Ten years ago, Grace Sebold was convicted of murdering her boyfriend, Julian Crist, while they were attending her friend’s wedding in St. Lucia. She reached out to Sidney Ryan for help, a true crime documentarian of rising fame whose work was directly responsible for helping to free three wrongly convicted people. After some preliminary research, Sidney decides that maybe there’s something to Grace’s claim of innocence and develops the network series, The Girl of Sugar Beach, which chronicles her investigation in real time each week.
This was an utterly fascinating story that begins with Julian’s murder, told from the murderer’s first person account. We just don’t know who that person is but that voice stays with you throughout. There’s the build up during the investigation that makes it clear that there is compelling evidence to support Grace’s claim of innocence. At the same time, there’s also lots of information given about others who might have committed the crime. There are lots of red herrings, some I fell for and others I didn’t but in the end, I was ill prepared for that shocking twist. I literally was listening with my jaw dropped wide open. Did. Not. See. That. Coming.
I loved how the narrator focused on telling the story without a lot of drama. There was enough of that in the writing and she delivered it with a perfect pitch.
It is rare that I’m caught so completely off guard in a story. Yes, I’ve read books with big twists but normally the writers haven’t included enough clues to give you a shot at figuring it out on your own. This is one of those where you also shout, “But, of course!” even though you never felt that way before the conclusion. Then there’s a twist on the twist! What an absolutely cleverly written story, very Hitchcockian in its ending. Donlea is now an auto read for me.
Book Info
- Release Date: July 6, 2018
- Narrator: Nina Alvamar
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 52 minutes
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(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Blue Mood Café 
Yes, those twists! Gosh! Terrific review, Jonetta! I’ll read everything he writes, too!
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Thanks, Jennifer! I’m now sold on this author. Three’s the charm.
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I bought this ages ago and still haven’t read it! Great review!
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Thanks, Eva! This is my third book by the author and he’s no longer a one-book phenomenon. His writing is consistent and his stories compelling. I’d move him closer to the top of your list.
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This book was my introduction to Donlea. I need to get to more of his works. Great review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce! His other two books were equally as interesting.
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Just the setting alone sounds good!
I just finished re-watching Death In Paradise and in one episode they visited St Lucia and it’s such a cool place!
Love the sound of the Hitchcock vibes too! ❤
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The author has a section on his website where he talks about the inspiration for the St. Lucia setting. Yes, that ending very much has that Hitchcock thing going on.
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This was a good one! I was taken by surprise at one point too 😊
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I think everyone who read this book had to be surprised!
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Wonderful review! I haven’t read anything by Charlie Donlea. Sounds like an author to check out.
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Oh, Darinda, start anywhere! He’s written three books and this is the third. I will say that there’s a character in this one who was introduced in his book, Summit Lake. However, I didn’t remember that until one of my friends mentioned it so I don’t think order makes a difference. There was no other connection and I’ve read all three.
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Thanks, Jonetta! Good to know. I checked, and my library doesn’t have his books. I’ll add him to my list of authors to browse for in the bookstore. 😊
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The first two books are on Overdrive if you read eBooks. If you’re looking for print editions, perhaps you can recommend them to your library.
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So glad you loved this too! This is one of my favourite authors too!! Terrific review! 💜
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Thanks, Lindsay!
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I’m really excited to read this! Great review! 🙂
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Thanks, Deanna! Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
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Isn’t it wonderful when you find an author that you love and just know you will enjoy the books they write. Great review Jonetta. i have two of Charlie’s books on my tablet to read, time to get to them I guess.
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Thank you, Carla! Yes, it is really wonderful.
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