The dead man on her doorstep: a premonition or an angel?
A car burns just around the bend from Dachaigh. Is it a plot to destroy the inn or exterminate every trace of the body within?
For Detective Inspector Callan Cameron, it’s a brilliant example of a murder with the victim as hidden in the shadows as the suspects.
Amateur sleuth Aileen Mackinnon vows to crack this case. Was the man a fraudster or a damaged soul looking for salvation?
Smoke and mirrors lead them down a path to jail, fraud and fatal car crashes. Is this the end of Aileen and Callan or a promise of something new?
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Frost’s plot is suspense-filled, with just the right amount of action to balance out the novel’s mystery elements. Genre fans will appreciate Frost’s subtle clues for solving the central crime, and the story skillfully adds in dead-ends that heighten the stakes for the main players.
Prose: Frost utilizes dialogue authentic to the story’s setting, although at times it becomes heavy-handed. The writing style sets a steady pace and allows the mystery to unfold naturally, bringing it to a satisfying conclusion without being overly direct.
Originality: The combination of slow-burn romance with whodunit thriller is a winning one for this novel, and the setting adds more distinction for discerning readers.
Character Development/Execution: Callan and Aileen are capable protagonists who play off each other’s strengths and add a layer of excitement to the mystery premise. Readers will find themselves swept up in their intriguing dynamics and eager for the couple’s return.
Date Submitted: July 30, 2022
“An absolute blast from start to finish, this story will have you staying up to scour the pages just like Aileen scours the internet for leads.”
