In this book, Lucy’s family is grieving the loss of her father in-law, when a mysterious woman, Catherine Klein, shows up claiming to be none other than Lucy’s husband, Bill’s half-sister. The family fears that she may be a con artist and Bill finds himself competing for his mother’s affection.
Back in Maine, in the small town of Tinker Cove and their neighboring town, Gilead, residents are gearing up for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. But as with all town gatherings, there are conflicts to be resolved. Lucy and her family are caught in the midst of the action.
Meanwhile, Lucy is encountering trouble at the Pennysaver, the local newspaper, where she feels her career as a small-town reporter is threatened. But things have taken an unexpected turn when Rob Callahan, her rival and recent hire reporter from Cleveland is accused of murdering county Jail Guard, Gabe McGourt. With events quickly transpiring, Lucy realizes, murder is only a small part of a deeper corruption in a small town. As Lucy follows her investigative hunches, she realizes someone is keeping a close eye on her and fears the lengths they will go to stop her from learning the truth!
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I have always enjoyed Meier’s writing and depiction of Lucy Stone. Lucy’s empathetic character makes us relate to her or recognize her as a relative or a friend. I appreciate the references made to current events and real issues we face in our everyday lives. In my opinion, it makes the character(s) more realistic and enjoyable!
Having read many cozy mysteries, I’m familiar that the mysteries must be solved in one chapter or less, but I’m having trouble accepting Lucy and her family’s reaction towards Catherine Klein. Klein poses as an imposter and presents them with fake documents to validate her story. I was glad when they confronted her. BUT was disappointed when they simply forgave her and didn’t press any charges! They should have at least notified the authorities. Lucy, being the savvy sleuth, should have dug deeper into her past. Perhaps delegated one of her daughters to help. Particularly that this woman was a potential danger to their grandmother, Edna. At the very least, with Lucy’s connections, she could have asked her long-time friend, Officer Barney Culpepper to run a background check on the woman.
It really seems odd that not only do they forgive Klein, but they allow her to be Edna's roommate and to tag along to family outings! I understand they may need someone to look after Edna, but they can't throw her on the first person that comes along and hope against all odds that Klein is an honest woman. Perhaps we will read more about this in the upcoming installments (at least hoping we will!)
Lastly, I realize you can’t iron out the town’s corruption in one cozy mystery, but I would have loved a bit more on the Sheriff’s trial, perhaps in an additional chapter or an epilogue. Meier’s great description of the sheriff’s character had me irked by his intimidation and bullying tactics. I was hoping to read how justice was served!
As always, looking forward to Lucy Stone’s upcoming mystery!!!
Reviews expressed on this site are solely my opinion. They are not based on any sponsorship (unless indicated).
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