“Barbara Petty has written a riveting mystery reminiscent of Psycho. Somewhere, Hitchcock is smiling. And to think, this is just the first of the Thea Browne Mysteries.”—J.M. LeDuc, author of the Sinclair O’Malley series“A gripping drama unfolds as Barbara Petty explores the tensions between a woman with Alzheimer’s accused of an unspeakable crime, and her daughter, an investigative reporter … investigative reporter determined to clear her mother’s name. Well worth the read.”
—Sheila Lowe, author of the Forensic Handwriting Mystery series
In a small Midwestern town, on a cold, blustery March day, a man plunges to his death off a high, rocky cliff, setting in motion a string of events that lead to murders and rips open the long-hidden secrets of the town’s most prominent family…
The man is George Prentice, and the woman the police suspect of murdering him is his wife, Daphne. But Daphne has Alzheimer’s and, as she is likely to be incompetent to stand trial, has not been arrested.
Daphne’s daughter, Thea Browne, is a trained investigative reporter, who is furious that the police haven’t bothered to look any further for a culprit other than her mother. She suspects her stepfather made enemies when meddling in local politics and, according to one of his cronies, George wrote a memoir threatening to “blow the lid off this town.”
As Thea follows her own investigation, she discovers a widening circle of suspects, some much closer to home than she expected. Even her best friend from childhood, Annie Biggs, seems to be keeping a deep dark secret that she refuses to share with Thea.
More murders push Thea to the point where protecting her mother forces her to put her own life on the line to track down a diabolical killer.
“Thea Browne returns to her small hometown to discover nothing is at it seems. Struggling with the death of her beloved stepfather and her mother’s Alzheimer’s, she becomes caught in a web of intrigue as events from the past lead to danger in the present. A must read.”
—Mike Befeler, author of “Mystery of the Dinner Playhouse” and the Paul Jacobson Geezer-lit Mystery series
“Petty builds a strong character and supporting actors in this compelling story.”
—Peg Brantley, award finalist for “The Sacrifice”
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I loved the mystery tied into a dysfunctional set of relationships that focus on the dementia affecting the main character’s mother. Lots of things happening, lots of questions and speculation, and a peek into how a child cares for an ailing parent.
I’m not very comfortable with writing negative reviews, however this is so far from a Hitchcock Psycho thriller I have no choice.
The question is why does George care so much about the private life of someone he knows and dislikes intensely when he has more than enough to do caring for his wife who has Alzheimer illness. When George dies Thea comes home to care for her mother. She sees Georges’ death as suspicious. The numerous suspicious deaths continue but nothing makes sense after this point. When you finally at long last find out the why it is so totally ridiculous! Don’t waste your time on this one
Did Mother, who suffers from dementia, push her husband off a cliff? Or is someone hoping Mother is just a convenient fall-guy? Read this book to find the answer!
I enjoyed this book and was happy with the ending. Thought both Thea and Annie strong characters.
Really enjoyed this book. Held my attention throughout.
An interesting read about family relationships in the face of Dementia and the secrets held for years in small towns. Personalities, positive and negative, can interfer with life. The romantic ending seemed a little “out of the blue.” in wrapping up the story.
This book was a real good page turner. Kept me totally captivated.
Had a hard time keeping my attention but will try to read it again at a later date.
reminded me of old Perry Mason story lines….with multiple who done its
Enjoyed author’s writing style. great character development
Unexpected ending.
Good book !!
Aside from being a mesmerizing whodoneit, it gave meaningful insight to the behavior of Alzheimer’s patients. The care and distraction strategies would be of interest and helpful for anyone dealing with a loved one suffering from dementia.
This book handled the mystery so well I wanted to find more work by this author.
Very good, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Slow moving, but good plot.
This had a great surprise ending. Good read.
Kept me turning the pages
I will probably read it again
This book kept me interested till the very end.
Loved it.