Could have been better

There was so much that could have been right about this book, but so much that went wrong, too. It’s probably obvious that it’s the author’s first book, even though it has been recently updated.

Kate is the typical reporter, really: pushy, desperate, sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. So of course, she’s the one who has to solve the puzzle, too. And what makes it even more complicated? Oh, right – her father has been accused of the murder, an investigation which just happens to be led by a Detective Sergeant who is also an ex of hers. Who does she actually know who isn’t involved in the plot somehow? Add to that, she finds out that her current boyfriend was keeping secrets from her as well.

It had some nice twists and turns, but in the end just wasn’t gripping enough. Too many clichés, nothing concrete. Although the ending, which could probably have been seen coming a mile away, was still a nice twist, even if it didn’t save it. Especially as some of those final scenes were the worst, just drove me mad, with all the dithering. If someone is going to shoot someone, they just get on with it! Hanging on too long just loses all of the suspense.

Anyway, an OK read, but nothing great.

Final rating: ★★★☆☆ – Sort of liked/OK

i really enjoyed reading this, the mystery had me invested from the beginning to the end. The characters themselves worked and I felt for Kate

It think there's potential in this series but the author should find her voice because otherwise it's a standard cozy and it didn't keep my attention.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine.

Kate Starling, an investigative reporter, is covering the recent murder of Bill Pantell, who’s body washed ashore when the creek receded. Kate learns that her former boyfriend, now Detective Sergeant Tom Collingwood, is the lead on the case. When her father is arrested for the murder, Kate will use all of her contacts to discover who killed Bill. I found this book a little confusing and slow moving as characters were introduced without a lot of explanation as to how they fit in. I did not find Kate to be a very sympathetic character as she was so focused on “getting the story” and used her friends to gain information. I am wondering if this is an updated version of “Suspect” from August 15, 2005. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I really had a difficult time reading this book. The plot and characters were boring. I doubt I read more books in this series. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Kate Starling is an investigative reporter in Branson, Missouri sometime in the early 1990s. When a local businessman is found dead she is keen to become involved in the investigation and track down the killer. Unfortunately, the most likely suspect is her father. To complicate matters, her boyfriend Jeff is somehow involved (or is he?) Her former boyfriend, Tom (a policeman), is back in Branson and is investigating the murder. Can Kate uncover just what is going on?

Unfortunately I found this book a bit formulaic. I didn’t enjoy the characters and it was all a bit too predictable and my heart sank when I thought that this was just the first in new series. It all felt a little bit small town USA for me especially with the Uncle this and Uncle that…

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.