‘Murder Will Out’ by Jennifer K. Breedlove; Minotaur; 336 pages; $28
The Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Contest has helped launch the careers of strong writers such as Jess Armstrong and Joanna Schaffhausen.
Add to that list the latest winner: Jennifer K. Breedlove, whose clever debut “Murder Will Out” effectively combines the locked room mystery with small town secrets, family drama and a soupçon of the supernatural. Plus, a vivid scenery — in this case, Maine — and a rambling old house, both of which become characters as well.
When she was a child, Willow Stone spent every summer with her godmother, Sue David, on Little North Island, just off the coast of Maine. Her parents were more interested in traveling and being alone with each other, and Sue enjoyed spending time with the bright, curious Willow.
But when she was 13, her parents cut off all contact with Sue, never allowing any communication between them. Until now, 15 years later, when Willow gets a letter from Sue, asking her to come to Little North Island for her wedding. Willow, now living in Chicago, learns that Sue died a few days after sending the letter. To pay her respects, Willow returns to Maine to attend the funeral, finding a town in upheaval.
At the center of disputes, jealousy and revenge is Cameron House, which started as a humble home but grew into a mansion with a warren of rooms. Its ownership is now in contention.
As Willow learns more about Sue, her last days and the woman she was planning to marry, she wonders if the fall that killed her godmother was an accident or murder. She also wonders about the death of the last owner, Effie Cameron, who died at age 99, leaving Sue the house instead of her surviving nephew.
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Willow finds antagonism among several residents but also a few friends, as well as help from the generations of ghosts who inhabit Cameron House. Breedlove realistically weaves in these ghosts, making the paranormal aspect an intriguing aspect.
“Murder Will Out,” whose title is based on a Chaucer quote, also delves into questions of legacy, inheritance and out-of-control development.
The author firmly keeps “Murder Will Out” in the cozy/amateur sleuth category while adding depth of character. We hope this is the start of a long series.
