Short take, a group of quirky individuals come together to solve a murder. Each chapter is told by a different character, giving us multiple POV to ponder. Even the investigating officer is included in that, adding a relatively unique view of events. There are rather a lot of these characters, too, which tended to slow me down considerably in the beginning as I sorted out who was who. That's on me, though, as sorting out multiple viewpoints tends to throw me off my game. In fact, while I ultimately considered Mrs. B, the owner of the Marigold Cottages as the main character, I'm honestly not sure which one you might land on for that role. I mean, after all, she's not only the one who brought this diverse cast together but also ultimately turned herself in and claimed to be the killer in order to help absolve new resident Anthony of the charge. The discovery of a dead body outside one of the cottages has thrown them all or a loop but rather than isolating themselves, they ultimately came together bonding as what we'd maybe call "found family". Interestingly enough, while not everyone was for Anthony becoming part of their little community, the shared viewpoints freely and without fear of rejection. I liked that aspect of openness and trust.
To be honest, I'm not sure they all agreed on whodunit even at the end. Take hopeful playwright Sophie's eventual play based on her notes and imagination. It leaves the reader a bit unsure, wondering who really did it and why. As for the why aspect, there turn out to be many reasons someone might have turned to murder. I won't detail the plot as part of the fun of this one is discovery as it goes along, but let's just say that while they may live relatively quiet, innocuous lives, the twists and turns that emerge from their combined backgrounds are stunning. You'll enjoy the officer's skeptical takes on some of what is disclosed, I'm sure. Besides, for me the story was perhaps more about the "found family" aspect of the situation as the actual murder investigation. You'll learn a great deal about the various characters, some more than others, as you read along.
Bottom line, while this wasn't quite a hit for me, I can see where others will rave. It was fun and I love the fact it left me thinking about it even after I'd finished reading. While I'm sure I'll have the same issue sorting out the characters once again should there be a follow-up, again, me issue, not the book's fault, I will definitely read any follow-up. I've seen others compare it to The Thursday Murder Club and/or Only Murders in the Building, which fit the "found friends" motif while solving crimes and could easily see why. Thanks #StMartinsPress -#MinotaurBooks for allowing me this early introduction to an intriguing take on community, friendship, family, and, yes, solving crimes. Heck, there's even a budding romance!
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