A Palette for Love and Murder by Saralyn Richard – Book Review

Every now and again I venture into the realm of the present in my reading. I thank Rick Summie for sending me a copy of A Palette for Love and Murder by Saralyn Richard at no charge for my honest review.

About A Palette for Love and Murder:

A theft, a murder, a treasure hunt, and a palette-full of secrets.“In the Brandywine Valley, a delicate balance exists between the very wealthy and those who serve them, but the murder of a famous artist threatens this tenuous equilibrium. In her second outing featuring Detective Oliver Parrott, Saralyn Richard offers readers a compelling story of worlds in collision. A Palette for Love and Murder probes more than the mysteries of the art world and the motives for murder. It also delicately plumbs the depths of love and the human heart. Another winner for Richard.” — William Kent Krueger, author of This Tender LandIn this riveting sequel to Murder in the One Percent, Detective Oliver Parrott delves into the art world of Brandywine Valley, where two valuable paintings have been stolen from the studio of the renowned artist, Blake Allmond. At first it seems like a routine property crime, but as soon as Parrott investigates, he discovers the Allmond family’s propensity for tragedy. When someone is murdered, it’s a game changer, and plowing through a family’s secrets leads the reader through a murder, a treasure hunt, and a slew of characters who may or may not be trustworthy. The glamour of the art world and the privilege of the wealthy landowners in Brandywine can’t protect them from trouble, but it takes Parrott to realize that there’s more to an artist’s palette than globs of paint. A Palette for Love and Murder has all the characteristics of a well-woven mystery, but with the additional layering of multi-dimensional characters and sometimes flawed relationships. Parrott and Tonya make a dynamic modern day Nick and Nora, sure to engage readers’ thoughts and to warm readers’ hearts.

About the Author:

Award-winning mystery and children’s book author, Saralyn Richard, is a writer who teaches on the side. Her newest book in the Detective Parrott Mystery series, A Palette for Love and Murder, has drawn advance praise from well-known mystery authors and experts in the genre. Previous books, Naughty Nana, and Murder in the One Percent, have delighted children and adults, alike. An active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing and literature at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and continues to write mysteries. Reviews, media, and tour schedule may be found at http://saralynrichard.com.

Saralyn loves to connect with readers through book clubs, organization meetings, or on social media at the following links:
https://twitter.com/SaralynRichard
https://www.facebook.com/saralyn.richard,
https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/
https://www.instagram.com/naughty_nana_sheepdog/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7338961.Saralyn_Richard.

My Opinon:

A Palette for Love and Murder is the second book featuring Detective Oliver Parrott. I did not have the opportunity to read the first book but that had no impact at all on my enjoyment of this novel. Detective Parrott is back at work after his honeymoon and this time he is on the case of stolen paintings by local artist Blake Allmond. Det. Parrott has somehow become the officer who investigates the crime that occurs among the richest residents of the Brandywine Valley. This latest crime is a bit odd though, why steal these paintings? It soon gets more complicated as someone at the center of the theft is found dead.

I don’t ususally find myself reading stories that take place in current times, nor do I often read mysteries but any time a story revolves around art I am going to be intrigued. Detective Parrott and his somewhat fragile but still strong wife are both unique and interesting. They are not the only ones. Ms. Richard has a knack for creating believable and developed  characters.

The central mystery is one that builds from what at first seems to be a simple art theft to be so much more. I’m not going to be spoiling anything in this review. Just know that it’s a book that will keep you guessing as you turn the pages. You will meet many people on the road to solving the mysteries but how many of them can really be trusted?And could the butler have done it?

I enjoyed this step away from my usual historical fiction novels. It was full of twists and the relationship between Detective Parrott and his wife was as genuine a marriage as I have experienced in a book in a while. I love how she helped in his investigation. The ending was especially satisfying. I will look forward to the next investigation that Det. Parrott has to undertake.

Rating:

4

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