The House by the Cemetery by Lisa Childs

 

What do you think about cemeteries?  Peaceful or scary?  I think they are peaceful, but I know that they scare a lot of people.

River Gold has returned to her hometown of Gold Creek Michigan at the death of her father, Gregory Gold.  Gregory Gold was an entrepreneur funeral home owner.  His original funeral home was in Gold Creek, but he has started a chain of funeral homes across the country that has brought him great wealth.  Gregory was also extremely vain and a womanizer. River’s mother, Fiona, is his last and current wife.  His first two wives still live in the family compound. When River was a pregnant teen, she escaped from Gold Creek and carved a life out for herself in California with her daughter Sarah, and Grandma, Mabel.  She has always wondered what happened to her high school love and Sarah’s father, Michael.  Why didn’t he meet her when she was going to leave town?  Michael’s brother, Luke, is now the Sheriff and is investing Gregory’s death as a murder.  Who murdered Gregory and why? 

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a perfect read for this time of year.  It had just the right amount of suspense, spookiness, and romance.

·       This was the type of novel where there were many in the family who wanted to kill Gregory for good reason.  I did not guess the killer in this one. 

·       I loved the cover and use of purple.

·       I especially liked that there was a family tree at the beginning of the novel.  I made use of it often as I got to know the characters.

·       There was one mystery I kept wondering about throughout the novel that got a semi-conclusion in the epilogue.  I hope there is a book two to flesh out this story more.

·       This was a quick read, which I loved in this busy time of year.

·       The story was told through multiple narrators including the killer at times.  I could have done without the killer’s thoughts.

·       I enjoyed the family drama and especially liked River, Luke, and Sarah.

Overall, this was an enjoyable light spooky mystery suspense novel that was perfect for the Halloween season.

Book Source:  Review copy from Kensington Books. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.