A Willing Murder

Firstly let me say Jude Deveraux is a new author to me. This book appealed to me in part that it was set in FLORIDA, U.S.A. While it isn't Murder she wrote it is a tribute to the amateur sleuth.

The prologue sets the mystery up beautifully. There is a sense of malice and a righteousness in the act but an enduring threat of evil that persists into the present day.

Lachlan is a fictitious township within the Fort Lauderdale area in Broward County. A great setting for the elements the author wants to share in her wonderful story.
A place where old money doesn't mix, where family name and history is everything and although gossip may abound some secrets can be kept, but at what cost.

The novel is high on character and the chemistry that binds Kate with her Aunt Sara and her live in lodger she has almost adopted Jack Wyatt. There is a dynamic relationship that builds cleverly through the book as they get to know each other and work to solve a 20 year old cold case of murder. I loved the interplay and sharp dialogue between these three.

Used to writing romantic fiction I guess we can forgive the author for classic moments of boy meets girl. It did lead me to a false start reading the book. I'm glad the lure of a sinister crime story brought me back again.

The sexual tension drips at times as though the AC has packed in.

I loved the humour especially in what is often a dark tale. The fun with the satnav had me laughing out loud and almost rolling about the floor. So too the constant references to food, Jack eats for fun while Kate is on a no fun diet.

Ultimately it is a story about a tree that toppled over in a storm and exposed not only its roots but brought into the light local family trees that were not only damaged but unhealthy.
The role of Fathers is also a common theme. In Jack fighting his genes and Kate desperate to learn more about her Dad.
A well planned and finely tuned murder mystery that is easy to read, grabbing and maintaining your attention. The real skill is keeping the reader interested when we think we know everything from the very beginning.

A clever format in sharing different characters memories from the past is another aspect that makes this novel standout for me. There are also many layers of the natures and past of these people that you are hooked into this series and wanting the saga to continue.

This author has always been a favorite of mine and this book starts what I'm hoping will be a new direction into romantic suspense. Well-developed characters and a solid plot line with a few twists makes for an interesting read. Can't wait for the next one. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

A thrilling riveting read from the 1st page in the first in a new series of Medlar mysteries. Takes you along at a pace you really don’t want to put the story down. You are really drawn into small town life in Florida where everyone knows your business, or do they?
Kate comes to small town Lachlan to stay with Aunt Sara start a new job and find out more about her dad. She runs right into the middle of a 20 year old double murder. There are plenty of twist and turns to satisfy the most ardent sleuth. Strong characters that you really connect with. This is the start of a new must read series by an award winning author and you will not want to miss the next instalment.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.