Publishers Weekly
07/16/2018
Bestselling romance author Deveraux (Ever After) sets her overwrought debut mystery, an apparent series launch, in familiar territory. Successful romance writer Sara Medlar has returned in style to the Florida equivalent of Peyton Place, her hometown of Lachlan, which teems with rivalries, jealousies, and long-held grudges. Finding retirement dull, Sara welcomes her long-estranged niece, Kate Medlar, to live with her in her newly renovated mansion. Sara and Kate, along with local contractor Jack Wyatt, the self-made grandson of Sara’s first love, soon get caught up in a murder investigation when two skeletons are discovered on land Jack purchased to develop. One of the murder victims is long-missing Cheryl Morris, a beautiful girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The necklace Jack gave her years before not only identifies her body but stirs up ugly rumors from the past. Kate, Sara, and Jack’s attempt to solve the murders reveals Lachlan’s dark underbelly. Mary Higgins Clark fans will best appreciate this one. Agent: Robert Gottlieb, Trident Media. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"The mystery debut of bestselling romance author Deveraux (As You Wish, 2018, etc.) starts with an unhappily-ever-after-an unsolved murder. But its heroine, a romance novelist, has a better ending in mind. Fans of Deveraux and the cozy mystery genre will find common ground in this twisted tale of forgotten graves, small-town grudges, and new friends." -Kirkus Reviews on A WILLING MURDER
"Deveraux's charming novel has likable characters and life-affirming second chances galore." -Publisher's Weekly on As You Wish
"Jude Deveraux's writing is enchanting and exquisite...." -BookPage
"Deveraux's touch is gold." -Publishers Weekly
Library Journal
★ 08/01/2018
When best-selling romance author Sara Medlar retires to her hometown of Lachlan, FL, and buys the mansion she'd admired as a child, she hires Jack Wyatt, grandson of her childhood boyfriend, to remodel it. She also offers her niece a place to stay when Kate accepts a job as a real estate agent in Lachlan. But Kate and Jack, who is also a house guest, are like oil and water, each irritating the other. When a storm knocks down a tree and uncovers human remains, the trio discover they do have something in common: the need to seek justice for the two women who disappeared 20 years earlier. It's not easy to uncover secrets in a small community. However, Sara, Kate, and Jack are pushy enough to ignore warnings and additional murders, even as they bicker with one another. Acclaimed romance author Deveraux (A Knight in Shining Armor) makes her mystery debut with this delightful small-town tale headed by three engaging leads, whose banter is amusing. At the same time, readers will sympathize with the victims. VERDICT Suggest for readers who enjoy witty mysteries, such as those by Deborah Coonts, as well as Deveraux's many fans. [See Prepub Alert, 3/12/18.]—Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN
