First, I enjoyed the book. However, while I liked the determination and courage Chloe and Izzy showed trying to prove their Aunt Constance's innocence in a murder case, they were way over the top all too often. While I understand they are still young, they tend to go into high drama and impulsive behavior way too frequently for my taste. Toss in, say, Constance's tendency to get hysterical and faint when confronted with problems, Dewey's strangeness, and Chloe's seemingly unending fretting about her love life and, well, it was a tad much. Hopefully they mature a bit and tone it down in future installments.
The mystery itself was fun, with hints of ghostly visitations, and enough suspects to keep you guessing. How did Viola wind up dead in the lake supposedly haunted by the ghost of Abigail Bellows, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died over a hundred years ago? Where did the mysterious painting left behind after the party hosted by Chloe and Izzy come from? Was it a hint, confession or, well, sheer coincidence? Would you be freaked out or glad to have the likes of Marilyn stalking, er, keeping an eye on you? What is going on with Wink? Where does police detective Hunter Barrett get his patience when it comes to dealing with Chloe sticking her nose into his case? Does she trust him or not? Is Spencer genuinely worried about her mother or is she trying to scam her? And, and, and....oh, so much more. Ignore the high drama and dangerously naive plans hatched by Chloe to catch the killer and you'll enjoy the story. Besides, there are cute dogs to pet virtually while you're reading and the premise of the sisters' Paint With a View business and location is intriguing.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me sit in on Chloe and Izzy's Paint With a View sessions and observe how they operate. I'm curious enough to admit that I'll be looking for the next in the series, too, as it was fun. 3.5 rounded to a 4 for entertainment value.
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