An Image in the Lake: A Joanne Kilbourn Mystery

A Joanne Kilbourn Mystery #20

by Gail Bowen

From Arthur Ellis Award–winning, Grand Master of Crime Writers, and “the queen of Canadian crime fiction” ( Winnipeg Free Press ) comes the 20th installment in the Joanne Kilbourn series A dark secret threatens the future of the Shreve family It’s August 24 and Joanne Shreve and her husband, Zack, are savoring the last lazy days of summer and looking forward to the birth of a new grandchild; involvement in the campaign of Ali Janvier, a gifted politician with a solid chance of becoming the province’s next premier; and the debut of Sisters and Strangers , the six-part series Joanne co-wrote that focuses on her early life. The series is the flagship of a new slate of programming, and MediaNation is counting on a big return. Joanne and Zack’s stake in the series’s success is personal. Their daughter, Taylor, is in a relationship with one of the show’s stars, and Vale Frazier is already like family to them. It seems the “season of mist and mellow fruitfulness” will be a bountiful one for the Shreves. But when a charismatic young woman wearing a grief amulet that contains a lock of her dead brother’s hair and a dark secret becomes part of their lives, the success of Sisters and Strangers and the future of Taylor and Vale’s relationship are jeopardized, and only Joanne and Zack can put an end to the threat.

Genres: Mystery, Canada, Fiction

448 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2021

About the author

Gail Dianne Bowen (née Bartholomew) is a Canadian playwright and writer of mystery novels. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bowen was educated at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and the University of Saskatchewan. She subsequently taught English in Saskatchewan, and is currently a professor of English at First Nations University of Canada. Bowen's mystery novels feature Joanne Kilbourn, a widowed mother, political analyst and university professor who finds herself occasionally involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan. Many have been adapted as Canadian television movies by Shaftesbury Films.

Series:
* Joanne Kilbourn Mystery

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (1995): A Colder Kind of Death

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't do it anymore! I'm done with this series. It is one hot mess of confusing recycled plot lines and a weird mix of over and under explaining a lot of backstories. Fun while it lasted.

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my honest unbiased review, in exchange for the copy of this book provided by ECW Press.

I'm sorry to have to report that I did not enjoy this book. Full Disclosure: I couldn't finish it. I found the characters and dialogue to be flat and uninspiring. It became just too irritating. The storytelling felt staged and stilted having so much of the background of this novel's characters and situations related almost solely in dialogue between characters (like they are telling each other the story). This style of storytelling may not bother other readers, but it bothers me. A lot. I do not profess to know how to do it better. But I do read a lot; and recognize when a story is being related in a clever or otherwise engaging manner.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read Gail Bowen's last book, I remember being really struck by the Karenization of Joanne Kilbourn: everyone had got so rich and she had become somewhat judgey. I feel that less with this one (although every single character in the novel seems to live in a huge beautiful house). This is a more relatable Joanne, and the returning characters seem back to their old selves. However, the development of minor characters is a little weak. What really weakens this novel, though, is the pacing. The suspense plot never really happens because the action is broken up by so many interludes depicting Joanne's interaction with family members. Still a loyal reader, but not a totally satisfying read.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gail Bowen is something of a publishing phenomenon as, by my count, this is the 25th book featuring Joanne Kilbourn (Shreve) and the goings on around MediaNation and the town and district of Regina in Saskatchewan, that she has produced since 1990. Joanne is billed as a solver of mysteries and there certainly are some mysteries in this book, but they are, in some ways, peripheral to the continuation of the family saga in which it is interpolated. The whole thing reads rather like a soap opera, with a huge number of characters who will be familiar to readers of the series and a few new people who carry the mystery section. The difficulty (for a new reader) of juggling all of these, is off-set by the provision of a cast list with brief descriptions.
At the broadcasting network, the big new Fall program will be Sisters and Strangers, based on the life of, and partly written by, Joanne. This runs essentially as a separate plot line, but interacts because, in a short period of time, two women involved on the administrative and production side are dismissed on what seem spurious grounds and then disappear. There is at least a suspicion that the four young interns (three lads and a charismatic, but deeply troubled, girl) had a part to play in the dismissals. Why were they dismissed, why did it happen, where are they now? In a conventional mystery story Jo would set out to answer these questions. Here the solutions come out almost coincidentally.
I can see that dedicated fans will love this book as it adds to the saga, but I read mysteries to solve mysteries so I struggled to get through this. In fact I gave up twice. The solutions are consistent with the tale but barely surprising, and then vanish back into the melange of Joanne’s world.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Sara M · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book was part of a series I didn’t anticipate having any issues reading it as a stand alone - which I’ve done with many series books. That being said I may not have been completely prepared for this book and would probably have done better to check out the other books in the series to see if this would keep my interest.

