Publication Nov. 8, 2022
Camille Benson seems to be floundering a bit as the story opens, wondering what's next for her. Her son has just been elected mayor of their historic town and after the excitement of the campaign, heading back to her safe, no-longer challenging teaching job isn't appealing. Suddenly presented with the possibility of buying back her parent's former antique shop, she hesitates, however. Then, in almost the blink of an eye, she's buying the shop and preparing to open it on her own. Who knew things would get complicated when she and her friend Opal discover the body of the much disliked previous owner in the shop when they go to investigate an old letter Opal reports finding? And, where is that perhaps valuable letter, reportedly written from George Washington to Sally Fairfax in 1756?
To be honest, I initially had trouble connecting to both Camille and Opal. Opal comes across as unrestrained, apt to blurt out things at the worst possible time. Camille, on the other hand, while coming across initially as low key and even lacking in self-confidence, suddenly starts aggressively peppering the police chief with investigative type questions. Yet, when back in the store and it is confirmed that it was murder, her first action is to turn away from the chief and look for the chair where Opal reported the Washington letter being hidden, even physically turning the somewhat heavy chair upside-down for a better look. No segue to this this action. She just does it.
Yet, as the story goes on, I did find myself warming up to Camille. I mean, she loves her dogs. She's raised a son capable of governing a town. She's smart and savvy about history and art. She's also impulsive, a tendency that always seems to get amateur sleuths in trouble. Her quick thinking, however, could save a life. She doesn't panic easily, which is good when she puts herself in a dangerous situation. Like Opal, she's honest, even if her honesty is sometimes harsh. In other words, she's human, full of contradictions. She turns out to be a darn good sleuth, too. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the invite to Alex--- er, Marthasville. Camille has intrigued me enough that I'll be back.
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