For their first wedding anniversary, Maria and Logan invest all their money in the purchase of a grand residence on a secluded lake in Tree Valley, California. The house needs a lot of renovation to become their dream of an inn. Soon after they snuggle into sleep one night, Maria hears the voice of a woman in the hall outside their bedroom. The voice says, “Find me.” Logan is already awake, drawn by the crash of his guitar falling from its stand downstairs.
Another married couple, Helen and Charles, live in the residence by the lake in 1924. They enjoy entertaining, and even though prohibition has been in effect for several years, they serve alcohol at their well-known parties. Because of this, they are sought out by a fanatical minister of the town’s Church of Hope, who warns them they are sinning in the eyes of God and will be punished.
As Maria continues to hear the woman’s voice and the guitar seems to hit the floor at night on a regular basis, she becomes determined to find out who the woman is. The ghost is not frightening to her and wants her help. Marie discovers that a former owner of the house, a woman named Helen, disappeared many years ago. She’d been presumed murdered, and Charles was accused of her murder and hung for his crime. She is certain the voice is Helen’s and that she is asking to be found to exonerate Charles. While Maria and Logan search the attic for furniture and other items that can be used to decorate the house, they also look diligently for her remains.
At the same time, a man in black breaks into their barn and kills all their chickens, his threats to them increasing over time. The sheriff is inclined to attribute it to hobos in the area. But Maria and Logan know they are faced with real danger and add locks and bars to the house and barn. They also know instinctively that the solution to their problem is finding Helen’s remains.
I loved the dual timeline of this book, the animals (two dogs and two cats) Maria and Logan adopt partially for protection ad partially for companionship, and the dogs ability to help Helen by conveying information about her whereabouts to their new owners. How can you resist a cat called Teacup? The tension builds in both timelines with the intrusion of the community’s church and the strangeness of the neighbors.
The author makes the house a character and rounds out the lives of both couples in great and interesting detail, highlighting their loves and plans for the future, which Charles and Helen, unfortunately, don’t have. All of D.L. Finn’s books are written with an underlying love for the characters and a gentleness even in the face of danger. I found lots of twists and unexpected turns that kept me turning the pages. This is a fun mystery that warms the heart.
I highly recommend it for any reader who likes ghosts, a dual timeline line, and a murder mystery.
About the author
D.L. Finn is an independent Californian who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. Being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.
You can find her
On twitter: @dlfinnauthor/X
On her website: https://dlfinnauthor.com
A terrific review, Noelle. Congratulations to Denise
Thanks John! and for stopping by to check out my review!
😁
It sounds intriguing and atmospheric. Great review, Noelle, and congratulations to the author!
Thanks, Olga. My reviews will never be as good as yours, though!
Dual timelines are a popular story format.
They are indeed. And popular with me, too!
I really enjoyed this one too – and that dual timeline works so well!
I thought you’d like it!
Thank you, Alex. I saw your wonderful review on vacation. Huge thanks xo
Terrific review Noelle and as you say the dual timeline certainly adds to the story.. ♥
Thanks so much, Sally!
Thanks, John 🙂
Thanks John 🙂
Thank you Olga xo
They are fun and I am glad I attempted one!
Thank you, Sally xo
Thank you for the review and post, Noelle. Wonderful to come back to from vacation. You have me smiling. Huge hugs. Xo
Happy to do so! Great read! The replies on my blog lately have been wonky – don’t worry about it. Thank you word press…
Thanks, John:)
Great review, Noelle! Congratulations, Denise! Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks Joy. I know you will enjoy the atmosphere!
Congrats, Denise!
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui!
This is hands down my favorite book from Denise to date! I loved the story and it is so well written. I enjoyed your great review, Noelle. Thank you for sharing and another congrats to Denise!
Thanks so much, Jan. Your endorsement is a big deal! I’m sure Denise will be pleased.
Another fantastic review, Noelle. I have this one on my TBR list. Congratulations, Denise! Well done.
Thank you, thank you! But thank the author. She’s a gem!
Nice summary and review, Noelle! Many thanks for sharing. I couldn’t find an Amazon link to buy it but I’ll look it up. Thanks again!
Thanks, Nicholas. I downloaded it to my Kindle so it has to be on Amazon somewhere!
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Thanks so much for your kind words!
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Not sure what exactly you mean, but I do my reviews fairly and look at both the good things and things that could be better.
Ny weekly I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Thanks!
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