There were a LOT of characters to sort which was a bit overwhelming. I was quite interested in the mystery, thriller aspect but didn’t expect a religious element. Typically this is fine but it seemed to be a larger piece than I was expecting so I would think that would be a part of the synopsis of the book otherwise it may lead to disappointment or readers feeling misled? Maybe it’s generally a common theme with a Canadian writing as a cultural element? There was also a lot of repeating characters full names, and I’m talking long names. It seemed strange to me to keep referring to a baby by his complete name and also of a more primary character by his first and last (Charlie D/Charlie Dee - not quite sure since it was the audio version). Overall, I found some of these pieces distracting and it made the focus pull away from the mystery element a bit too much for my own taste.

It was also quite long. Some of the description was just overly unnecessary. Going into detail about meals (repeatedly) or other foods and wines when it really has no connection other than being descriptive just was too much for me. I started to find myself less engaged and more focused on these pieces that just seemed too superfluous.

It’s worth noting that there are a LOT of issues that arise in this book. It hits nearly every issue one could imagine. Suicide, alcoholism, rape, teen pregnancy, divorce.

Special thanks for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audio version
#ECWPressAudio #AnImageintheLake
#NetGalley

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joanne Kilbourn mystery is a misnomer at this point. These aren't really mysteries anymore, just installments in the Joanne Kilbourn family saga, with a bit of a mystery added in. You really have to have read all the other books in the series to make much sense of this one. I have, so I kept reading. The very random but persistent mentions of Joanne and Zack having sex had me rolling my eyes -just not needed in the story and neither is the rest of documentation of their days - what they ate, what they drank, where they drove as they continue their impossibly privileged lives in Regina, SK.

[Deb Mervold · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read for the next adventure for Joanne kilbourne sheve.

[Anita Carswell · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at page 60.

Ugh, I have never read anything by this author and doubt I ever will again. I read a lot, 2-3 books a week. Off the tail of a book I didn't even start, now this garbage. I guess that is the risk you take when you judge a book by its cover, which looked promising at the library (thank Dog I didn't pay for it), but wasn't anywhere as intriguing. In fact, I don't know that I have ever been so bored by a book. Usually my book rants are devoted to stupidity, not boredom.

What's wrong with it? It seems pointless and mind-numbingly boring. Imagine being at a café without a book or anything to do and being forced to listen to a couple who had been married 30 years discuss the weather for an hour. I have a low bar for books generally, so it's pretty hard to make me abandon a book. But, books are supposed to be a break from work and chores, not more onerous. I generally only review ones that severely annoy me, and this one managed to right away, but by the point I bailed out, I was very irked .

This one had a bunch of characters, actually way too many to keep track of, and the characters lack any qualities that make you like them. I guess after reading books where I despise the main character this is an improvement, but why does it not feel like it?

And, as someone who cares about animals, I really don't want to read repeated mentions of what these hypocrites eat. Oh, we're the political party about love and democracy, pass me the tortured chickens I eat here every year. Oh, we love dead chickens, pass the dead chickens. Most books manage not to drown you in offensive stories about what the characters eat, but apparently not this one.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's only my enduring affection for this series that I'm rating this as high as 3 starts. I still enjoy hearing about the extended Kilbourne family, and how Ms Bowen makes even their everyday activities worth reading about. Also the tidbits about Regina, she always makes me want to spend more time in that city.

