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This book was a big nothing and a major disappointment as I continue my ongoing search for a murder mystery series worth reading at least a few of the books. The heroine, Thea Osborne, is recovering from the recent lost of her husband who was hit and killed by a drunk driver. This circumstance is given lip service throughout the book in the form of Thea's angst, fears and sorrow, but is a bit pointless. Thea takes on a house sitting job for a couple in the Cotwolds region of England. An inordinate amount of time is spent reviewing and re-reviewing the long list of daily tasks left by her employers. Woken by a shriek in the middle of the night, Thea embarks on a mission to find the killer of Joshua Jennison, who was found by a reflecting pool with his throat cut. By coincidence, Joshua's brother Paul was also killed, about a year earlier. Amateur sleuth Thea visits and questions the various denizens of the community. None of the conversations, characterizations or interactions are particularly realistic or satisfying. In fact, they lead to almost nowhere until a final epiphany which Thea satisfies by a ridiculous internet search to which the reader is only made privvy at the very end of the book. The killer and reasons for the killing are absurd. The characterizations are shallow and the plot is not saved by any particular identification with Thea, her dog (the ubiquitous Hepzie) or any of the other characters. A pass on this one...and most probably on the rest of the Cotswold collection.Read full review
Rebecca Tope's characters, settings and plots are a treat to read.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned