Lefse Holmes: Murder in Hotdish County Author Annabelle Lewis
Book Review
4 out of 5 stars!
"It will be the perfect day--all about you and Isaac and your awe-inspiring love story. And no worries if something goes wrong, Aunt Effie will be there to fix it!" - Lavinia
Lavinia's home for her best friend's wedding and to enjoy being in a familiar small town! With all the smells, sights, and that home cooking nothing can replace. It was supposed to be a fun little getaway from the city and a relaxing time of catching up with everyone. But things turn sour when a body turns up! One that sparks a domino effect within the town and the two famous already feuding families.
Refusing to just sit on her hands Lavinia decides she will do some amateur sleuthing! Uncovering secrets, fishing out the truths within the rumors, and trying to comfort her best friend. Rediscovering her small towns, she grew up in and understanding the adult version of things. Including the nasty side of a family feud and the not so sweet side of funerals and large sums of money on the line. . .
I was wanting a lighthearted murder mystery and was interested in reading this one. Peeked by the premise and hooked by the writing, getting to revisit some memories and feelings of nostalgia. There's a lot of fluffy words and scene building along with descriptions. Bringing up stories of past events and how they connect with things. Helping you to submerge further into what it's like being a part of a small-town community.
"There's always been trouble, Lavinia. Even here in Arendal. I'm afraid you've always looked at it through rose-colored glasses." - Larry
This statement is very true. As a child growing up in a small town you are very much sheltered and protected by the adults. Everyone knowing everyone and kids being brought up in groups. Much like the holidays and seating arrangements, you're at the kid's table and kid appropriate discussions until you age into an adult. Now you're at the adult table with no censored conversations and you also have a membership to the grapevine! Single POV helping to show Lavinia slowly realizing that as the real truths of the town and the history come to light.
The mystery was cozy, but tensions did rise as suspicions were put in place. Bitterness amongst family members intensified and there was a fight. It wasn't an edge of your seat kind of whodunit, but I did keep turning the page and thinking up who could be the culprit. For me, just my honest and personal opinion I found the conclusion to the murder mystery a little meh. Because of the information provided I could understand one side of the conclusion but the other not so much. I didn't feel like there was a real lead up to it or build.
Lighthearted read and I didn't catch any language. This is a murder mystery so deaths and cause of deaths and grief. The not so fun side of reading a Will and seeing how various family members react to it. Mention of blood proceeding a fight, nothing is detailed out or gory. I didn't find a lot of CWs.
We do get a little bit of a romance, but it isn't the main focus of the story. Best friend's older brother/childhood friend. A simple kiss scene and hints that there may be more for the couple in possible future works.
I did get one of the twists and the truth behind two, famous family members that are at the root of the family dispute. Small towns have their own politics within themselves that have nothing to do with the outside world. But they can still be very intense especially when you have big name families within the town that are special in some way. Whether through being a founder family or a major donator for the town.
Do enjoy the read in which Lewis spoils us with recipes at the end! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Lefse Holmes. Murder in Hotdish County by Annabelle Lewis | eBook | Barnes & Noble®
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