Book Review: Death at the Inn by Joan Hall (Harbor Point book series 7)@JoanHallWrites)

The Harbor Pointe Series is a collection of eight novellas by Story Empire authors. Each story takes place at the Harbor Pointe Inn in a fictional California town. See my reviews for the previous books in the series on this blog.

As with the previous six books in this series, the story did not disappoint. Up-and-coming actress, the beautiful Leah Meyers, argues with her fiancé and goes alone to their booking at the Harbor Pointe Inn, leaving Daryl Warren at home to wallow in regret over the end of his athletic career due to an injury. Then someone finds Leah’s body at the base of a cliff near the Inn. Her death is ruled a suicide, but not everyone believes this.

Five years later, Daryl, Leah’s psychologist, Leah’s brother, and her close friend Adele, who was at the Inn at the time of her death, serendipitously visit the inn on the anniversary of her death.

Deputy Brad Sherman, assistant to the lead detective on the original case, has always believed the suicide was not the cause of her death, that something was amiss with the lead investigator who reached his conclusion in a headlong fashion. When he learns Leah’s former acquaintances are staying at the inn, he decides to reopen the old case file.

The four guests soon learn their identities and share their belief that Leah was murdered or, at the very least, her death was an accident. Brad Sherman uses this opportunity to gather information for his investigation.

The story is very character driven: Kevin, her brother, is driven by revenge and the fact Leah’s family could not cope with her death. He thinks Daryl had something to do with it. Adele is engulfed in grief for her friend, and the psychologist is unconvinced that Leah committed suicide. Daryl is very likeable but has not moved on from Leah’s death. The author does an outstanding job of getting into their heads, as well as creating a memorable setting against which this mystery unfolds.

The author involves these friends and the deputy in a very natural way to pick apart truth from fiction and unveil what really happened. Lots of twist and turns keep the reader guessing.

 Death at the Inn is an admirable addition to the Harbor Pointe series. Romance and mystery against a spectacular and ominous setting – perfect! I highly recommend it!

About the author:

Joan Hall has always enjoyed reading or listening to stories about inexplicable events, so it’s not surprising she writes mystery and romantic suspense. A lover of classic rock music, songs often serve as the inspiration for her books. When she’s not writing, Joan likes to observe the night skies, explore old cemeteries, and learn about legends and folklore. She and her husband live in Texas with their two cats.

You can visit her at her website, http://JoanHall.net.