by Susan H. Crawford
Why did you choose this book? The cover, then the synopsis
When did you read this book? February 2017
Who should read this book? Readers who enjoy mystery-suspense
Source: library ebook
My Rating: ✰✰✰✰ 4 Stars
Everybody’s luck runs out. This time it could be theirs . . .
It isn’t safe. That’s what Joe tells her when he ends their affair—moments before their car skids off an icy road in a blinding snowstorm and hits a tree. Desperate to keep her life intact—her job, her husband, and her precious daughter, Lily—Dorrie will do everything she can to protect herself, even if it means walking away from the wreckage. Dorrie has always been a good actress, pretending to be someone else: the dutiful daughter, the satisfied wife, the woman who can handle anything. Now she’s going to put on the most challenging performance of her life. But details about the accident leave her feeling uneasy and afraid. Why didn’t Joe’s airbag work? Why was his car door open before the EMTs arrived? And now suddenly someone is calling her from her dead lover’s burner phone. . . .
Joe’s death has left his wife in free fall as well. Karen knew Joe was cheating—she found some suspicious e-mails. Trying to cope with grief is devastating enough without the constant fear that has overtaken her—this feeling she can’t shake that someone is watching her. And with Joe gone and the kids grown, she’s vulnerable . . . and on her own.
Insurance investigator Maggie Devlin is suspicious of the latest claim that’s landed on her desk—a man dying on an icy road shortly after buying a lucrative life insurance policy. Maggie doesn’t believe in coincidences. The former cop knows that things—and people—are never what they seem to be.
As the fates of these three women become more tightly entwined, layers of lies and deception begin to peel away, pushing them dangerously to the edge . . . closer to each other . . . to a terrifying truth . . . to a shocking end.
My Review
I’m not sure where I first saw this one, but the cover got my attention right away! Then I read the synopsis. I added it to my list, and that is where it stayed until last week. I had just finished Destiny of the Republic, and was looking for something lighter but still engrossing when I noticed it was available for checkout on Overdrive.. This was the perfect pick! I finished it in 2 days, but probably could have finished in one sitting if I’d been able to just sit and read!
This was a mystery that kept me guessing. Obviously we know from the beginning that someone set Joe up to die in that accident….but who? The jealous husband? The jealous wife? A disgruntled employee or business associate. There were several possibilities and many times when I thought I had it figured out, I hoped I was wrong! I really got to like some of the characters. I particularly liked Karen, Joe’s wronged wife. She was strong and independent, but also caring. I wasn’t such a big fan of Dorrie, the woman in the car with Joe, but she grew on me as the story progressed.
At the conclusion of the story, I learned I’d guess right….kind of. You’ll have to read it to find out. And THEN I read some of the reviews and questions on Goodreads, and now I’m confused again. Maybe it WASN’T who I thought it was??? No spoilers, but if you have read the book, I’d love to know what you think.
This would make a great book selection for book clubs. (See my book club review) The book is fast paced with lots to talk about….especially that ending! You can find discussion questions on Reading Group Guides.
sounds really interesting. perhaps I shall put it on my list too! Love a good murder mystery.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do. I'll be interested to know what you thought of the book.
DeleteIf you contact me susancrawfordnovelist.com, I'll fill you in! I think you were probably right. There's a paragraph in the last Karen chapter that clears everything up.
ReplyDelete