Bound and Deceased, Book Two
Five of five stars given
Besides having taken over her mother’s quilt shop and YouTube quilting channel, Quinn is responsible for her grandfather who is inexorably falling into the ravages of dementia. She really doesn’t need the extra responsibility of an “investigation”.
But . . . Taylor had investigated and solved her mother’s murder and nearly been killed in the process. Nine months later, she finds herself pulled into another murder investigation because Taylor has trouble saying no. “She had never really had a choice. They knew she would help them.”
As she looks into the events surrounding this latest murder, she is pummeled by her own demons, including an ex that doesn’t want to stay that way. Honestly, there are times when you just want to take her and shake her. But Rothery has crafted a quickly moving story and has populated this small town with people who truly are endearing. You can’t help but have sympathy for them; and you’ll keep turning the pages to see how it all plays out.
A quick read with what was ultimately a surprising – but fitting – conclusion. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
[Many thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]
**********
Assault and Battery, Book One
Five of five stars given
I got into this series a little backwards by reading Book Two first. It was a good read. A great premise; truly likeable, engaging characters with a complex dynamic that added layers to the story. There were times I wanted to shake Taylor, and even Belle; but ultimately, you care about them and want to follow their stories.
In Book One, we go back to where the girls’ mother has just died and the aftermath of that upheaval is having adverse effects on both of them. Belle is having a hard time accepting her mom’s death as an accident. Her therapist – who is also Taylor’s friend, Maddie – suggests that playing detective to find out what happened is exactly the therapy she needs. Though Taylor isn’t convinced, she agrees to go along with it.
Through the investigation that they embark on together, the sisters start to find some unexpected answers, in the complex relationship between their mother and her friends.
Rothery weaves the story well – suffice to say I read it in one afternoon. There are twists, false leads, and sudden discoveries; all ultimately leading to a resolution this reader didn’t expect. An excellent read, I’m looking forward to the next installment.
[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. ]
Roxx Is Reading 