Rating: Just Okay
Source: Publisher
Description: After solving two murder cases in their hometown of Lachlan, Florida, Sara Medlar, her niece Kate and their friend Jack need a change of scenery. Sara arranges for them to visit an old friend of hers in England. Upon arrival at Oxley Manor, a centuries-old estate that has been converted to a luxury hotel, Kate and Jack quickly realize that Sara is up to something. They learn that Sara has also invited a number of others to join them at Oxley.
When everyone assembles, Sara lets them know why they are there. Decades earlier, two people ran off together from Oxley and haven’t been heard from since—and Sara wants to solve the case. As the people who were there the night the two went missing, the guests find themselves cast in a live mystery-theater event.
In reenacting the events of that night, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide and no one is safe, especially when the discovery of a body makes it clear that at least one of the people who disappeared was murdered.
Sara, Jack and Kate are once again at the heart of a mysterious case that only they are able to solve. But someone is willing to continue to kill to keep the truth about Oxley Manor buried, and none of the guests are safe.
Genre: Mystery
Why I Picked This Book: This is an author I've seen around for years but never read and this particular story sounded like something I would absolutely love.
My Impression: I wanted to love this one. I really did. I went in just knowing I was. And... well I didn't hate it. There's a lot of potential here and moments that I really enjoyed. But the bulk of it felt like I was reading a detailed outline that hadn't quite made the jump to the actual finished manuscript.
The mystery was interesting and there were definitely secrets galore which I found intriguing. I though Puck was an unusual character and I liked that she had found a way to live life her way even if it was on the odd side. Frankly, I would want to hide from most of the characters too. The flashbacks which centered around her were the best parts of the story and were the only times I really felt myself connecting with what was going on.
This was a story that I didn't mind reading but never felt fully invested in or was ever really able to just sink into the story. I was always very aware of each word I was reading. While this wasn't a particularly engaging read it wasn't terrible and it does make me curious to read more of Deveraux's books but this is one I probably wouldn't recommend.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? While I was underwhelmed by this book I would try something else by Deveraux as there were parts of this I liked.
Would I Recommend this Book? Probably not. It wasn't terrible but it was just okay.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Hmm I turned this one down and I am not sorry I did. I have read JD before and enjoyed her but just had the feeling! I don't want to be underwhelmed when I read as it gives me reading hiccups.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this author around for quite a while. Just read one of the books only.
ReplyDeleteI'm bummed to hear that this one was just okay for you. I have a NetGalley copy as well but haven't had the opportunity to read it yet. I will read it eventually but I don't think that I will make it a priority.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this series. I'm sorry this wasn't a great one for you. I usually like this author but I haven't read her in years.
ReplyDeleteAw that's a bummer. Hopefully if you read another one by this author it will be better!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed Deveraux in the past but didn't love some of her books. I do wonder if this book would have been better if it had been through a more detailed editing process. Sorry this book wasn't as good as you had hoped it would be.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Devereaux wrote mysteries! I thought she was just romance. How disappointing about the story; the premise was so promising.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried her modern day murders. I miss her historical romances.
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