Thursday, May 19, 2016

Murder Comes by Mail by A. H. Gabhart

I really liked this mystery. It got off to a slow start as relationship foundations were established, but after that, the action was continuous through to the suspenseful end.

The setting for the story is Hidden Springs, a small rural southern town. The mystery begins when Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is driving a van of elderly women from his church to a play in the next town. As they approach a bridge, Keane sees a potential jumper. He manages to save the man, a man who says Keane will wish he hadn't.

Keane is a hero but the notoriety lasts only until photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail. The rescued man has escaped the psychiatric ward and Keane is convinced he is the murderer. The murders continue and it appears a serial killer is on the loose. Keane fears for the lives of those close to him. He must find the murderer before it is too late.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Yes, there are multiple gruesome murders but the writing style is laid back and easy going. I would almost describe it as calm, even though there is suspense in the second half of the novel.

I liked the character development too. There are a number of interesting ones in the town who help flesh out the story. Since this is the second novel in the series, the characters have back stories. The action in the first novel is pretty well covered in this one so it could be read alone.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a cozy mystery set in the south. The Christian aspect of the novel is essential even if it is rather subtle. All in all, a good novel. There is a reading group guide available here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels in a variety of genres. She and her husband live in Kentucky. You can find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Revell, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

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