Title: A Scandal at Crystalline
Author: Roslyn Reid
Genre: Murder Mystery
Book Blurb:
Chandler Hammond’s wife says he and his hot Iranian girlfriend skipped out of their Maine town of Finderne with his company’s millions. But his sister thinks his wife murdered him and hires African-American detective James Early and his teenage son Tikki to find the truth. A Scandal at Crystalline follows them through an intriguing maze of unexpected encounters: financial shenanigans, two beautiful women who were sleeping with each other (and with Chandler Hammond), a police psychic, and a runaway kid in a remote mountain cabin. But things turn dark when their investigation forces them to consider the unimaginable—the sinister side of raku pottery.
My Review:
James Early loves being a detective but isn’t sure what to make of the disappearance of Chandler Hammond. When Chandler’s sister insists Chandler’s wife offed him, he takes the case. Seeking the help from a psychic to doing some old-fashioned digging of his own, things aren’t adding up. The more PI Early uncovers, the more he suspects Chandler’s wife and lover are in it together. But he needs proof. Just when he thinks he’s figured it out, he realizes the disposal of the body is unlike anything he’s ever witnessed. He’d better watch his step or he might be next.
A Scandal at Crystalline is an original in the murder mystery genre. Not only does it feature a litany of characters set in a small Maine town, but most of whom weren’t your stereotypical “mystery” characters. Each one had their own backstory and their own voice. A slow-moving plot adds to the small-town charm of this story. You’ll feel like part of the community when you’re finished reading.
What made this an original, though, was the ending. I won’t divulge what happens, but my mouth gaped open like a fish. I couldn’t believe it! Never in my life has a mystery ended like that.
If you’re looking for a diverse murder mystery with intriguing leap-off-the-page characters, pick up A Scandal at Crystalline today.
My Rating: 4 stars
Buy it Now:
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XRXG2M2
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07XRXG2M2
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XRXG2M2
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-scandal-at-crystalline-roslyn-reid/1132747393?ean=9781733707343
Author Biography:
Roslyn lives with her corgi, Great Pyrenees, and husband in Downeast Maine, where she gardens, lifts weights, hikes, and renovates houses.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @the_moonshadow
Publisher Twitter @fosterembry_pub
Reviewed by: Mrs. N