Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Review: The Trouble with Charlie by Merry Jones

Synopsis:
The biggest trouble with Charlie is that he's dead. His soon-to-be-ex-wife, Elle Harrison, comes home from a night out with friends to find his body in her den, her kitchen knife in his back. And, oddly, Elle has no memory of her activities during the time he was killed.
Another trouble with Charlie is that, even though he's dead, he doesn't seem to be gone. Elle senses Charlie's presence--a gentle kiss on the neck, the scent of his aftershave wafting through the house, a rose that seems to move from room to room on its own. And a shadow that appears to accuse her of murder--and with whom she argues.
In the process of trying to prove her innocence, Elle investigates Charlie's death--and his life. A psychiatrist diagnoses her with a dissociative disorder that causes her to "space out" especially when she's under stress. This might explain the gap in her memory, but it doesn't clear her.
As Elle continues to look into Charlie's life, she uncovers more and more trouble--an obsessed woman who might have been his lover. Siblings with unresolved bitter issues. A slimy untrustworthy business partner. And wealthy clients with twisted, horrific appetites.
Before she knows it, Elle is involved in more murders, a struggle for her life, and a revived relationship with Charlie, whom--for all his troubles--she has come to appreciate and love only after his death.

My thoughts:  
This was a great read.  The plot is suspenseful, intriguing and twisted.  There were times when I wondered if I were the crazy person!  I was on the edge of my seat to the very end trying to figure out who the killer was!  This book is well written, original and clever.  The characters are well built and believable.    It is fast paced, multifaceted and has a depth you wouldn't expect.  Even at the end, when you know who killed Charlie - you are left wondering who was guilty of what. 
    **I received this book at no cost in exchange for an honest review and participation in the virtual book tour ~ my post date is tomorrow.