Rounded down from 4.5.

This book was fascinating and well paced, which I find rare in murder mysteries most of the time. I loved the rate and method of revealing new information through the grandmother’s diary, and also the reveal that came from the result of relying too heavily on a source of information that is naturally limited and unreliable. The ending wasn’t shocking, but I don’t think a good murder mystery should be. It means it left the right amount of clues and information to make the reveal make sense, since you solve it alongside the characters.

The only reason I’m rounding down to 4 instead of up to 5 stars is that some of the side issues felt unnecessary, like the secret keeping the farm afloat. There are realistic red herrings to help keep it an interesting investigation, but that one and a few others felt more shoe horned in and didn’t help the flow of the story the way others did.

But the characters are wonderful and the plot is compelling so I definitely am looking forward to the next installment.