After writing an impressive collection of romantic fiction, author Barbara Wallace decided to try her hand at cozy mysteries. And I'm SO happy she did!
THE SUBURBS HAVE SECRETS is an adorable cozy debut, filled with likable (and bitchy!) characters, a very sexy chief of police, a Boston suburb much like my own, and a lot of coffee from the local cafe.
In fact, this town is so very similar to my own Boston 'burb, I sometimes felt like Barb was in our very own Starbucks.
My town also has the gorgeous blonde mummies in their big black SUVs filling up a French Roast frequently throughout the day.
And I know for a fact they have secrets, too!
Not as exciting as the secrets in Barb's book, however.
My favorite things about this book?
1. Sadie the heroine
She is a widow who is struggling with a career in real estate and firmly enmeshed in the suburban lifestyle...sort of against her will. She is likable and authentic, and I love her witty and often snarky observations about life in the 'burbs.
2. Chief of Police Dan Bartlett
Yum! Super yum! The sexy new police chief is a romantic interest for Sadie, and their sexual chemistry is delicious. I love how he gets all protective of her. My favorite kind of fictional hero!
3. The town
I love the juxtaposition of pretty tree-lined streets and Boston 'burb charm with the sometimes sleazy stuff that goes on behind closed doors. Nice contrast. And perfect setting for mysteries!
4. The Bitchy Girls
This is so spot-on it's scary. Tight yoga pants and plenty of mean girl-attitude make for LOTS of possible suspects in a murder mystery.
5. Sadie's side-kicks: her best buddy Rob and her son Tim
I don't want to spoil all the quirky details in this book, but suffice it to say Rob--who is a flirty British billionaire--has a hilarious secret of his own. And Tim is the son with an interest in prepping survival skills. I hope they get more air-time in the next book. Both have a ton of potential for this series.
6. The fantastic and unexpected twist at the end
IT'S A SECRET I CAN'T TELL YOU.
I loved it.
THE SUBURBS HAVE SECRETS has all my favorite things in one cozy mystery...an intriguing setting, an adorable heroine, pitch-perfect writing and a nice tight plot, lots of colorful characters, spots of snarky humor that made me laugh out loud, and best of all...for this romance-lover!...a budding romance with a delicious and protective hero. SWOONY!
Grade: A
I cannot wait for the next installment!
Off for my afternoon Starbucks French Roast...
Nina/Penny
Want to buy a copy?
Find it at Amazon!
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