TROUBLE'S TURN TO LOSE

In Boyer’s mystery novel, a private investigator sets out to prove the innocence of a client accused of murdering her employer.

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, the ghost of Hadley Cooper’s mother, Vivienne, who had died nearly 25 years before, appears before her at daybreak. Vivienne apologizes and asks for Hadley’s forgiveness, then asks Hadley to help “her,” not specifying who Hadley is supposed to assist. Hadley, a middle-aged private investigator, lives in Charleston County, South Carolina, which is known for hauntings, but she struggles to believe that her mother really visited her from beyond the veil. Later that day, Hadley meets a prospective client named Carolyn Talbot. Carolyn volunteers at a local nonprofit that assists single mothers; one of their clients, Bridget Donovan, has been arrested as the prime suspect in the recent murder of the wealthy, older socialite Patricia Gaillard, for whom Bridget worked as a maid. The murder weapon and one of Patricia’s diamond necklaces were found in Bridget’s car, but she maintains that she’s innocent. Despite the fact that Hadley’s boyfriend, Walker Cassius “Cash” Reynolds, is the lead detective in the murder investigation, she takes on Bridget’s case. Suspects on Hadley’s radar include Patricia’s secretary, Scarlett Hathaway; her late husband’s illegitimate son, Chalmers Gaillard III; and even her own sister, Corinne Barnwell. During the investigation, Hadley uncovers long-kept secrets from Patricia’s life…a few of which are connected to her own. Boyer delivers a well-drawn mystery that will keep readers guessing until the conclusion. While the investigation is compelling on its own, subplots involving Hadley’s personal life, including the friction that the investigation causes in her relationship with Cash (“we both said this wasn't good for us”), allow for more complex character development. The ghosts sprinkled throughout the book add a supernatural element that many will enjoy. Hadley is a smart and capable protagonist and narrator; her associates and friends are equally well developed. Readers will especially appreciate Hadley’s strong, supportive, and collaborative relationships with other women.

A well-executed murder mystery featuring smart women, strong friendships, and ghosts.