A clever, engaging mystery with plenty of red herrings…
Interestingly quirky characters add charm to a mystery packed with tension and suspense in Heath’s engrossing latest novel. Two years after the sudden death of his wife of decades, Alan Wright decides to accept his best friend Ruth Mackenzie’s invitation to retire to her idyllic town of Eden Ridge and build his spiritual center there. But his bond with Ruth seems to be creating a wedge between Ruth and her daughter Anna. Things heat up after Ruth changes her will. Soon after, she is found murdered and a rare and valuable antique that she was supposed to give Alan disappears. Trying to set things right with Ruth’s daughter, Alan unites with Ruth’s close friends, known as The Little Red Hens, and begins to look into the murder, unaware his pursuit will not only unearth a sinister conspiracy but also put his own life in danger. While delving into relevant topics like death, grief, friendship, and small-town racism, Heath balances the darkness with cozy bonds of friendship and light humor. Alan is a complex, realistically flawed protagonist trying his best to handle everything happening around him while dealing with his past loss. The measuredly paced third-person narration deftly reveals his inner turmoil, allowing readers to learn what’s going on in his head as he encounters the local folks’ hostility and deals with his personal grief. His bond with Patricia is warm and natural, as are his other relationships. The members of The Little Hens, from indomitable Maryellen to sweet Georgia, remain thoroughly engaging, and so do the rest of the cast. Believable and clever banter bounces back and forth between the quirky crew of The Little Red Hens. The story unravels in a leisurely paced, descriptive prose through a third-person omniscient narrative voice. The disconnect between who readers think is suspect (given the seemingly strong motive and subtle clues peppered throughout), and what Alan and The Little Red Hens unearth during their investigation keep the pages turning, creating an almost unbearable level of suspense. Alan and the group’ intense sleuthing and good dose of humor build up to a dramatic ending that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. Throughout the intricately woven, engrossing narrative, Heath demonstrates how personal prejudices can affect a person’s behavior, leading to discrimination, ill will, and hostility. A treat for mystery readers who enjoy being kept in suspense.
Where You Will Die: A Novel
Craig Allen Heath
Nine Pines Press
Pub date September 19, 0222
ISBN 979-8986620404
Price $11.99 (USD) Paperback, $0.00 Kindle edition
