Overall a reasonable read. Not too taxing though the complexity of the character cast was a constant challenge. There are over a dozen names to keep track of. The author has clearly set out to intentionally confound the reader reflecting the chaos the police are trying to come to grips with. It is interesting, initially, but after a while impacts on the story’s flow. A family chart might have been helpful. Some nice images of the country are interspersed like rest stops on a freeway so you can catch your breath reflecting on whose who and whodunnit. Will need to read some more of her work but hopefully, the chaos of this one is not thematic of her others. Let’s see.

From Goodreads – It is with mixed motives that Karen Slocombe’s cousin Penn pays her a visit one summer Sunday. Not only does Penn want to renew contact with a relative not seen since childhood, but she is also looking for help with the disappearance of Justine, another cousin. Drew Slocombe’s reputation for unravelling such mysteries is widespread and Penn hopes he and Karen can be of assistance. Justine s mother, Roman Millan, an avid beekeeper, claims to be unconcerned at her daughter s disappearance. Roma s husband, Laurie, however, believes otherwise, although he is not aware of the tangle of family secrets that led to a five-year estrangement between Roma and Justine.”