Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy

Title: In the Beautiful Dark
Author: Melissa Payne
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Family Drama with a bit of mystery
Pub Date: April 22, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages 333

Story started in 1972 when Birdie befriends young pregnant, Allison. Birdie is there when baby Felix breaths his first breath and it is love at first sight. It didn’t take long for Allison, Birdie and Felix to become a family.
Now fifty years past, since Allison, Birdie's love and best friend was murdered .Birdie and Felix are left to deal with what was ruled a "suicide", however Birdie doesn’t believe that it was suicide.

Now Birdie is the newest resident of Sunny Pines Retirement Community thanks to Felix.
The hope is that Birdie would start a new life with new friends and new adventures. But Birdie is still haunted by her dark past, of a deep loss she can’t let go of.

When some mysterious events happen at Sunny Pines, it perks up Birdie investigating skills.

Although there is a mystery that needs to solve, story really is about relationships,

I enjoyed reading Ms. Payne’s ‘Author’s Note’ where she tells us her inspiration for this story is when her mother moved into a senior-living community after her father died. The community has a delightful fascinating mix of people who all had so many great experiences- each having a great story to tell. .Her thoughts were everyday people often have the very best stories to tell.
This make me smile as our now twenty something grand children love to get my husband talking about the ‘good ol day’ and seem to love it = well every time we get together there seems to be a trip down memory lane.
Needless to say, I did enjoy this story.
Also love when an author includes ‘Book Club Questions’ as the questions are thoughtful and remind readers what they liked about the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Lake Union Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Date scheduled for Tuesday April 22, 2025.

This story about grief was amazing. It can hold you hostage without you even realizing it. Birdie never forgets Allison. She keeps living, raising their son, and starting a business, but Allison is always there. I really liked the retirement community. Birdie is in a new phase of life and finding a new community for herself. I thought they were going to be senior crime detectives, but it was more about Birdie moving forward while still being in the past. It’s not as murder mystery as I expected. There was also the ghostly presence that was a fun element that took me by surprise.

In the Beautiful Dark
Melissa Payne
04/22/2025
Lake Union Publishing

As soon as I read the blurb for this book, I was 100% in. This book checked all the boxes for me. I mean who knew I would LOVE a book with senior living, crime solving, flawed and brilliant characters with dark secrets?? (yeah, you read that right!! Muah)

Sunny Pines Retirement Community more than just a place for the members to live out their golden years. There are plenty of secrets among these residents and staff seem perfectly oblivious. Birdie, the newest resident, plays her cards close to her chest. She is not ready to let go of her old life and start a new one with this group of people, but with a little prodding she finally opens up. 50 years ago, Birdie falls in love with Allison who was brutally murdered and to beat it all, it remains unsolved. Birdie never let the murder go. She always wanted to solve Allison’s murder and let her rest. Finally, Birdie, along with other members of Sunny Pines decide that it is time to find the ‘Vampire Killer’.

There is more than just mystery and suspense among the pages. Love, trust and friendship; growing old, quieting your past and looking to your future are all equally important. I will be going back and finding the other books that Melissa Payne has written. I have heard nothing but awesomeness.

Thank you Melissa Payne, Lake Union Publishing and Kate Rock Book tours for having me along for this books journey!

I loved all the characters at this retirement community. Someone Birdie dearly loved was murdered and it is Birdie’s mission to solve the murder. She is finding it difficult to adjust to retirement. But eventually she finds friends there who really want to help her solve that murder. A delightful read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the Beautiful Dark by Melissa Payne is the story of older business woman Birdie Allen, now living at Sunny Pines Retirement Community. As she navigates meeting other seniors via a book club, keeping a relationship with her son and helping out a young lady living in a camper near the center. she also tries to find the murderer of her housemate many years ago. The author does an excellent job of depicting the problems of being older, both physically and mentally. With the addition of commentary from the dead and the living, this book kept my interest all the way through.

This is my third novel by Payne.
Sunny Pines Retirement Community is full of secrets. Through the golden years one usually reminisce about the past and possible regrets in life.
Birdie is a retiree, grandmother and business owner. She is still haunted by the death of someone close to her more than fifty years ago.
She is soon caught up in her past along with a disappearance and murders. Thankful for her community of friends she gets the support she did not have years ago.
A quirky novel full of drama, and a unique cast. I enjoyed this one along with her earlier work The Wild Road Home and A Light in the Forest.

