(Subdue) The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James - 4 stars

[Ellen]

Twenty years ago Shea Collins was a 9-year-old girl on her way home from school when she was abducted by a stranger. Fortunately she was able to escape but the experience fueled her phobias and eventual career. A receptionist by day, Shea spends her nights as a true crime blogger on her website "The Book of Cold Cases". The case that interests Shea the most is the "Lady Killer" case from 40 years ago. In the picturesque town of Claire Lake, Oregon, two men were shot and killed and the beautiful Beth Greer is accused of the crimes. After a chance meeting, Shea asks to interview the now elderly Beth and she surprisingly agrees.

Beth's past was not what it should have been considering her family's wealth and prestige in the community. Instead she was the lonely child of two bickering, alcoholic parents who payed little attention to Beth. She had no friends and was content to be quiet and introverted -- until Lily showed up. Lily was 2 years older than Beth, lived with foster families and had apparently been invited by Mrs. Greer to spend Christmas with them stating that Lily was a cousin. The two girls became immediate best friends although Mr. Greer seemed livid that she was in their home. Lily was bold, outspoken and controlling, the complete opposite of mousy Beth. Over the years Beth grew to almost fear Lily but continued to look forward to their yearly visits.

Mr. Greer met his untimely end when Beth was a young woman. An apparent robbery gone wrong left her father shot dead on the kitchen floor. Two years later Mrs. Greer died in an automobile accident leaving Beth as the sole occupant of Greer house and a wealthy young woman. When the two random men were killed, Beth was seen leaving the scene of the second murder and was subsequently arrested. There was no evidence and she was acquitted. Beth returned to the Greer mansion alone; but was she really alone? Shea would encounter strange presences when she sat for interviews with Beth and eventually her own life would be put in danger.

A murder mystery with ghosts; such an interesting concept. I enjoyed the story, liked Shea and even liked Beth a little bit. It was creepy and well plotted.