Family History: Large Print Edition

by Hazel Hart

A locked house and a strangled woman. Town gossips say the sister did it. Crystal Sands Marshall is furious. The local historical society has chosen another family as the subject for a book on the town's beginnings. Crystal hires her own writer and then sets off to collect the necessary family records from her eccentric sister, Iris. When Iris, who has not left the house since their mother's death five years ago, fails to answer the door, Crystal breaks in. She finds Iris unconscious on the kitchen floor. Fearing her sister has attempted suicide, Crystal delays the sheriff's investigation until she can search the house and dispose of anything that might set local tongues wagging. She discovers Iris's diaries and learns her mother committed murder to protect the family name. As increasingly horrible secrets are revealed, Crystal is faced with the same choice: public ruin or murder. Is this a case of like mother, like daughter?

318 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Joyce Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

In small town Kansas, in this case, or probably small town anywhere, there are folks like Crystal who are raised to believe it's most imperative to preserve outward appearances and social position. For Crystal's family, that attitude produces tragic results. The characters are well developed. We hear Crystal's inner turmoil through her thoughts and learn about her mother and sister from her. The investigation into her sister's near strangling forms the mystery. Was it a suicide attempt, an attack, an act of revenge? Meanwhile, we also hear from the cool-headed newspaper reporter who tries not to prejudice his investigation of the story in favor of Crystal.
This is a psychological suspense story with a hint of romance and a surprise ending. Good read.