The common themes to Mellissa Payne books are all here; friendship, forgiveness, the power of community. And once again she delivers. Lovely and richly developed characters (except maybe for one of them!) .. all of whom come to grips with their changing world. It’s easy to get inside their heads but it’s also an enjoyable (if not at times chaotic) journey. I could find a way to identify with each one of them in some way.

I can’t emphasise this enough .. if you enjoy this book, go back and read all this author’s books. They are all wonderful .. all 5 of them.

Birdie Allen is a resident at the “62 and Better” Sunny Pines Retirement Community. When a string of murders and a missing person happens in her area - Birdie is itching to pick up the chase. She’s got some retired friends who have too much time on their hands and want to help solve this mystery.

As she tries to piece together the mystery and solve the murders, she also thinks about a long-ago unsolved mystery. Lifelong secrets accompany her on this quest - but will solving the current mystery help her finally put them to rest?

I love the eclectic cast of elderly detectives with nothing but time on their hands in their twilight years. It was a clever mystery with lots of layers. I hope we get more from this band of sleuths.

I immediately fell into Birdie & Allison’s worlds, both sad for all the years they missed together. The cast of lovable characters Birdie brings into her life made it more enjoyable for all they brought to the plot. The mystery surrounding Allison’s death & the string of bodies in similar circumstances gave Melissa Payne’s latest novel the perfect element of suspense.
In The Beautiful Dark is a heart wrenching, yet hopeful novel that will stay with me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for introducing me to this new-to-me author and soon to be released book! I would have missed this gem otherwise.

Welcome to Sunny Pines Retirement Community where we meet Birdie Allen, ex 'exotic dancer', former business owner, grandmother and mother-by-default, or mother by choice. Things aren't quite as sunny as the rather clueless staff at hand would have everyone believe; secrets are abound - things resurfacing from the past as well as disturbing current events... Birdie has spent her life chasing down the 'Vampire Killer' who she believed also killed her dearest friend Allison (and mother to her son, Felix)... but maybe he's coming out of retirement? Can Birdie really go on bus outings and go to book clubs when she might be closer to finding out the truth about Allison than she's ever been? Or is she just going senile?

With some unexpected help from her Sunny Pines neighbours, Birdie goes back to being full-on investigator. She's so close! But at what cost? When her son asks her to stop, when she makes mistakes, and people think she's a doddery old fool - can Birdie put Allison's spirit to rest?

I enjoyed this book a lot - partly because I went in with virtually no expectations! I've never heard of Melissa Payne before, and I've read quite a few 'retired people turn detective' type novels - but be warned, this is nothing like Richard Oseman and the like. This is quite a lot darker...

Birdie is a very likeable character, as are her 'gang', who I quickly came to love. I genuinely cared about all the characters here, and found it hard to put down because I wanted it happy endings for everyone, so I just had to keep reading!

Highlights for me:
- the central theme of loneliness and relationships; although this is a plot-heavy book, it's definitely more about the people we surround ourselves with and the way a community can come together... or not
- the very real treatment of police overlooking certain victims because of race, occupation etc. This isn't a funny 'haha' book (although there are lighter moments, where I did find myself chuckling). Payne has tapped into some very poignant problems with society, and the injustices highlighted are frustrating (too weak a word!) because they're real. It does make you think.
- this had the perfect balance (for me) of keeping you guessing, but allowing you, as the reader, to get it JUST before the MCs, which always makes you feel good about yourself! It's a difficult balance to strike - well done Melissa Payne!
- Allison's chapters. Interspersed, Allison (Birdie's old roommate, mother of the child she's brought up, Felix) leads the chapters in first person, accompanied by other spirits that are unable to let go. This was a clever and very well employed device; I enjoyed it immensely. Overall, they were my favourite parts, which is saying a lot considering I enjoyed the antics of Birdie and her gang so much!

What didn't work as well for me:
- the beginning felt at odds with the rest of the novel; I understand that Allison and Birdie's background needed setting up, so to speak, but it felt quite disjointed. Once the 'introductory' part was over, the writing flowed much more easily. I'm not quite sure what would have been better, but it felt awkward to me, which was a real shame.

