Ok so initially I was like "I think this is going to be a 1/2 star book".
But let me tell you what, the book was actually pretty good. I do have to say that the romance part in the end seemed a little rushed. But I enjoyed it a lot!
If you want to read this book, the first few chapters are a little
"boring", but I think it's worth it.
The reason I gave this book 4 stars is because, in my opinion, the writing is a little confusing.
I loved the idea of a mural full of clues.
BUT I LOVED even more, the relationship between Annora and Mac. The first kiss ? Screamed.
I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

I was excited to read this after it said “perfect for fans of Simone St. James,” because I really enjoy that author and her books.

This book is following a gruesome crime that rocked a small town to its core, and as the town finally starts to move on and heal….the crime comes back to haunt everyone when a painting of the crime is found in an old barn.

The town brings in Annora, and she is supposed to decode the art work to potentially help solve the cold case that has been haunting the town. While she does this, she starts to think that the painting is haunted and she does not know if she will ever get the answers to the questions the town has been waiting for,

Like I said, I was excited by the prospect of the book, but I was not wowed like I wanted to be. This did not feel like St.James writing, so to that I disagree. But more than that, I did not find myself as invested in the story as I hoped I would be. The speculative elements were not done well and in a book this short, we need to have answers and things make sense quickly. Unfortunately, this is a pass for me.

Okay I admit that I partially requested this one on @netgalley because of the gorgeous cover, I mean how can you see it and not want to read it? Thankfully I was not let down by the pretty cover, and the book was quite enjoyable as well.

Annora Garde is an art conservator who has been hired by Mac MacGowan to clean a cryptic painting that may have clues to a young girls murder that occurred many years ago. The painting is covered in toxic mold and cleaning it is delicate work, lucking Annora is one of the best. However, as she begins to clean the painting brings up things from Annoras past and she is placed in danger. As strange things start to take all over town, Mac and Annora team up to solve not only the murder of the girl, but also of the recent crimes. Will they be able to escape injury and solve these crimes? Or will they fall victim as well?

Something that intrigued me with this book was an art conservationist as the main character. I’d never read about art conservation and it was intriguing to me. I found Annora to be a well written character and I enjoyed the romance between her and Mac. I love a romance thrown into a thriller. While this story was enjoyable it just lacked something I can’t quite place my finger on it. It wasn’t a glaring problem and overall I did enjoy the story, just not a wow book, but an alright book. I gave this a 3.5 out of 5 stars and would recommend you check it out next spring, April 4th, 2023.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the publisher, @crocokedlanebooks, and @netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for this honest review.

Cruel Light
Cyndi Macmillan
Thriller


Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was unlike anything I have ever read. There was a romance, and some paranormal aspects, it was full of suspense and thrills and just a great read. I enjoyed all of the characters and the plot was impeccable. Fascinating story and I loved how the author used an art conservator. I have never read anything with that in it. I haven’t read anything where the plot included murder and art and how art is used in a case to uncover a killer. It was very captivating and I enjoyed it all the way through. I didn’t feel any lulls and was never bored, I found it too interesting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. When Annora, who is a conservator gets called to a small town where her college friend lives to clean up a mural that might help solve a cold case. When a fire almost wrecks the mural and injures her, it’s up to Inspector Mac MacGowan to help keep her safe and they try to solve the current case and see how it ties in with the cold case. This was a very interesting read and I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

This was a good story with an interesting approach to a mystery. A cold case is depicted on a damaged mural, which they are attempting to clean in order to solve the crime. It might seem a bit odd, but it was a refreshing change.

A cold case is brought back to life by the discovery of a damaged and moldering painting. Mac is the police inspector who believes the portrait, found during the renovation of an old parsonage, holds the answers to a brutal unsolved crime. Conservator Annora Garde is hired to restore the painting of the victim, the belief being that the clues to solve her murder will lie upon the canvas. Truly one of the most unique mysteries I’ve read, this is a fresh voice and plot line in a very crowded market