This book is part of a continuing story arc and is preceded by a novella that’s essential to read before beginning this one.
Rowan DuPont walked away from a vibrant and successful career as a profiler in a special unit based in Nashville to return home to her family’s business in Winchester after her father’s murder. See, her father Edward DuPont was the town’s undertaker and the funeral home had passed down to successive generations. That’s not the only reason for her decision as she needs healing and answers. The man who killed her father had ties to her and was someone she should have known was a serial killer, active for decades. Now she’s looking for answers, not only about that but her twin sister’s death and her mother’s subsequent suicide many years ago.
There’s a lot to like about this story, especially the continuing plot line involving the serial killer, who I’m deliberately not naming because that’s a secret revealed in the previous book and Rowan’s still a target. After her return home to the family practice, strange events start to occur, which is even more macabre given that she lives in the residential upper floors over the funeral home. And, I learned a lot about the funeral practices and found it beyond interesting, not the turnoff I’d anticipated.
This should have been a page turner but unfortunately that didn’t happen. There’s an incredible amount of repetition that just became annoying, so much that I searched the phrasing to validate the point. It slowed everything down, disrupting the pacing and a very compelling story. Normally, I can get over this once I’ve got a reading rhythm going but I had to do a lot of skimming, which I rarely do. So, while I loved the story, it wasn’t the great reading experience it could (and should) have been. Of course, though, I’m definitely continuing the series with the hope that the next book has cured what ailed this one.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 30, 2020
- Series: The Undertaker’s Daughter
- Page Numbers: 432
- Publisher: MIRA
Blue Mood Café 
I just read one of her books that takes place in Winchester, but not this series. I enjoyed it, so might have to go back and check this series out. Nice, honest review Jo.
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Thank you, Carla💜 It’s a really good story and the novella was exceptionally good. Despite my issues, I recommend the series and this book. Just be prepared for the pacing and repetition issues.
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Hopefully the rest i the series will not be as bad.
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Well darn, I love a good serial killer story, but the repetition would annoy me.
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The novella was excellent. I don’t know what happened here.
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I know I really want to read this author so I barely skimmed. You sold me when it was at Saturdays at the Cafe.
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Even with my issues with this book, it’s still a really good story!
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I’m sorry that the writing didn’t serve the story right, but wonderful review! xx
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Thanks, Meggy. She created a great story…just didn’t tell it as crisply as she normally does.
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I haven’t read this series, but the repetition sounds … interesting. The novella sounds absolutely fantastic, though, and I’m looking forward to checking it out!
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That novella was excellent (I’ve reviewed it here). Great story here but it requires patience😏
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Fab review! A shame this one wasn’t as good as the other books… I feel slightly less bad for having to turn down the blog tour now. xD xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I signed up for the tour for the next two books, though the second book was without review.
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Oh I totally had the titles mixed up! I only read the second book of the series; I ment to read The Secrets We Bury next but I’m not so sure now haha. I actually said no to the blog tour of book three instead. xD
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I’m sorry it didn’t work better, Jonetta, but you wrote a balanced and thoughtful review. I hope your next one is one you love and that this series picks back up with the next installment! ♥️
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Thank you, Jennifer💜 That means a lot because I want to convey that it’s still a book worth reading.
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