Author: Rachel Howzell Hall
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Date Published: August 1, 2023
I enjoy reading Rachel Howzell Hall and this title was no exception! I loved the quirkiness of Collette and all of the characters. Each of them had just a little something “off” about them.
Collette moves back to Catalina Island to take care of her feisty aunt and to reclaim the house her murdered family left behind 20 years ago. But as soon after she arrives, she notices a pattern of mysterious deaths. In her job as the obituary writer for the local newspaper, she has an opportunity to find out more about the deceased which spurs her on a hunt to find out more. I liked the introduction of a love interest, but it seemed like a weird relationship (e.g., happened too quickly, he’s always at her leaky basement, they never go to his place) and we are not sure can be trusted. Throw in some COVID era complications and you have the perfect petri dish for a thriller.
Some of the things that fell flat for me were that sometimes the character of Collette used words not in character (ain’t) and that she didn’t tell her “husband” the one thing that could stop his quest for a divorce. Overall, though, the book was entertaining with some great word choices, and interesting characters.
Upgraded to 4 stars because I’m still thinking about it – to me, that’s a sign of a great book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader’s copy.
Book Cravings 