Skeletons in the Attic by Judy Penz Sheluk is the first book in the NEW “Marketville” mystery series. Publisher: Imajin Books, August 2016
What goes on behind closed doors doesn’t always stay there.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable isn’t surprised to learn she’s the sole beneficiary of her late father’s estate, though she is shocked to discover she has inherited a house in the town of Marketville—a house she didn’t know existed. However, there are conditions attached to Callie’s inheritance: she must move to Marketville, live in the house, and solve her mother’s murder.
Callie’s not keen on dredging up a thirty-year-old mystery, but if she doesn’t do it, there’s a scheming psychic named Misty Rivers who is more than happy to expose the Barnstable family secrets. Determined to thwart Misty and fulfill her father’s wishes, Callie accepts the challenge. But is she ready to face the skeletons hidden in the attic?
Her father’s sudden death. Her mother’s disappearance from long ago. Inheriting the house where her childhood began. These items all connect to the journey that Callie must face and boy what a can of worms this roller-coaster ride opened in this debut series.
This was a fast-paced and riveting drama that quickly became a page turner as I had to know what happened long ago and what the outcome will be once Callie began her investigation. There’s a lot of buried secrets and one by one they are exposed which leads Callie to keep on digging, which makes her one determined heroine. The intrigue, the action and the suspense kept me glued to the pages and when I thought I had a handle on the situation, the author pulled the carpeting right under my feet.
The author had a way with the narrative that put me smack dab in the middle of what was going on and the closer Callie got to the truth the more I could not put this book down. All the pertinent characters played pivotal roles that enhanced the telling of this tale and when it was over, the author did one thing better that was absolutely perfect and all I could say was OMG, I did not see that coming and wow. This was a terrific read and I can’t wait to read the next book to see where we go after we are left with that ending.
There is nothing more wonderful than waking up on a Sunday morning to find a great review of my book on Dru’s Book Musings. Words like “terrific read” are sweeter than chocolate and even more satisfying (and I really love chocolate). Thank you, Dru Ann, for making my day, my week, and my month.
This sounds like a terrific series and I will add it to my wish list for sure. Thank you for. telling me about it.
Thank you Cynthia.
Definitely agree…Skeletons in the Attic is a terrific read and an excellent start to a new series. Congrats Judy!
Thank you Joanne.
Judy, Congratulations on Dru’s wonderful review. This is a book I have to read.
Nancy G. West
Thank you Nancy…you are my hero…the established author who took the time to talk to me as a nervous first-time panelist at Bouchercon — in the hotel hallway, no less. Forever grateful.
This one is on my list, and hopefully I will read it soon! Thanks for your blog Dru Ann! It sounds great!
Thank you Barbara…I believe you can read the first 4 chapters free on Amazon.
Great review – thanks. This sounds like a great read and intriguing premise, and sounds like an interesting start to a new series.
I am so excited about this review, so thank you…
I just finished this book yesterday and totally agree with Dru’s praise. It’s a great start to what I hope is a major series. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next.
John, thank you so much! I hope you’ll be able to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Great reviews are better than chocolate, ice cream and potato chips to an author! (not that I eat potato chips on my ice cream).
After reading your review, I knew I just had to get this book. Just downloaded it and can’t wait to start reading! Thanks, Dru!!
Thank you Linda…I hope you enjoy the book. Do let me know!
Sounds like a great book!
Thank you Janet. I am so thrilled Dru Ann liked it! Made my month.
Sounds like an amazing read.
Thanks Dianne!
Wouldn’t mind owning this little gem.
Thanks Kicha! It’s still on Kindle for .99 — reg. price is $4.99, not sure when the publisher will take it off, my guess is very soon!