Description (from cover): “Imagine nine women meeting. Tea and cake are on the coffee table. They’ve come together to share their love of books. They are friends. They trust each other. It’s a happy gathering. What could be more harmless?
Then scratch the surface and look closer. One is lonely. One is desperate. And one of them is a killer. When the body of a woman is discovered on a Cambridge common, DCI Barrett and DI Palmer are called in to investigate. But the motive behind the crime isn’t clear–and it all leads back to a book club. As the lies, volatile friendships, and tension among the group rise to the surface, DCI Barrett and DI Palmer must work out the motive and track down a cold-blooded killer. But just when they think they’re on the right track, a twist in the plot throws them off course…”
My Thoughts:
I very rarely check out book reviews from other readers prior to reading a book myself. It is a rule that I have set for myself to keep my reviews and thoughts unbiased. However, for some reason, I read the reviews of this book before reading it. The reviews overwhelmingly were a mixed bag. It seemed readers either loved this book or hated it and there really wasn’t a middle ground. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I read this book anyways and decided to give it an honest shake. While this book wasn’t a horrible read, it wasn’t fantastic either. I initially picked up this book because I thought it would centered around a book club, and as a lover of books myself, I felt I would be able to relate. It was centered on the members of a book club, but books really weren’t all that big of a part in this story.
Nine women are meeting for their book club meeting. When the members arrive, before they can even get started discussing the book, the ladies erupt into a large argument amongst themselves. The book club members are pitted against each other and soon the members are storming out angrily just minutes after getting started with their meeting. It seems that the book club is finally over as none of the members can seem to get along with each other. The next day, one of the members is found murdered on the common and the group is in shock. How could this happen to one of them and who is responsible? The police begin investigating the book club members and it seems every one has a secret.
I don’t think that there was one character in this book that I actually liked. None of the characters are likeable and they all seem to be self-centered and focused on their own selves. The constant fighting between the characters is very petty at times and just seemed unnecessary. I did like that each character could be a viable suspect and the plot had me guessing until the end. While this book didn’t quite blow me away, I didn’t think it was as bad as some of the other reviews I had come across prior to reading this book. I would just say it was an okay and average read. Nothing too exciting, but nothing too boring at the same time.
Overall Rating: 3
Author: Betsy Reavley
Series: Barrett & Palmer Mystery #1
Publisher: Bloodhound Books
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Pages: 218
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Get It: Amazon
Disclaimer: This book was selected by myself at the library, and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
Girl Lost In a Book 