Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google +

This story didn't pull me in straightaway but I persevered and enjoyed it when I familiarized myself with the characters. The plot is political and covers the sensitive issue of abortion. There were no surprises everyone reacted as I expected.

Darla Cavannah is an interesting female detective with a tragic past. She moved to Jackson with her husband a pro-footballer forced to retire through injury. When he dies she stays even though much of the area's culture and population are alien to her.

The cast of support characters are well developed and often irritating but memorable. I felt some of the minor characters came across as stereotypical. As I am unfamiliar with this part of the U.S.A. I'm not sure if the characterizations and prejudices portrayed are realistic.

The romance between Stephen the gynaecologist at the centre of the anti-abortionists hate campaign and Darla is sweet with a happy ever after. As this is the first book in the series I think the romance reached its happy ever after too soon, I wonder where it will go in the next book.

There was a predictability about the plot and twists which may have been intentional I felt like I was reading an episode of 'Murder She Wrote' or 'Castle'. They were no real surprises but a reassuring familiarity.

That said it was an easy quick read and I would read another to see how Darla develops as a character.

I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Alibi via NetGalley in return for an honest review.