Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon on September 5, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Family Life / General, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / General, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths, Fiction / Women
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
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If you are looking for a cozy Whodunit mystery this is for you! This wasn’t really a thriller, but more of a nice, comfortable ride to find out who the bad guy was with your family members who you love, but don’t always like.
In the heartwarming tale of “Mother-Daughter Murder Night,” we’re introduced to Lana Rubicon, a resilient woman facing life’s challenges head-on. Her estranged relationship with her daughter, Beth, and her teenage granddaughter, the diminutive and spirited Jack—short for Jacqueline Avital Santos Rubicon, affectionately known as ‘Tiny’ due to her petite stature—takes a dramatic turn when Lana’s battle with cancer brings them together once more.
Relocating from her upscale Los Angeles condominium to Beth and Jack’s modest bungalow overlooking the serene Elkhorn Slough on Monterey Bay marks a pivotal moment in their fractured family dynamic. Amidst the uncertainties of Lana’s medical journey—initial surgery, followed by months of grueling chemotherapy—the Rubicon trio finds themselves in an unexpected situation.
During her convalescence, Lana, confined by boredom, becomes an unwitting observer, gazing through binoculars from her window. One fateful night, she witnesses a mysterious figure wheeling a wheelbarrow down the hill towards the slough—an ominous sight that sets the stage for intrigue and suspense.
The following day takes a sinister turn when Jack, leading a kayaking tour, stumbles upon a lifeless body in the slough. The ensuing police scrutiny thrusts Jack into the spotlight as the primary suspect. Fueled by a mix of indignation and maternal protection, Lana resolves to delve into her own investigation. With Beth and Jack rallying alongside her, the trio becomes an unlikely team of sleuths, determined to unravel the tangled web of secrets lurking within their tranquil neighborhood.
“Mother-Daughter Murder Night” is not just a gripping cozy mystery with moments of light-hearted humor; it’s a poignant exploration of family dynamics amidst adversity. Lana, with her flamboyant wigs, penchant for spiked heels, and unwavering determination, emerges as a compelling and unforgettable character.
This debut novel by a talented California author carries a profound personal resonance, as it was crafted during a time when the author grappled with her own mother’s cancer diagnosis. The book became a shared project between them, a source of joy and focus during challenging times. For deeper insight into this touching story’s origins, be sure to read the author’s Acknowledgments at the end of the book.