That's the positive. The negatives are many: really sloppy writing (and editing), not just typos but multiple timeline and character inconsistencies. A lukewarm "mystery" that ends with a whimper (really pushing it to classify this book in the mystery genre at all). Repeated details that don't need to be repeated if you have any kind of respect for your readers' intelligence at all. But worst of all, the exposition! So much exposition delivered in such a contrived manner, it's such a plot killer. Such a shame, I used to look forward to these books so much.

[Lacepaperlife · Rating 2 out of 5]

A perfectly pleasant book for those looking for a simple, sweet and rather uneventful read. Which if i’m being honest might be just the thing for many readers among the pandemic! However I found the pace far too slow for my liking and the vast number of characters left me feeling indifferent to all of them.

I pushed to finish but I kind of forgot it as soon as it ended…….

⭐️⭐️ 2 stars for a bit of a snoozer PG rating

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a Gail Bowen fan through this whole series, but this one took far too long to get going and had way too much explaining past events in the book. I couldn't imagine someone who hadn't read the previous books ever jumping into the series at this point.

[Helen Aristar-Dry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank @NetGalley and @ECW Press for an ARC in return for an honest review of ‘An Image in the Lake’ by Gail Bowen. There was a lot to like in this book, but it is the 20th book in the ongoing series of Joanne Kilbourn mysteries; and, as a reader, I suffered from a distinct disadvantage in not having read any of the other books in the series. This review should be read with that handicap in mind.

Because of it, I was often lost in a sea of names—despite the addition of a “Cast of Characters” at the end of the book. It also seemed as though an inordinate amount of time was spent explaining the relationships among the characters. These excursions bogged down the plot development, with the actual mystery being introduced more than halfway through the text. It also contributed to the impression—I believe a valid one—that most of the events take place “off-screen,” only being retold, as second-hand stories, to the protagonist, Joanne Kilbourn.

Kilbourn is a 60-year-old former detective, renowned in her town of Regina, Saskatchewan, because she is also a broadcaster, writer, and wife of a well-known lawyer, who is also a paraplegic. She is the matriarch of a large, complex family, comprising children, foster-children, grandchildren, and courtesy relatives. It is this group and their warm-hearted but believable family life that is at the heart of this book; and it is what, I am fairly certain, keeps readers loyal to this series.

Bowen is often compared to Louise Penny, another Canadian mystery writer known for her creation of a community. And—although Penny keeps the plot moving, whereas Bowen does not—there is a distinct resemblance in the “feel” of the book. The reader enters a caring community that makes them want to stay awhile. Bowen’s plots are more sensational, though (as noted above) most of the action is only narrated, not shown. But in “An Image in the Lake” there are numerous references to intriguingly shocking family annals. This, as well as the characters and the Saskatchewan setting, might make me pick up another Joanne Kilbourn mystery in the future. I would be happy to learn more about the characters, their intertwined pasts, and their reliable kindnesses to each other. 3 stars.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

An Image in the Lake is the 20th installment in the Joanne Kilbourn mystery series by Gail Bowen, a Canadian author and winner of the Arthur Ellis Award.

In this story, Joanne and her husband Zack are looking forward to the premiere of a TV series based on Joanne's early life, the birth of a new grandchild, and the political campaign of their friend Ali Janvier. However, their lives are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious young woman who wears a grief amulet with her dead brother's hair and harbors a dark secret that threatens everything they hold dear.

The book is a gripping and suspenseful story that explores themes of family, loyalty, betrayal, and justice. Bowen skillfully weaves together the past and the present, the personal and the political, and the secrets and the lies that shape the characters' lives. The book also offers a vivid portrait of Saskatchewan, its history, culture, and landscape.

The audiobook is narrated by Athena Karkanis, a Canadian actress and voice artist who has appeared in several films and TV shows, including: Manifest, The Expanse, and Wild Kratts. Karkanis does a superb job of bringing the characters to life with her expressive and versatile voice. She captures the emotions, personalities, and accents of the diverse cast of characters, from the strong and smart Joanne to the charming and charismatic Ali to the troubled and tormented young woman. Karkanis also sets the tone and pace of the story, keeping the listeners engaged and intrigued throughout the audiobook.

