About the Book
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Robyn Cavanagh enjoys a thriving second career as a portrait photographer in her beloved suburban hometown of Garland, New York. Having built a large portfolio of high school senior photos and family portraits, Robyn is thrilled when math teacher Brooke Gibson hires her to take photos of a different subject: 16 Clover Lane, the house Brooke has recently inherited from her late great-aunt. Brooke will soon put the home on the market and wants Robyn to take the photos for the real estate listing. Robyn thinks the cozy house will attract prospective buyers—until she finds bride-to-be Brooke’s battered body in the garden shed.
When Brooke’s mother asks her help in canceling the wedding plans, Robyn plays amateur sleuth and gathers clues while also collecting refunds from Brooke’s wedding vendors. With help from her friend Will Vonderlin, Robyn assembles evidence of a possible love triangle, financial indiscretions, and neighborhood feuds and builds a suspect list that includes Brooke’s fiancé, a jealous relative, a longtime rival, and a shady bartender. The clues lead Robyn to the killer and a spectacular July Fourth finale complete with a marching band and a parade of howling dogs.
My Review
Robyn Cavanagh is juggling two careers - one is as an accountant and the other is as a freelance photographer. She loves photography, but she’s just starting out. Robyn is excited when one of the high school teachers, Brooke Gibson, hires her to take photos of a house she wants to sell. Brooke is about to get married, although Robyn would have loved to be her wedding photographer, she understands Brooke had to go with someone more experienced. Robyn is happy taking pictures of the house until she finds the woman dead in the garden shed.
In her grief, Brooke’s mother asks Robyn to help her with her daughter’s financial matters. It doesn’t take long for Robyn to turn into an amateur sleuth and discover Brooke had quite a few enemies. With the help of some friends and relatives, Robyn is determined to find a killer.
This is the first book in a new series. I enjoyed getting to meet Robyn and her family and friends. Her parents are funny, loving and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in the amateur sleuth business too. There’s even a little romance in the air for Robyn with her friend Will. I look forward to seeing these characters continue to grow and watch their relationship develop.
The author gave us many red herrings, suspects and possibilities as to whodunit. There are a few sub-storylines going on which adds to the drama. It's a captivating book that kept me guessing to the end.
I’m looking forward to another visit to Garland, New York and Robyn’s next adventure.
For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2022
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Great review as always. Books are wonderful places to visit.o You can travel the world and never leave your chair.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥
Sounds like an interesting new series. I imagine a photographer could be in many interesting places and see things that no one else sees.
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