Essentially, a very good read! A fast-paced drama with humour and intrigue, but also genuine character development and depth.

Sunny Pines Retirement Home is not as sunny as it sounds. There we meet Birdie, a retired business owner of a housekeeping service. In 1972 she finds her best friend/love dead in the bathtub. Birdie is convinced it was murder, the police, not so much. Birdie thinks Allison was a victim of "the Vampire Killer" To this day the case is labeled as a suicide. "Some mysteries don't have answers". Now another person close to Birdie has disappeared and Birdie and her group of friends are not going to sit back and do nothing. Adding to this is the reader gets Allison's ghost's perspective which is so unique! Maybe because I'm no spring chicken, but loved reading about older people, such an interesting take and new story!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. I could not put this down. Birdie, the MC, went on an incredible journey through the book. I love books with older protagonists and this was fabulous, more retirees story's please. Melissa Payne created an excellent set of characters, I loved seeing them all come together and grow. I was fairly confident about who the murderer was early on, and I wish it had been more subtle, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The character development and growth is where this really shined. I loved seeing Birdie open up and recognize the impact of her choices. Melissa Payne is definitely an author I will be reading more of.
Will post on instagram closer to release date.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

In the Beautiful Dark is a beautifully written, haunting mystery with a touch of the supernatural. Set in the Sunny Pines Retirement Community, the story follows Birdie Allen, a grandmother with a long-buried secret—the unsolved murder of her unrequited love from over fifty years ago. When a string of recent murders stirs up old memories, Birdie decides to finally seek the truth, with the help of her quirky retirement home friends—and some watchful spirits from her past.

Melissa Payne masterfully weaves mystery, nostalgia, and the weight of regrets into a compelling story. Birdie is a wonderful protagonist—strong, determined, and deeply human. The novel balances eerie moments with heartfelt ones, making it both suspenseful and emotionally rich.

With its mix of mystery, friendship, and ghostly whispers from the past, In the Beautiful Dark is a poignant and engaging read that reminds us it’s never too late to chase the truth—and find closure.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to Sunny Pines Retirement Community!

This book hooked me right from the start! In 1972 Birdie finds her roommate Allison dead and because of her job and being a single mom, it was investigated seriously. Fast forward to present time and Birdie is the newest resident at Sunny Pines.

Yes, this is a mystery book, but it felt like so much more. It was a beautiful story that was touching, yet haunting and somehow heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. There are some very long held secrets that come out that really affects the characters.

I Loved the Sunny Pines residents! They were quirky and unique and so full of life. I love how they band together to help Birdie solve the mysteries. It’s emotional and sweet and I really love the friendships we see.

I really felt for Birdie as she tried to solve the decades old mystery of Allison’s death. But Allison was so much more than just her roommate and we really feel how her death has haunted Birdie her whole life. She has these secrets and regrets and I was really rooting for her!

✨What To Expect:
🔍Mystery
⁉️Suspense
🤫Secrets & Regrets
🔪Serial Killer
⭐️Found Family
💙Quirky Characters

Two best friends work together in the 1970s. 50 years later, one is in a retirement village obsessed with solving the murder of her best friend. The other is a ghost haunting her.
This was a great set up and I did want to solve the mystery. But unfortunately I just couldn't get through this. There was something about the writing style that was just very off-putting.

Loved it!!! The book was simply beautiful. Magical!!! I loved everything about it- the story, characters and writing style. Melissa Payne is one of my favorite authors and her books never disappoint!!!! The Sunny Pines retirement community would be my ideal place. These are my kind of people. They love murder mysteries and solving crime. Just because you get older doesn't mean you still love Dateline and true crime stories. I don't think Felix ever realized how much Birdie truly loved Allison. Birdie couldn't stop fixating on the Vampire Killer because she wanted justice for all the women he killed, especially Allison. Birdie was one tough cookie but also helped people in need. Without her, Allison wouldn't have had anyone to help her. Then there was Everly and her pugs. Birdie didn't want anything to happen to the girl and invited Everly into her home. Pretty much everyone took Everly under their wings to help her out. She was a wonderful addition to Sunny Pines. Glen was the one resident I wasn't sure of. I kept wondering if he had dementia. I was extremely suspicious of his brother Richard. Glen did not paint the best picture of him. Plus, Richard always seemed to be at Sunny Pines when something odd/strange happened. Loved all the shenanigans that they all seemed to get up to. Joseph, Birdie and Glen practically break into Faith's apartment and steal a cat. Birdie refuses to ride the Sunny Pines van because then she would be old. Did she not look around at her fellow neighbors? Everything eventually all fits in place and you finally see the big picture and how everything is connected. Once Birdie opened herself up to the other residents and finally made some friends, Sunny Pines was exactly the place she was meant to be living at. You finally learn what happened to the blood from the Vampire Killer's victims. This was beyond creepy.

