spunky female lead character you'll love? The name of the agency, Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquiries, conjures up time and place and a different method of crime solving. The 1960 time period is perfect.

The settings are so well described and it's easy to imagine what London is like in 1960 - and the hidden spaces down below.

This latest crime opens the door to more of the many secrets at Miss Brickett's. But, it also brings dire danger to the front door for Marion, her friends and her colleagues.

This series is fresh, engaging and addictive. My inner sleuth happily imagines being an Inquirer on the case with Marion. Great plotting, wonderful characters whose lives keep moving forward. There's much more in store for Marion and et al. Can't wait! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Marion Land and the Raven's Revenge.

The Bookshop by the Bay - Pamela Kelley

It's time to load up your beach bag with some 'beach reads'. Pamela Kelley's new novel, The Bookshop by the Bay, would be great choice!

Jess's life is turned upside down when her husband admits to cheating on her. Jess decides to head home to Chatham, Cape Cod, where her mother and best friend Allison reside. It's also home to a bookstore - that might just be what be the friends need...

"Yes, but there's nothing like browsing a bookstore. Smelling through all those books, flipping through the pages and choosing the perfect one for your mood at that moment."

Jess is the lead character, with Allison right behind her. I quite enjoyed the depiction of their friendship and ideas about romance. Kelley gives the reader some generational romance as Jess and Allison's daughters also play a large part of the book. And Jess's mom is as well. There's a large cast of supporting characters and they too are well drawn. The characters are people you'd like to know in real life. (except for one or two!)

The setting is wonderful and I'd love to be lying on the beach reading the book I just bought at the bookshop, heading in to the coffee shop, perusing the main street and more. 

There's not a lot of surprise in how the plot progresses and what direction Jess and Allison's lives will take. But that's exactly what I was looking for - a wonderful escapist read where a 'happily ever after' ending waits.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Bookshop by the Bay.

The Little Italian Hotel - Phaedra Patrick

I've enjoyed many of Phaedra Patrick's books. Her latest is The Little Italian Hotel.

If you're like me, I find sometimes I just need to take a break from my usual murder and mayhem reads and pick up a tale that tugs at the heartstrings.

Ginny hosts a radio advice show. But the tables are turned when Ginny is in need of some help herself. She decides to share a planned romantic getaway for two  - and instead she'll meet up with four of her listeners in a different, smaller Italian hotel. 

Each of the five players is mourning a loss and they're heart broken. Can they find some solace with new friends? A different setting? Talking about it? Trying new things? Getting out in the world again? The group tries all of these. And slowly....

Patrick has done a good job with drawing five very different characters and portraying their loss. You'll empathize with at least one, if not more of them. There's lots of food for thought in this plot.  

The supporting cast in Italy is just as engaging. And the setting is so well drawn. I'd live to check into Nico's little hotel. 

I'm not one hundred per cent on the final chapters. I think my decision would be different for Ginny. But it suits the character. Overall, The Little Italian Hotel is a warm, funny, sad and yes, uplifting tale.

 See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Little Italian Hotel.

The Whispers - Ashley Audrain

Ashley Audrain's debut novel - The Push - was a bestseller. Her new novel - The Whispers - is guaranteed to be one as well. 

Audrain again turns a keen eye on motherhood and marriage - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Whispers takes place in a suburb with a focus on four couples, specifically the mothers, the mothers to be, the mothers that were. The husbands come under close scrutiny as well.

A mother's behaviour opens the book with a bang. From that pivotal moment, the timeline moves from then to now, with more and more of the truth and the hidden being exposed and revealed.

The women all have an idea of what is happening and what did happen. But their own beliefs, opinions and history colours their perception. Audrain keeps the reader on their toes, changing the narrative and conceived notions as we head to the final pages. I had my own opinions and judgements. But were they 

coloured by my own experiences? 

Audrain's characters are so very well drawn. You'll find a favourite, and one to hate, but no one is perfect. Her suburban setting is just as spot on.

The book is so very hard to read at times, and I'd have to walk away and take a break. (There's a couple of cliffhangers that will have you shouting out loud) Other times, I couldn't put the book down. There as so many great lines in The Whispers, but nothing beats that last sentence. 

Just wow - another fantastic book from Audrain. And I think this one's even better than The Push.

"But more than any proof she has, is a feeling. She'd once heard them described as the whispers - the moments that are trying to tell you that something isn't right here." 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Whispers. 

The Good Ones - Polly Stewart

The Good Ones is Polly Stewart's new novel. 

Lauren Ballard was the 'it' girl, the queen bee who ruled her kingdom. She married the rich boy, the football captain, had a beautiful baby. A perfect life...until the day she went missing. Nicola Bennett was a friend to Lauren. Or was she - in Lauren's eyes? Twenty years on, Nicola is still pondering that question. 

We see everything through Nicola's point of view, and come to know her better through her memories. Or we would, if she would admit her part in things. This is where Stewart hooks the reader. Nicola alludes to events in the past, only fully unwrapping them on her timeline. 

Nicola is a complicated character. I was on board with her in the first bit of the book - and felt sorry for her. But as the book progressed, I began to truly dislike her. She's self-serving and is a self described 'wrecking ball.' Lauren is no different for me. She's the quintessential mean girl. Actually she's beyond mean and has both feet firmly planted in cruel. I had a hard time with supporting player's lives being used as fodder for her entertainment. Stewart has done a good job of writing this aspect of the plot. But I questioned if someone would truly put up with her games. 

The book is told in a back and forth, then and now narrative. The question of what happened to Lauren did intrigue me and kept me turning pages until the last chapters. The answers are there, but I will leave you to discover them. 

In addition to the mystery, The Good Ones is an exploration of friendship and relationships that's somewhat uncomfortable to read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Good Ones.

The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

I reach for YA fiction when I'm in need of an escapist read. I've been waiting for The Night in Question - the second 'Agathas' book from  Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson.

The first book (The Agathas) was so much fun to read, relive my teenage angst, and provided a nice murder mystery to try and solve before the final pages. (I love channeling my inner Nancy Drew). But it's Agatha Christie that is the inspiration for our lead characters Alice and Iris, and the rest of their cadre. WWAC do? The Castle Cove police are sloppy and take the easy way to a closed case. So our amateur investigators employ their own methods of detection.

This time 'round, the body is found at a school dance that was held at the home of a wealthy local family. The problem is that there's at least 150 possible murderers. The mansion is also the home to a historic murder that had a questionable resolution. Again, Glasgow and Lawson have created a'not so easy to solve' case. There's many a red herring on that garden path to the last chapters. Every time I thought I had sussed out the whodunit, a new piece of evidence changed my guess.

Take the time to read the quotes at the top of each new chapters. Some are from Agatha Christie and some are from a 1940's film star. Each one ties into the chapter it heads.

The characters are so well done and readers will be drawn to them. (Iris is my fave) The authors have really captured the teen vibe in terms of dialogue, actions, emotions and life in general. The setting is well described and easy to imagine. (Yup, a bit of a Riverdale feel) The murder is cunningly crafted and not easily solved. Loved it all!

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Night in Question. And my fingers are crossed - I hope there's a third book!