Member Review

Madeline Brimley is back in the little Georgia town she grew up in after not quite succeeding at becoming an actress. She's returned to take over her beloved, eccentric Aunt Rose's bookstore, but a fire followed by a murder quickly shows her that things in the small college town of Enigma are not as she remembers them.

It's a small-town cozy mystery that instantly shows how complex the relationships and assumptions can get in a town where everyone knows everyone and their business. Madeline arrives thinking she knows how things work, but she soon discovers that time and distance change relationships, particularly with those closest to her.

The mystery is interesting and Nelson drops little clues and nuggets at a nice pace. There are things that are obvious from the beginning, while others remain a pleasant surprise all the way until the end.

It's a pleasant read with tragic consequences but a relaxing pace.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the twisty read!