This book was SO freaking good. I’m usually a romance girlie, but when I saw this was a mystery with a romance subplot, I thought, ‘let’s give it a try’—and wow, did it deliver! Let’s start with the romance because GIRL. You now have me waiting for a full-blown romance novel from you because you clearly know how to write a sexy CEO. 👀 Okay, now back to the mystery because that’s where this book really shines.

Cosette is our FMC whose father vanished five years ago, and she’s finally ready to dig for answers. What she uncovers is a web of secrets, family ties, and past investigations that pull her deeper into a dangerous truth. She teams up with a PI her family hired years ago, and together they try to unravel the mystery—while Cosette is still navigating her own grief and learning what moving forward really means. As someone who has experienced the grief of losing a parent, this hit me so hard. The way Burton writes about Cosette’s grief, and how it continues to change over time even five years later, is so raw and beautifully done.

Ps one of my favorite things is when you meet a character that you relate too and Esther felt like that for me. While she’s a bit more of a party girl, she’s the ride or die friend that is there to make life less tough and exactly what Cosette needs.

This author can WRITE. I still cannot believe this is a debut, because it felt polished, emotional, and perfectly paced. A.A. Burton is officially on my auto-buy list. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

Hooked from the beginning—I love a good mystery! This story gives you a bit of everything: mystery, suspense, romance, grief, and drama. A.A. Barton’s writing style is easy to follow, and the characters and storyline feel realistic and well thought out. The pacing was spot-on and kept me intrigued, constantly wondering how all the pieces would intertwine. I’m so thankful I got to read this as an ARC and honestly wouldn’t change a thing! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Lilac by A. A. Barton follows Cosette, a twenty-something bartender struggling to make ends meet while dealing with the mysterious disappearance of her father five years before. This is Barton’s debut novel, and I hope and pray there will be (many) more! The writing was clear, concise, and witty. Character development was impeccable and made it easy to connect with them. The story line was well thought out and easy to follow, even through the twists and turns!

I felt a special connection to Colette having lost my mother to cancer, and I found myself empathizing with her on many occasions. The lilac was one of my mother’s favorite flowers, as well. One of my favorites quotes is “you can’t fully grieve someone you never got to say goodbye to.”

I am a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers, and Lilac ticked all the boxes for me: mystery, intrigue, murder, humanity, and a little bit of love. Oh, and LOTS of surprises! I caught myself gasping out loud several times! And I promise you - if you think you know how the story is going to end … you do not!!!!

I loved every minute of this book - the story, the characters (even the ones I hated!), the writing…. When I was about halfway through, I realized I didn’t want the book to end, but at the same time, I couldn’t wait to find out how it ends! I admit that I even delayed writing a review because I felt that I would be letting go of the characters, and I was just not ready to do that.

I would recommend Lilac to anyone who is looking for a well-written mystery with an ending you may not expect.

Thank you to NetGalley and A. A. Barton for the opportunity to read in advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.