She Knows Too Much

This is the second book in the If Only She Knew series (book 3 if you count the origins story) and I came to realize this is one of the best mystery series you'll find. For several reasons: 1. The characters Ginger, Tara, and Sloane are people you love rooting for, and they're totally original! Sloane is a deaf woman, so yay for accurate deaf representation! The author even wove in the old-school use of TTYs. Clearly she's passionate about giving voice to different backgrounds and spreading the word about deaf culture. Then we have Ginger, who is elderly and actually shows it. So many books have characters doing superhuman feats, but for once we have a main character who has aches and pains we can relate to! Kudos to the author for giving us a realistic person who can't go nonstop, a lady who can be a little clumsy (that's me!) and who can be forgetful (me again!) and who isn't perfect. Tara is another leading lady I love who is passionate about horses and who has a good guy for a hubby (we have too many domestic thrillers out there with evil husbands--for once this one paints a decent guy!). 2. The town of Bloodson Bay is unique and unforgettable. It's written in such a vivid and memorable way that I can totally feel the vibe, the tensions, the history running through it. The horse rescue Tara runs is awesome too. Five stars for setting development. 3. Each book in the series brings a different era to life. This is one of my favorite things about the books. We get nostalgia with each book. We've read the 1980s, 1990s, and I think the 1970s are coming next. So if you like getting a glimpse in the past, the flashbacks in time are fun and original. Another thing that sets this series apart. 4. And last but not least (drumroll please) is the twists! This book (the WHOLE SERIES) has unexpected twists but very well plotted out. No gaping holes, all loose ends making sense in the end...you have to be a careful reader with any good mystery, but this is one of the best I've read. Pay attention and you'll see the clues and how it ties together in the end...the mark of a great storyteller. This book is an easy 5 stars for the writing quality (it's FUNNY too!), vivid detail, fast pacing, awesome character cast, and excellent setting development. It's a mystery/thriller that's got strong writing and great backstory.