| Eve Cartwright is back in town, broke and determined to solve the seven-year-old murder of her aunt. Her thieving con man ex-fiancé has followed her. He and her business partner have taken all Eve's money, but Luke Randall wants more.
Eve wants to turn Aunt Amelia's estate into bed and breakfast, though it has been neglected for years. The discovery of Amy's journal gives clues, but not specifics. There's also a mysterious painting in the police chief's office. Is Amy's death connected to an old jewelry theft? And why is Eve being stalked? Adam Nivolas long ago swore an oath to protect Eve. He feels loving Eve would betray the promise he made to her aunt. He is surprised when Eve comes back to town. An injured arm and resistence form the police chief impede his progress helping Eve with the case. Neither Adam nor Eve can forget a romantic evening from their past. The two work to resolve the mystery while their attraction smolders. The other small town characters and corruption make this an engrossing read. Blonde policewoman Marni Kagen is memorable, as is elderly neighbor Lilly. Then there's Todd Kingsley, another connection to the past who seems romantically interested in Eve. There are several possible solutions to the puzzle, and author Harrison manages to keep the reader guessing while revealing all the needed information. Her characters are believable and both mostly likable. She does an excellent job weaving events of the past and the present. It's a great mystery and a delightful love story.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Lynn Bushey |