OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Stone's Throw" by Debbie De Louise.]

A Stone’s Throw by Debbie De Louise is a fictional mystery with a little romance mixed in. The story is set in a small town in New York. The town of Cobble Cove is a quaint little town with a close-knit community, complete with cobblestone sidewalks. The main character Alicia Fairmont, a librarian, is recently widowed and has no family remaining, except one close friend. After her husband is suddenly killed in a hit and run, she is ready to find some answers to many questions she has about his absent family.

Alicia sets out to the small town of Cobble Cove to investigate her husbands’ family, as this is where her husband grew up. What she finds is a community that is kind and welcoming, especially a gentleman named John McKinney, who is a Cobble Cove native, and who Alicia almost instantly becomes enamored with. She had originally planned to only stay in Cobble Cove for a weekend, but her stay becomes extended upon her budding relationship with John. A very forward library director Shelia offers Alicia a position at the local library. Alicia begins to contemplate moving to the small town, that so easily feels like home, when she receives a call that sends her rushing back to Long Island, her house has been set on fire.

This is only where the mystery of this small town begins. The story moves forward as Alicia deals with the Long Island police as they try to determine the arsonist that set fire to her home. They soon discover the two events may be connected, but who would do such a thing to Alicia, she is just a librarian. As she gets closer to the answers that she so eagerly wants to know, she uncovers more mysteries in this small town, like John might just be involved in her husband’s death.

This story has a slow start, it seems there is a lot of history in reference to building the characters, developing the plot and the town of Cobble Cove. However I’m not sold that’s the reason. I think it has difficulty in grabbing the reader’s attention. More development in Alicia’s relationships at the beginning of the book (her best friend Gilly) would help. It is well written and keeps the reader interested in knowing more, the further into the storyline you read. Another thing I would like to see is the perspective of another character, the story is only written from Alicia Fairmont’s perspective, it would be interesting to hear more from another character.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I would consider this a good book, although it takes a while to unveil the mystery. Once it does though, I could not put it down and just wanted to continue to try to figure out the mysteries of the small town. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy and are looking for more of a romance than a mystery. The mystery keeps you guessing and is page turning but not until about three quarters of the way through. I enjoy my mysteries to be just that, from the first page to the last. I would not recommend this to readers who want excitement page after page.

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A Stone's Throw
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Like agreenwood's review? Post a comment saying so!

Considering what you said about this being a romance more than a mystery, others are seeing it as a cozy mystery. Would you classify it that way or as romantic suspense? How would you consider a sequel with the same pace?

I do like a good mystery book, however if that only takes off 3/4's of the way through to get to that style, this might not be the book for me. Good review. You've given a really good summary of the plot. Thanks

debbiewriter wrote:Considering what you said about this being a romance more than a mystery, others are seeing it as a cozy mystery. Would you classify it that way or as romantic suspense? How would you consider a sequel with the same pace?

I would consider this more of a cozy mystery as well. Also, I would consider reading a sequel with the same pace, it wasn't boring by any means it was interesting, just a bit of a slower read as I am used to reading action packed.

-- 23 Feb 2016, 08:27 --

Sarah G wrote:I do like a good mystery book, however if that only takes off 3/4's of the way through to get to that style, this might not be the book for me. Good review. You've given a really good summary of the plot. Thanks

I understand, as I mostly read the more action packed mysteries. However, this was a nice break from all the suspense and drama my usual genre provides. Thank you for the positive reaction to my review.

I prefer cosy mystery to action-packed one, when you cannot hear your own thoughts because of the guns firing.

chytach18- wrote:I prefer cosy mystery to action-packed one, when you cannot hear your own thoughts because of the guns firing.

Well @chytach18- you would likely enjoy this book!

Your review is very well-written and insightful. This books sounds like it would be right up my alley, so I'm going to add it to my reading list!