An Image in the Lake is a captivating and compelling audiobook that will appeal to fans of mystery, drama, and Canadian literature. It is a well-written and well-narrated book that showcases the talents of both Bowen and Karkanis. It is a book that will keep you guessing until the end and leave you wanting more.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joanne Kilbourn-Shreve and her husband Zack are enjoying the summer and awaiting the imminent birth of a new grandson. Sisters and Strangers, the six-part TV series Joanne co-wrote that focuses on her early life and that of late artist Sally Love, is the flagship of MediaNation's fall programming. Their adopted daughter Taylor is romantically involved with the show's lead Vale Frazier but a bombshell video will threaten their relationship. Meanwhile, Joanne is also interested in the political campaign of Alison Janvier, a gifted politician with a solid chance of becoming Saskatchewan’s next premier.

But the team at MediaNation is on shaky ground. Longtime producer Rosemary Morrissey has a nervous breakdown, resigns and disappears. Another producer, Ellen Exton, is also terminated after some nasty videos surface. In desperation, the MediaNation head brings back Jill Oziowy, Joanne's ex-best friend to lead the fall programming launch. But Joanne and her family are not ready to welcome Jill back into their fold after learning about her long-time affair with Joanne's first husband Ian Kilbourn. And some of MediaNation's journalism interns are involved in a cliquey plot to publicize Alison Janvier's teenaged rape-pregnancy so that her campaign is derailed.

I have enjoyed the long-running Joanne Kilbourn series but this book did not work for me. The storyline was very slow-paced without much tension or drama to engage the reader. The underwhelming truth about the 2 missing women is revealed about 90% into the book and is not satisfying at all.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and ECW Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Karyn Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of An Image on the Lake from Netgalley.

Joanne Shreve and her husband Zack are enjoying the last days of summer, determined to spend more time together and less time at work. But strange things are happening at MediaNation. They are about to air the line-up of fall programs which includes Sisters and Strangers, a six-part series co-written by Joanne about her early life. Then people start to disappear. Joanne and Zack are drawn into the search for answers.

As the situation worsens at MediaNation, Joanne’s family is confronted by the return of a woman who betrayed them all. Joanne and Zack’s daughter becomes the target of someone close to the network. And information comes to light about a group of four young people who are prepared to break the law in their quest to get to the top.

An Image in the Lake is classic Gail Bowen. Plenty of colourful and familiar faces show up, and we catch up with Joanne’s children and grandchildren. The meandering twists and turns that make Bowen one of Canada’s best mystery writers lead us on a slow but dark and entertaining path to the truth. Joanne Shreve is one of my favourite fictional characters. There is a calmness and a self-assuredness about her that is immensely appealing. She’s a wonderful example of a woman in her fifties who lives life to the fullest. Her life is never perfect but it’s always compelling.

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, we have reached the point where we need a list of characters and how they know/are related to each other at the front of the book. A good read, as always, though I am struck by the fact that this book and the prior book (The Unlocking Season) are much more Jo and Zack's life with occasional intrigue rather than actual mystery novels where the mystery is the point. I don't hate that at all, Jo and Zack have a great life together. It's just odd to go in expecting a mystery, and having that alleged mystery take a backseat to the adventures of the grandkids or Taylor's latest art.

One thing I didn't like was the reintroduction of Jill. I understand that Jo is a better person than I am, and can lay down her grief and anger and resentment over Jill's years-long affair with her late husband. Good for her. I was angry when I read the book (several books ago) in which the affair was revealed and shook Jo to her core. I would kind of like Jo to be human and still harbor some resentment, not decide early on "Well, it's over and done with, and life's too short to carry a grudge" and promptly re-integrate Jill back into her life and encourage her children to accept her back as well. This woman is the reason Ian Kilbourne missed huge chunks of his children's lives, skipping games and recitals and special events so he could bang one out with her at any opportunity, and surely we can still be angry about that.

[Linda Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. If I saw Joanne Kilbourn Shreve walking down the street, I would cross over to the other side. This woman collects murders and other nefarious happenings like flowers. I suppose one cannot have a mystery without a murder, but so many? I am about the same age and other than my parents dying, I haven’t brushed up against too much death. Lucky? Maybe. But this woman has gone through a spouse dying, finding out the truth about him, finding her father….wasn’t, having all the neighbours at the lake die at one time or another and some grizzlier than others, friends and neighbours in the city dying etc. That’s a lot of death and she’s not even a policewoman or a detective! And all of this happening in Saskatchewan the sleepy. Wow.


P.S. I can’t believe she forgave Jill for being her husband’s lover, and we are not talking about a casual fling. I am talking of 16 years of lying to Joanne, being her friend, godmother to one of her kids, coming to parties and dinners, and Christmas etc. and all the while carrying on a torrid affair with her husband. Course her husband was also to blame but he is dead and she doesn’t have to see him socially. How can any trust ever be rebuilt? She’s a better person than I.

[Pam Bedore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a stand-alone book.

However, if you've read the first 19 books of Bowen's Joanne Kilbourn-Shreve series, you'll find this one very much on-brand. Joanne, who experiences her 62nd birthday in this novel, is now retired and is trying to talk husband Zach into semi-retirement.

The landscape is excellently drawn, as is the enormous community of family and friends that surrounds the Shreves. Taylor experiences her first heartbreak. Mieka has a third baby, much to the delight of her girls, now in grades 7 and 8. Pete and Maisie and the twins (now 5) visit often. Angus is absent, but expected to visit soon.

All is not well at NationTV, and that's where the mystery lies...complete with an opera reference to aestheticize the plot. I'll admit that this mystery didn't seem nearly as compelling as earlier ones in the series. But I think at this point, the series is really about the people and their ability to be there for each other. The mystery has become a bit incidental. And that's okay.

The audiobook is excellent. And this is a comforting missive from Saskatchewan, where people like Jo Shreve, even in retirement, is trying to make the world a better place.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Image in the Lake - Gail Bowen
Narrated by Athena Karkanis

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily

A dark secret threatens the future of the Shreve family It's August 24 and Joanne Shreve and her husband, Zack, are savoring the last lazy days of summer and looking forward to the birth of a new grandchild; involvement in the campaign of Ali Janvier, a gifted politician with a solid chance of becoming the province's next premier; and the debut of Sisters and Strangers, the six-part series Joanne co-wrote that focuses on her early life.

This is my first introduction to the series - maybe the 20th book in the series wasn't the best book to start with, but this is no way ruined my enjoyment. This book has a slow plot, but for me this allowed me time to acclimatise with the series.

An entertaining read with just enough mystery to keep me interested to the end.

Rating 4/5

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long while since I have read one of Gail Bowen's mysteries and I had honestly forgotten how much I like her writing! This one was as good as I remember her other books to be.
She captures the reader at first chapter and holds you till the conclusion. The characters are all so interesting and their lives are intriguing and they are all intertwined throughout the story. I like Joanne Kilbourne and her husband Zack, they are truly committed to each other which is so evident by how they take care of each other through good and difficult situations. They work through the tangled mysteries but never are at real physical risk which is a change from some mysteries where the heroine almost gets killed so many times and that is so unrealistic! I enjoy how the mysteries are solved through gathering facts and talking through the events to eventually discover the cause.
Another great read from Gail Bowen.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Gail Bowen book is like connecting with old friends or family once again. Media Nation is about to broadcast the six episodes of Joanne's childhood and her best friend half sister, Sally Love when the network fires a woman who has been going through a breakdown in the previous months. Then a respected producer is fired and immediately disappears. In the meantime, a new grandson is born, birthdays are celebrated and Taylor returns to Saskatchewan after her relationship crashes.

