I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is most definitely a summer cozy mystery. Newly widowed Rain returns to her family's lakeside cottage where she encounters old friends, the familiar on property library, and murder. The discovery of a complete stranger on her family's property prompts Rain, and her best friend Julia, to investigate why he was there, and how he is connected to Rain's mother, Willow.
I adored the renewal of friendship between Rain and Julia. I wish there had been more interaction with a few other characters that would put Rain more at ease with her circumstances. I think the blossoming friendship with Julia's brother,Jace is curious, and I am eager to see where Holly Danvers goes with them. However, I wish there had been more involvement with Rain's parents, Willow and Stuart. Especially since they were mentioned so much throughout the novel. It just felt like something was missing.
There were cringe worthy moments when it came to police procedure, but I don't think it detracted in any way from the novel. What ultimately made me lose interest was how Rain and Julia were both kind of flighty with their own personal safety. Anyone who has been on water knows various ways to maintain contact in case something should happen. The fact that, at one point, both ladies leave their cell phones behind before setting off on their boat just made the situation feel unrealistic.
The mystery itself was not bad, in my opinion, but it did feel slightly off balance. I'm not sure if it was how quickly Rain came to certain conclusions that I felt were oddly placed, or if it was very fast but anticlimactic ending. Again I wish there had been a little something more.
It was a good read, and the lake location did bring back many memories for me. Some that I am still making even as an adult. It was light, cozy, and perfect for the summer time.
Overall I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.
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