★★★★★ 5
The perfect romantic mystery
Format: Kindle
Honestly, this book’s hold over me was a little worrying.
The story opens with a tragic event, introducing Ridley Sawyer, who immediately captured my heart. She’s tenacious, motivated, witty, and complicated. I connected with her character so quickly that she felt like a friend by the second chapter—something that doesn’t happen often.
I also fell in love with her cat, Princess Tater, who had me giggling and kicking my feet. This little feline terror was so well-written that I was emotionally invested in her welfare. I would have rioted if anything happened to her or that adorable van she and Ridley lived in, which doubled as a mobile podcast station.
The story beautifully portrays the other fur babies as both sources of emotional comfort and brave protectors. I looked forward to each scene that included them.
Catherine painted a detailed picture of the small town and everyone living there. It perfectly sets the scene without upstaging the characters or the book’s mystery.
Colt was also a fantastic character. His grumpiness blended well with Ridley’s sunny personality, but they both had a darkness that few could see. Their tragic pasts brought them together and made them grow in ways I didn’t anticipate as the story unfolded.
I loved how the slow burn and spice were incredibly hot but subtle enough to enhance the story without overpowering it.
I couldn’t figure out who did it, so the reveal was a complete shock. I had doubts, but the author kept me guessing until the end. My hats off to her for sending me in every direction trying to solve this mystery without successfully figuring out who it was. I yelled, and my husband came running when it was revealed. 😂
I don’t give spoilers, but if you love small-town romances, captivating characters, and true crime mysteries, you’ll be hooked on this book. It had the perfect ending, resolving all my questions and giving me more than I expected.
This is my first Catherine Cowles book, but definitely not my last. Her writing style is engaging and punctuated with gorgeous sentences I eagerly highlighted on my Kindle to share with others.
I highly recommend curling up in your favorite chair, grabbing a snack, and getting lost in this incredible story. You won’t regret it.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
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