Writer - Karen Sandler
Series - Janelle Watkins, PI #1
Published By - Angry Robots
First things first, I got this book from NetGalley, so thank you netgalley and Angry Robots for this opportunity.
For a mystery/thriller book that is written in first person the main character needs to be unique and interesting to drive the story and 'Hangtown' has that for sure. Janelle is a fascinating character with a haunting past; strong exterior; deep seated psychological issues and quick wits. Although the last part of the suspense & thrill does not really match that beginning and middle part, 'Karen Sandler' does write her characters well and that makes up for the somewhat disappointing resolution of the conflict. But although the murder-mystery is solved by the end, the story of Janelle is not quite finished yet and that will surely bring back readers for the next novels in the series.
The story starts as Janelle finds an apparent suicide scene in a part of her property, and then another person goes missing. She suspects this two incidents has a connection and tries to investigate with her on and off lover Ken (who is the Sheriff of Greenville). And some other deaths and near deaths also occurs which also appears as if accidental or suicidal but slowly we go on a journey with Janelle as she reveals a crime that goes back some years. Also someone from her past is sending her cryptic messages and seems to be searching for her.
The story is driven by Janelle and her flawed yet strong character really shines throughout. We get to learn more of her tragic past and struggle with her as she tries to overcome her psychological issues. Ken is kind of a one dimensional character but he has his moments too. The setting of a small town story is enjoyable specially as we get to see it through Janelle's eyes. The various twists and turns of the mystery keeps you guessing but sadly the revealing of the main antagonist was rather anti-climatic and the overall motives for the crime seemed a bit farfetched although the bulid up to it was quite a fun ride.
Hopefully the writer keeps on writing about Janelle as I am very impressed with this character and would love to read more of her stories. So it is kinda fortunate that I haven't read the first novel of this series which I am surely gonna enjoy.
3.5 out of 5 stars from me.
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