What’s that, you say? A new Dickens mystery without Damien? Well, Millie never was the stay-at-home wifey, was she? That said, at the start of the stoWhat’s that, you say? A new Dickens mystery without Damien? Well, Millie never was the stay-at-home wifey, was she? That said, at the start of the story she’s still mourning Damien’s sudden death, and it takes quite some persuasion to convince her to get back into the investigations� game. But there’s just something about his death that doesn’t feel right. And Millie’s nothing if not intuitive.
Her transition at this particular time to an independent investigator calls for great strength of mind, bravery, and intelligence. When Jordan Taitinger seeks her help to unravel the mystery of his family tragedy, Millie’s investigative senses finally kick in and she agrees to take on this one case for now. Who could have known that her investigations into his parents' deaths would become so personal to Millie? With her canine buddy, Hershey, by her side and some supportive friends, what could possibly go wrong?
Eeek! I may have spoken too soon, because there are some (including Carmel’s Chief of Police) who are far from keen on Millie taking an interest in such matters. "Guilty is as guilty does" springs to mind when it comes to him and his criminal cohorts, and it's soon evident that the cover-up and corruption in the police department run deep and wide. While Millie’s grief journey is central, her innate sense of justice is equally as strong, and particularly when that corruption lies within such a trusted institution, one that doesn’t hesitate in casting shade on her husband’s reputation. (How very dare they? Red rag, anyone?)
Millie’s first “solo� outing balances emotional depth and a strong female lead with an engaging and exciting mystery. The plot features some very gritty issues, that even today are headline-grabbing, and as such the pace is fast, with suspense and tension building as Millie dives deeper into the investigation. The story blends tension with emotional resilience, balancing dangerous thriller elements with sweet, heartfelt moments.
As enquiries yield results, her discoveries are intense and jaw-dropping, and what is ultimately required of both Millie and Hershey is dramatic and heroic within an environment of extremely high stakes. With adrenaline pumping like this, can Millie really settle for a quiet life? I know I’m hoping for more from Millie in future books.
Recommended for fans of PI mysteries who enjoy strong female characters, and who appreciate the added layer of a captivating canine companion ;) ...more