True Crime Story: A Novel
by Joseph Knox
Crime story deluxe (4/16/2022)
Written in interview style, the story centers on a missing girl, Zoe. Her sister is caught up in a complex story of the disappearance as are Zoe's friends. Each chapter ends with emails between the author of The Story and a friend who offers suggestions.
The roles are clearly defined and even with the ending all receive sympathy. Excellent read. Written so the movie will be easy to do.
Black Widows: A Novel
by Cate Quinn
black widows a complex mystery (1/13/2021)
Three women each married to Blake Nelson in a plural marriage. Living out in the northern wilderness of Utah this family is isolated from the rest of the world.
Blake is found murdered at his fishing hole and the wives are the first to be accused. Rachel, the first wife is not like by the other wives and runs the family.
Tina the 2nd sister wife is from Vegsa and will lead the sisters to find the real murder.
Emily the 3rd sister wife is charged with the murder. She sees herself as Cagney in the TV story and tries to help police solve the crime. The police, the mother of Blake and Homestead, a cult location all play major roles in the plot.
This is an interesting view of the practice that the Mormon Church long discredited. The sister wives find they must work together to overcome both the basis of the practice and the attitude of the police. Emily is key in this process.
I found the book enjoyable and not until the end do you begin to see the murderer. Thought the ending a bit too good to be true. Recommended for a pleasant day of reading.
