I could not wait for this book to come out. It is the third book in the riveting writer's apprentice series. I will first say that you must read the first two books in the series to understand the events in this book. That being said Julia Buckley writes these books more like a classic novel with a mystery that takes twists and turns. Lena London the female sleuth is a smart, sophisticated sleuth who builds great relationships with those around her and puts complicated pieces of a mystery together. I don't want to give away anything, but this is such a great book and I highly recommend it.

The main characters, Lena and Camilla, collaborate on writing books. In this one Lena's father and stepmother come for a visit. Lena's boyfriend Sam is once again being investigated for a murder. The body which was found by Lena's friend Allison. Luckily, Sam's security camera shows it couldn't be him, but Lena, Camilla, and the police department all work together to solve the mystery.

I received an ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing. for an honest review Thank you. - This is a fantastic series - suggested read in order as each one as a cliff hanger in Sam's story. 5+ stars for this series!

3.5ish stars. Solid cozy mystery! While in many cases I don't think it's strictly necessary to read books in this type of series in order (of course, reading them in order usually enhances the experience), I do think that because of a strong plot line that carries through this series, reading them in order is for the best. The mystery and crimes in this story (the third in the series) is interesting, and I enjoy the "book within the book" style of including parts of the story Lena and Camilla are working on.
I've been talking about my love of cozy mysteries a lot and my appreciation for series that are pushing the boundaries of the genre. While I did enjoy this one, I think it's worth noting that it's on the more conventional side of the spectrum- which will definitely be a plus to some longtime readers of the genre! However, if you're looking for something that's still in the cozy realm but has more diversity or pushes genre boundaries- there are others better suited to that interest.

Even in a charming enclave like Blue Lake, Indiana, bad things happen. Victoria West’s infant daughter Athena has been kidnapped by her evil baby-daddy, a Greek multi-millionaire with an improbably photographic name: Nikon. The baby could be anywhere in the world, but Lena begins to suspect that she could be hidden locally. Someone is trying to frighten Lena and her boyfriend Sam—could the anonymous letters and break-ins be connected to the missing baby? Although this is the third in a series about Lena, sufficient background information was provided about earlier events-- I had no problem reading this novel as a stand-alone.

I’ve stalked this cozy series. I confess. I’m a stalker reader reviewer. After dangling from an imaginary rope off the previous two stories’ cliffhanger endings, I was ready for a rescue, resolution, and major satisfaction of seeing Lazos brought down by the end of book three. Let’s just say I had a smile on my face at The End. 😊

I continue to be mesmerized by the main characters; famous writer—Camilla Graham; her talented apprentice—Lena London; and Sam West—an innocent, yet publicly misunderstood man who is Lena’s lover. The author skillfully delves into these characters developing lives; past and present. As the secondary cast of characters continues to expand I was awed by several of Ms. Buckley’s unpredictable plot twists. Just wowed! I love the beautiful setting for Camilla’s home in Blue Lake, Indiana, and how the author can turn that serenity into a brooding, frightening atmosphere in a mere paragraph or so; justifying for this reader, the title “A Dark and Twisting Path”. I think that also describes Nikon’s mind—dark and twisted.

Animal lovers will enjoy Camilla’s German Shepherds, Heathcliff and Rochester, and Lena’s Cat, Lestrade. The ending to book three is satisfying in more ways than one. This series definitely should be read in the order it was published, beginning with book one, to best grasp the storyline. I highly recommend the series—it is one of my favorites!

I reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing. Thank you.

This is the third in the series featuring Lena London and her mentor novelist Camilla Graham. I've avidly followed this series and like the characters, especially the female ones, very much. The male ones don't seem to be as fully developed. The series has followed the story of Lena, Camilla, Allison, Sam West, his ex-wife, Greek zillionaire Nikon and baby Athena. It's been quite a romp with dastardly deeds and high suspense. I'm hoping, however, that this is the end (for now) of this continuing saga. There are interesting characters in Blue Lake, Indiana and I'd love to see the mysteries that can develop in the small town.
Each chapter is headed with an except from the novel Lena and Camilla are writing...wish it was a real book!

What a tangled web Lena London has found herself in. Working with her idol, gothic novelist Camilla Graham, in sleepy Blue Lake, Indiana, the duo must delicately wander the path of Sam West, his first wife Victoria, and her abducted infant daughter Athena Lazos.

Since Nikon, the father of Athena, has disappeared with their daughter, Victoria is regularly showing up in Sam’s life, but Lena has decided she is finished with crime solving and is keeping her head down and concentrating on her next book collaboration. All that changes when Lena’s best friend Allison calls in a panic when she discovers the body of her mail carrier Eddie Stack. Upon closer examination, it looks as if the cause of death might be Sam’s letter opener, a replica of King Arthur’s sword, buried in the man’s chest. Did Sam actually kill a person this time or is he once again being framed.

This framing of Sam seems to go a bit deeper; it appears whoever is after Sam wants to include Lena and Camilla in their plot. With this new concern, everyone in Blue Lake is becoming suspect, even Cliff Blake, the newest member of the police force who just happens to be taking a heightened interest in Sam.

By the end, the reason for Eddie’s death understandably follows the plot, but when the reason for Cliff’s attentiveness is revealed, that is definitely a shot out of the dark which you could not see coming.

This was one of my favorite mysteries of the year. Although I haven’t read the other books in this series, I didn’t feel disadvantaged. The author sums up the backstory just enough so I could figure out what was going on. This book could definitely work as a stand-alone too.

The main character, Lena London is living her childhood dream. She is co-authoring a book with her favorite author, Camilla Graham. She has a dreamy boyfriend, a circle of wonderful friends, and her dad and stepmom are about to visit her. When her best friend discovers her postman dead on her lawn, Lena quickly realizes that her quiet life is about to get a lot more interesting. It is obvious that the killer tried to frame her boyfriend, the famed Sam West. To further complicate matters, Sam’s ex-wife Victoria has been through some terrible trauma. Her baby was kidnapped by the father and she is desperate to get her back. She has come to rely on Sam for emotional support, much to Lena’s chagrin. Can Lena help Victoria get her baby back and solve the mystery surrounding the dead postman?

This was a solid mystery book. I enjoyed the characters, setting, and plot. It was vivid and well-written. I found myself wishing I could step into this book and mingle with the tight-knit community in spite of the stressful circumstances. There was just enough tension to make this an interesting book without losing the charm. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers.

You can find my reviews and book recommendations on Instagram @caitsdreamscapes and on www.caitlingemmell.com

Great addition to the series. I loved that we got resolution (maybe?) to an ongoing mystery along with the focus on family and new relationships. Looking forward to more excitement with Lena, Camilla, and company.

I like the premise of this series, along with the characters. But I’m very glad Dark and Twisted Path seems to finally tie up the Nikon Lazos, Victoria plot, leaving Sam completely in the clear. It’s time for new and better mysteries in this series.

The third installment of "The Writer's Apprentice" finds Lena London and Camilla Graham collaborating on a new mystery that will be set in Greece. (Reading about two writers batting ideas around for plot points and clues is so delightful that, again, I wish THEIR mysteries would be published! The snippets that begin each chapter are so, so tantalizing...)

The very real mysteries of love, murder, and revenge swirl around their lives, as the central mystery of the first two books continues to ravage the lives of these two friends and their loved ones. It will take solid investigation by the local police, plus the invaluable research of two local librarians, to solve the newest murder and address the unresolved heartbreak left from book two.

But it's not all grim: the reader gets to meet Lena's father and stepmother and to follow along as they discover the beauty and delicious food in Blue Lake, Indiana.

Please don't make we wait to long for the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.