Where The Light Shines Through by Kathleen Bailey

Series Name: Olivia Penn Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy
Release: November 2021

Olivia’s syndicated advice column is about solving problems . . . not murders. But when she returns to her hometown of Apple Station in Virginia to visit her dad, she has five days to expose a killer or fall prey as the next victim.

Olivia had planned for a week of rest and relaxation before her move to New York for a promotion and a chance to pursue her publishing dreams. Within hours of arriving home, her world changes forever with the death of someone dear. A promise to a grieving mother leads her to uncover secrets from the past that put her life in danger, leaving her at a crossroads. Does she risk investigating further or settle for the security of the life that awaits? Will she chase after what she thinks she wants or listen to what her heart needs?

With the support of friends and family, a tenuous alliance with the lead police detective, and the bravery of an intrepid beagle, she races to protect her dad, rescue an unlikely ally, and bring a murderer to justice.

When all seems lost, will Olivia summon the strength and courage she needs to see where the light shines through?

If you grew up reading Nancy Drew, you’ll love this cozy mystery that entertains with heart and humor amid a charming cast of quirky characters set in a small Southern town.

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Dru’s Short Musing:
This was a delightfully charming read that I could not put down until all was said and done.

The author knows how to tell a story where the tone was comfortable and the multi-plot whodunit had all the elements to keep me enthralled from beginning to end. The main protagonist returns home to visit her father, after running into an old friend, she is murdered, and the prime suspect is another one of her childhood friends. Determined to prove that he did not commit this crime, Liv starts asking questions and suddenly finds herself in harms way. Along the way, we get to meet the residents of Apple Station, one of whom is the killer, hiding in plain sight. There were a few plots twists where we learn more about what is going on and one that would lead to the killer’s identity, one that surprised Liv more than she thought possible. A nice setup and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the author.