Unlovable people plague Christine Sterling’s world. Most difficult of all is Amanda Colter, a surly Goth teenager accused of murdering prominent Nevada City matron, Bessie Parrish.
When Christine answers Amanda’s call for help, she is thrust into a frightening and unfamiliar world populated by misfits and outcasts. In her zeal to help Amanda, she must face the ugliness of her own prejudiced heart. That means she must decide whether to run from those who live on the fringes or to give up her judgmental attitude and instead embrace God’s command to love the unlovely.
As Christine investigates the puzzling events leading to Mrs. Parrish’s murder, incriminating evidence piles up, which points squarely to Amanda’s guilt. Amanda refuses to defend herself. Can Christine find a way to exonerate Amanda? Should she even try? And how does the mysterious malady contracted by Molly, Christine’s beloved border collie, complicate the quest?
Praise and Reviews
Quarter finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest
I approached her to let her know that my best friend and I have a Christian Women's book club and would love to review her book. I was thrilled when I received my copy in the mail. I was happy to know that I did not have to have read the other two in order to read this one, as it could be read as a stand alone. It would have been better so I could have gotten to know the character of Christine Sterling much better.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story, I liked the way the author showed how the youth today react to the adults and vice versa. It is so true of life and I believe that with more communication and acceptance, there wouldn't be so many barriers between them. So many adults today forget what it was like to be young and have the stress and struggles along with the added family problems. I enjoyed the friendship Christine had with Zora Jane. She was a REAL friend, one who will tell here like it was and not apologize about it. She was the type of friend where the saying is true, "A true friend knows everything about you and loves you anyways!". I loved her boldness for Christ. It was refreshing and encouraging. We all need a friend like her.
I got a laugh out of Christine's relationship with her husband, obviously after their many years of marriage, Jesse understands and tolerates his wife's behavior, but she definitely pushes the limits of sneakiness and manipulation. Relentless is an understatement when it comes to Christine, no matter how many times the detectives tell her to back off the case.
Christine's character reminds me of a modern day Agatha Christie. I was happy with the way the story came together, it was unpredictable, and kept me guessing up until the reveal. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with some humor thrown in as well! I look forward to the next project that Catherine has in the works, she is so very talented!
Christine Sterling is the nosy neighbor/compassionate do-gooder type, and she keeps getting involved in these murder mysteries. Even little old ladies can't die in peaceful sleep when she's around.
There's that. And then there's the goth teenager, Amber, who disappears and becomes the principle suspect. At least of the police. Christine, on the other hand becomes the principle suspect of the other goths when she starts trying to find Amber.
As usual, everyone is trying to tell Christine to stay out of the investigation--the police, her best friend, and her long-suffering husband, Jesse. But does she?
Silly question. Of course not.
The big question is, will she survive her snooping--er, sleuthing? The Good Lord only knows, and He ain't telling. Neither will Catherine. At least not until the end of the book.
I gave this book 4/5 stars. The characters were well developed and easy to root for. The conversations were believable and helped the story move quickly. It is told in the first person which at times became tedious. Overall I enjoyed the story but do not think I would read it again.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Catherine Leggitt and waiting for her next new one that is in the works:-)