The Marsh Queen drew me in with its title and cover, like a sucker I knew I would read this one regardless of other reviews. And I am so glad I did. I know my tropes. This book worked for me!

So as you might guess, this book has a marsh setting and a family mystery. Loni is a nature artist working for the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. However, when her mother has a bad fall, Loni must return home to the wetlands of Northern Florida to care for her. When Loni returns home, she is haunted again by the mystery of her father's death when she was a child. It was labeled an accidental death while he was on patrol as a fish & game officer, but things she finds in her mother's home and whispers from her childhood say there's more to the story. 

Moving slowly through the process of moving her mother into a long term care facility, Loni unearths the past and the secrets of not only her father but of many of the folks in their small town. I loved how her work as an artist was woven into the story as well, Hartman includes beautiful descriptions of the marsh and of various birds, Loni's favorite work assignments. There is also a romantic storyline that serves to really build Loni's character, which I loved. I don't like romantic arcs that feel thrown in to appease readers, and this one added to the story so nicely. 

This isn't face paced and it is not a thriller, but if you love the natural world mixing with a mystery and family secrets- this is definitely a book to pick up.