Shared pasts.
Shared memories.
Shared secrets.
Superb mystery with many layers. The author's writing style flows, almost poetic at one moment, insanely tense at others, all while moving the story steadily forward. Her imagery is superb, capturing moments and sounds that vividly help us visualize the beauty of the setting and mood. I didn't write it down exactly, bad me, but one phrase introducing a tense encounter sorta encapsulated that ability as she describes crickets chiming out the "beleaguered seconds" like a metronome. In other words, I fully loved this book.
I won't detail the plot, which is easily found elsewhere, but simply say that it's far more complex that the cute cover might indicate. Harley has an amazing ability to remember and quote passages from books. She's well read and once had a scholarship to Harvard. Yet, she's known for her cocktail mixes, hence many underestimate her. Although this worked nicely as a stand-alone, I found myself wanting to know more about not just Harley's past but that of her rock star friend, Beau, who seems to share so many of her memories. She's also got a good friend in Jed, the sheriff, who in contrast to the more stereotypical police-v-amateur sleuth relationship, seem to work together well and trust each other. How refreshing.
As for the murder, it's complicated. On the surface, it begins simply enough with the death of an unknown woman. Then bodies start piling up. First, who is the unknown woman? Is there some connection between the deaths or is there a random killer at large? Wow, did you realize how much rare books are worth? How is a tatoo connected to the book "Jane Eyre"? What did Suzanne mean when she called "Jane Eyre" a little golden Easter egg? A maid mumbling literary verse? Why is the press hounding....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Read the book. I don't think you'll regret it and, hey, Matilda the pig does get a couple scenes.
Thanks #NetGalley and #LittleForestPress for introducing me to the wonderful series. I'll be back! And, oh, those cocktail recipes sound wonderful.
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