As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher or author to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are always 100% my own.
In the late 60s, the 3 teens were inseparable. Frances, Rose and Emily borrowed each other’s clothes, went on double and triple dates together, and attended the fair that fateful day when Frances received a disturbing fortune telling her that her destiny was dry bones. Although Emily is the one who disappears, Frances lives her long life convinced that someone, some day, will kill her.
Sadly the prediction comes true. Annie, her great-niece, receives word that she will inherit something and is asked to come and meet her. But when Frances doesn’t arrive at her lawyer’s office, Annie and the others go looking for her, only to find her body in the library. Annie and a nephew by marriage are told if they can solve the case in a week, they’ll inherit Frances’ considerable estate. If not, the land will be sold and developed. No pressure, right?
Annie is helped by the fact that she has Frances’ diary from those fateful years when Emily first went missing. She visits Rose, the last of the 3, and Rose gifts her with a photo album which helps fill in some clues. As she roams around meeting the locals and trying to piece things together, she hatches a daring plan. If it works, she’ll solve the case and get a confession. But if it doesn’t, she might just be handing things off to the nephew, and possibly dying in the process.
How to Solve your own Murder is such a fun book! I really enjoyed it. It doles out clues in good time, so that you’re keeping track with Annie but not running ahead. Frances and Annie are believable and likable, and the ending is satisfying. Highly recommended!