Brilliant Disguise

Loved the way the writing draws you in and you can't stop turning the pages... Detective Charlie McClung was on the scene of a crime and met Marian the friend of the murder victim. From there the pages flow as you learn more of the characters and see how the doubt of who you can and cannot trust sets in. I loved the way Detective McClung keeps a strong sense of duty and most of all loyalty to his job and his family values. It was nice to see a suttle not so 'jump in the bed' romance begin to form as Marian and Charlie seem to have alot in common. I can't wait to see what happens in the next boook.

The author paints a pictures with words as you read and I love the way that their writing draws you in and you can't stop turning the pages. What a great read!

Amazing read which i really enjoyed, the author has a way of keeping you engaged and wanting to turn the page, i really love this type of writing and the author really shone with it. The storyline was captivating, i really enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend to book readers, friends and/or family.

The sentence that really got my attention occurred around Loc 495 “all the memories of past deaths spilled out and magnified the present.” I was intrigued. Whoa, is this sentence a red herring? Is Marian a murderer? As the story unfolds the author does reveal all the past deaths and why they are important to the story.

Marian, a widow whose neighbor, Dianne, has died, and Charlie, a new detective in the area, join forces to solve the issue of whether the neighbor’s death is a suicide or a murder. If this is a murder, many people are suspects, including the deceased’s young daughter. Marian and Charlie are likeable characters and I found myself rooting for a possible romance. I also liked Marian’s friend Joan. Everyone needs a friend like Joan.

I recommend this to those who enjoy a cozy mystery with good characterization, intrigue, and suspense.
Thank you #netgalley and #maryannedwards for an opportunity to read #BrilliantDisguise

Detective Charlie McClung wanted to get away from dealing with murder all of the time but after a very short time he is looking at it again in his new town. The police chief has arrived before him though and he says it is suicide. The neighbor does not think so and neither does Charlie. They work on the clues together to see what they can find. It turns out to be more than they bargained for in the end.

A first in a series, this one was a good mystery. With its plot, the suspense, the romance, the characters... all of it keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.
An absolutely enjoyable read. Definitely looking forward to the next installment of this series.

Brilliant Disguiseby Mary Anne Edwards.
The Charlie McClung Mysteries Book 1.
Detective Charlie McClung nearing 50, wanting more from life than crime, moves to a small town for a simpler life. It turns out his first case is the most complicated of his career. A young woman is killed, and the chief of police rules it suicide without an investigation. But the dead woman's beautiful neighbor and his gut tell him something entirely different. As McClung discovers secrets never meant to be found, he quickly finds himself with more trouble than ever imagined. Can he solve the case before he becomes the next corpse?
Really good read. Looking forward to the next book. 4*.

Brilliant Disguise by Mary Anne Edwards takes readers on a thrilling journey into the world of Detective Charlie McClung, a seasoned investigator seeking solace in a small town, only to be thrust into a perplexing case that challenges his investigative prowess. This four-star book provides a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of life's complexities.

The narrative unfolds as McClung, on the cusp of turning 50, yearns for a change from the relentless world of crime. Settling in a seemingly tranquil small town, he anticipates a simpler life, yet fate has other plans for him. The story kicks off with the mysterious death of a young woman, hastily dismissed as suicide by the chief of police without a proper investigation.

What ensues is a riveting tale of McClung's relentless pursuit of the truth, fueled by his intuition and the insistence of the deceased woman's captivating neighbor. Edwards weaves a web of secrets, intricacies, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The character development is commendable, breathing life into McClung and his determination to unravel a case that proves to be the most challenging of his career.

The author skillfully explores the fine line between murder and suicide, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. The plot unfolds seamlessly, revealing layers of deception and unexpected connections that add depth to the storyline. Edwards excels in creating a vivid small-town atmosphere, immersing readers in the nuances of the community and its inhabitants.

While the novel excels in its suspenseful elements and character dynamics, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times. Nevertheless, the intricately crafted plot and the well-defined characters make up for any pacing concerns.

In conclusion, Brilliant Disguise is a compelling mystery novel that delivers a satisfying blend of suspense and intrigue. Mary Anne Edwards showcases her storytelling prowess, keeping readers engaged with a well-crafted plot and memorable characters. Detective Charlie McClung's journey through the complexities of crime and deception makes this book a standout in the genre, earning it a well-deserved four stars.