Tag: Mystery

I love a book that has me guessing and switching opinions based on the newest information while leaving me unsure as to whether I’m right or wrong. This is that type of book, and it was an excellent mystery.

Grace allows Beth to park her tiny house in a field on her land, while also renting out a small apartment to an artist. What has brought Grace’s tenants to her area? Is there a connection? And why is there all of a sudden a woman gone missing in this formerly quiet area?

The story unfolds in two parts alternating chapters: Grace “now” and Elizabeth “before.” It’s an effective method, as it allows for the plot to advance. We get to know Beth as she is now through Grace’s storyline, while obtaining necessary context and backstory through the past. The writing flows and it was very easy to read.

I thought both women were interesting characters. Grace was older and had made some choices regarding her son which had caused them to be estranged. Her motivation of trying to be a better person (mostly through self-help books) illustrated her desire to improve herself. She felt that she had been at a loss since her husband had died two years previously (Widow #1).

I really liked Beth. She was one of the most “real” characters I have read in a long time. Her reactions to events as well as her thoughts and emotions all rang true. She lost her husband more recently (Widow #2) and we don’t find out the circumstances around that until fairly late in the book.

This allows for the reader to gain a true understanding of why everything in the present occurs. Eventually the two storylines converge, and we get answers to the mystery of the missing woman, as well as a lot more information.

I did think that the resolution seemed to come a little of nowhere, but in the bigger context of Beth’s story is made sense. I also liked how the author had a character in place that drew suspicion, giving another angle to the story.

I definitely recommend this suspenseful book.

Author Bio:

Laura Wolfe is a lover of animals and nature. When she is not writing, she can be found playing games with her highly-energetic kids, riding horses, growing vegetables in her garden, or spoiling her rescue dog. She lives in her home state of Michigan with her husband, son, and daughter. Laura’s YA mystery, Trail of Secrets, was named as a Finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Laura holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan and a JD from DePaul University. She is an active member of multiple writing groups, including Sisters in Crime and the SCBWI.