Definitely recommend the book. I felt like I was right there with Birdie, Joseph and the rest of the crew at Sunny Pines. I was sad to see the story end because I loved reading about everyone and getting to know them. I would definitely be friends with them all. I would also need to meet Joseph's daughter and visit her llama farm. Loved the story, writing style and characters. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In the Beautiful Dark is an evocative and poignant novel with a blend of mystery, memory, and redemption. At Sunny Pines Retirement Community, the novel tells the story of Birdie Allen, a retired businesswoman who is tormented by the unsolved murder of her unrequited love from decades past. As a sequence of recent murders and a disappearance unfold, Birdie, joined by her quirky community, sets out on a quest to find the truth. The story is supported by a double timeline, which provides flashes of Birdie's past and present, making for a deep and engaging tale.

Melissa Payne is a master of crafting rich, multidimensional characters. Birdie is an exemplary protagonist; tough, self-aware, and profoundly human. Her path of coming to terms with regretful pasts and living in the moment is one that is relatable and inspiring. The secondary cast of colorful and lovable Sunny Pines residents contributes to the richness and charm of the narrative. Payne's skill at capturing the nuance of aging and the richness of lived lives is admirable.

The author's prose is vivid and engaging, capturing the emotional depth of her characters and the eerie loveliness of the environment. Her dual timelines are smooth, enabling readers to solve the mystery while exploring Birdie's emotional terrain. The writing is readable yet poetic, and the book is a joy to read.

The novel is a work that delves into love, loss, and the burden of secrets. Payne uses symbolism and an element of the supernatural to give the story added emotional depth. The restless souls provide a mystical touch, an indication of the lingering effect of unresolved feelings and unfinished business.

The pacing is suitably balanced, incorporating intervals of reflection amidst thrilling developments. The dual timeline pattern is effective in sustaining curiosity while offering a well-rounded representation of Birdie's journey. Transitions from the timelines might be somewhat difficult for some readers, though.

In the Beautiful Dark is a beautifully written novel that lingers in one's mind even after finishing the last page. Payne's talent for mixing mystery with emotional intensity makes it an outstanding novel. The novel's exploration of old age, neighborhood, and redemption is both contemplative and warming.

This book is strongly recommended for anyone who likes character-driven mysteries with heart. Its interesting setting and sympathetic protagonist make for a memorable read. Ideal for book clubs, the book provides lots of discussion pieces and moments.

At Sunny Pines Retirement Community, where the “Sixty-Two and Better!” share their golden years, secrets abound. Some scandalous, some haunting, and some dangerous. For Birdie Allen, a retired business owner and grandmother, her secret is the only thing she’s got left. Getting old isn’t the hardest part about life. It’s the memories from more than fifty years ago of the death of her unrequited love. And Birdie’s abandoned quest to root out the killer.

With retirement comes a lot of time to revisit old ghosts, so when Birdie ties together a string of recent murders, and a woman disappears, she’s drawn into the same chase she gave up decades earlier. But this time she has the help of an eccentric community of eager new friends. And they’re not alone. Restless souls are watching, including Birdie’s lost love, and they sense the danger that lies ahead. They’re not leaving Birdie’s side until she finishes what she set out to do. But will Birdie’s pursuit of a killer finally free her of regrets and allow her to embrace the beauty of the life she’s created?

Beautiful book. Darker than most of the senior sleuth books you see. It deals with heavier topics, but at it's core, it's about love and friendship. The mystery kept me turning pages, but the backstory is what will stick with me. 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.