The tri-part plot of Julia Spencer-Fleming's HID FROM OUR EYES reminds me of a three-ring circus, or perhaps Flora Joy's Trispective: the 3-n-1 Quilt, in which the picture changes with a change in viewer’s position. I did have to remind myself which plot was which, but dates and clear writing helped. At the end, I slapped my forehead with an “I should have seen that” reaction, clues there but not obvious, just as I like them.
Besides the triple murders, decades apart, there are other issues to complicate life. Caring for baby makes it hard to schedule work obligations, and the doctor suggests that the erratic routine and stress might be upsetting baby Ethan. Perhaps the new intern, who brings her own problems, can help lighten Clare’s schedule? In addition, the town is dealing with a proposal to eliminate the local police department, and there is pressure from wealthy, powerful persons to replace Russ as Chief, (just another example of the way the rich and powerful treat others as less important, disposable). Kevin’s back, bringing a new set of problems and a lawsuit from Hadley’s vicious ex. Most delightful, we get to see Margy as more than just Russ’s firebrand mother.
I love the twisty plot, the interactions of caring characters, the descriptions (I almost felt summer’s heat despite the cold and snow here in the “real” world). I do not love cliffhanger endings. If you don’t either, save the Epilogue to read when the next book comes out . . . already anticipating that happy event.
Besides the triple murders, decades apart, there are other issues to complicate life. Caring for baby makes it hard to schedule work obligations, and the doctor suggests that the erratic routine and stress might be upsetting baby Ethan. Perhaps the new intern, who brings her own problems, can help lighten Clare’s schedule? In addition, the town is dealing with a proposal to eliminate the local police department, and there is pressure from wealthy, powerful persons to replace Russ as Chief, (just another example of the way the rich and powerful treat others as less important, disposable). Kevin’s back, bringing a new set of problems and a lawsuit from Hadley’s vicious ex. Most delightful, we get to see Margy as more than just Russ’s firebrand mother.
I love the twisty plot, the interactions of caring characters, the descriptions (I almost felt summer’s heat despite the cold and snow here in the “real” world). I do not love cliffhanger endings. If you don’t either, save the Epilogue to read when the next book comes out . . . already anticipating that happy event.