Four summer interns at Media Nation figure prominently in the morale issues, two of whom have serious jealousy over Taylor and a friend who wins an esteemed writing award. The body of the missing producer is found some weeks later and eventually the mystery is solved and charges laid. A gripping and enjoyable story.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I own most of this series. Don't know how I missed the publication of this book last fall; just happened to notice it at the library. I have enjoyed the series both for the characters & plots over time, and for the primary location in Western Canada, mostly the prairies. It's always a treat to read about events taking place in settings, cultures & cities that you know. I do recommend starting at the beginning of the series, although each book can be read as an excellent stand alone, but the richness of the settings & the characters' stories over many years from young adulthood to later middle age will be lost. There can be some critique that many of the characters, particularly as the series proceeds, come from the more financially & socially secure parts of society, although the author also weaves in many of those who don't. All of them have social, emotional, societal & often financial challenges.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gack! I really wanted to give this book two stars, but gave it three stars out of respect for those who enjoy the endless description of every thought, action, and desire of almost every character, and that is in addition to every bit of food and its preparation, every piece of clothing and how it is put on (robes are always shrugged on)…you get the idea. There must be a loyal audience for this type of book, but I found these irrelevant details to be annoying enough to make me feel like pulling my hair out. I would move through pages and pages of this stuff to get to the next part of the story that actually advanced the plot of the mystery.

Never again!

P.s. I just returned and revised the review down to two stars. Let the loyal fans bump their ratings up. I just can’t do it!

[Libby Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK…… this sounded so interesting when I sought on NetGalley. I was thrilled when I got approved. Sadly it wasn’t….

It’s very sweet and nice and simple but it’s also very very boring.

Well to me at least I don’t know a lot of the characters were just flat and I didn’t care.

I push to get it done over the last couple days because. It’s due literally on 1 October and today is the 27th

I started it last night and I pushed to finish it.

But yeah I just know.

Not for me
But if you like it that’s awesome. I actually think my grandma might really like those she likes those kind of an old sweet sappy thing. 🤣

[Virginia Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters and Strangers, the six-part series based on Joanne Shreve's early life, is about to come out as the lead series of a new slate of programming for MediaNation. However, bad things begin to happen at the TV station, all seeming to surround a set of four summer interns, friends since high school with some private axes to grind. 20th title in the Joanne Kilbourn series, even with the helpful cast of characters at the beginning of the book, there is A LOT of backstory to follow. This is a series which absolutely MUST be read in order. That said, for those of use who have grown to love the Kilbourn-Shreve family as they have evolved, this is a wonderful addition tot he series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Gail Bowen, An Image in the lake keeps the reader on the edge and guessing the whole way through the novel. I have been fortunate to have read the entire series of the Joanne Kilborne Shreve books and her latest book does not disappoint. Her books are about family and friends and a little bit of mystery on the side and dark at times. I can imagine the art her daughter Taylor paints in my mind and the characters in her books are explored in great depth and I can’t wait to read her next book.📚👏

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series with its tangential mysteries more resembles a soap opera in that the family and friends group keeps expanding and intertwining. Gail Bowen's protagonist Joanne Killbourn is level-headed, forgiving, empathetic, and intelligent. Because of these characteristics, people tell her things. Unfortunately for her this time, though, she's not completely attentive to the information at hand and that allows definite clues to be misconstrued. I do love the literary and cultural references; I always learn something new from Bowen's books.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner, and although it is an ongoing, continuation of the story of the main characters' lives, it could also be enjoyed on its own.
I have enjoyed following the story from the first book. I like the details of daily, family life; and the descriptions of Regina, Saskatchewan, where the story takes place, because it is where I grew up, and know.
I enjoy the political story, in the background, as well; and the mystery which drives the story.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the second book I read in this series and found it engrossing and entertaining.
It's a sort of family story with some mystery, it kept me guessing and hooked till the end.
The character development is excellent and I liked the plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Shelley Mierle]

I enjoyed this book but I found it a little too pat in terms of the lives of Joanne and husband. Family was all sweet and cozy, drinks every night, and the mystery was sort of a side piece that was hastily solved in the last chapter.
Not sure I want to read any more of these but it did keep my attention.