This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Kelly Allen
In 1959, Bambi falls head over heels for Felix, a charming businessman with low morals. They marry and over the years they have three children. In 1976, Felix flees his home because he is facing several years in prison, following his dodgy business deals. Bambi has no idea where Felix plans to go, but his mistress Julie is the one person he trusts to help him get out of town safely.
Ten years after Felix leaves his family behind, Julie is reported missing, but everyone presumes that she has joined Felix. However, when her remains are found in the local woodland, the investigation becomes stale and the case is shelved.
Years after Julie’s disappearance, the case is re-opened by Roberto Sanchez, also known by the name Sandy. He works through the case and re-interviews all witnesses, family and friends. When he begins to piece the story together, he realises there are many suspects, but only one murderer.
I found this book very interesting and also different to a lot of the modern literature out there. I didn’t really attach myself to any of the characters except Sandy; he seemed lost and when he starts to delve into the case he begins to grow and change and become the man he once was so long ago.
I really liked the relationships between Bambi’s daughters and their competitive streaks that never seem to grow old. The dynamics between all characters worked really well, and I couldn’t work out who the murderer was because of the many layers of anger and resentment towards Felix and Julie.The story dips in and out of the years and from different points of view, which can sometimes be hard to keep track of, but it works well to piece the story together. I found the amount of characters slightly overwhelming, but after a few chapters I began to understand the character dimensions, relationships and secrets.
It was refreshing to read a murder mystery story, since this is not my preferred genre, but I was not disappointed.
A great late night read that will keep you guessing!
7/10