Mystery at Mount Forest Island is the third book in a historical mystery series by Pat Camalliere. I thank Ms. Camalliere for sending me a copy at no charge for my honest review.
About Mystery at Mount Forest Island:
Jessica Fletcher meets the Sopranos in the third book of the Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series.
Based on a real place with some historical persons and events.
Crime, deceit, love and the value of friendship set in the forests of Lemont, Illinois, in suburban Chicago. A woman whose family’s involvement in the Chicago Mob devastates lives throughout generations.
When an automobile accident leaves Valerie Pawlik totally blind, she masters the daily activities of a dark world, but due to painful mysteries from her childhood, she lacks the confidence to lead the independent life she desperately longs for with her young daughter. With the help of Cora and Cisco Tozzi, Frannie Berkowitz, and Billy Nokoy, Valerie sets out to search for the mother who deserted her and for the killer of her beloved uncle. But Billy is experiencing electrifying occult moments of his own. Their quest takes them into a dangerous world of the Chicago Mob and paranormal phenomena, culminating when a stalker threatens their lives in the Palos Forest Preserves.
About the Author:
Pat Camalliere is the author of the popular five-star-rated and award-winning Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series that includes The Mystery at Sag Bridge, The Mystery at Black Partridge Woods, and the newly-released The Mystery at Mount Forest Island. She lives with her husband in Lemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She serves on the boards of the Lemont Historical Society and Lemont Public Library District and is a member of the Society of Midland Authors, Sisters in Crime, and the Chicago Writers Association. She speaks locally on a variety of topics and writes a blog that features unique history stories. Visit her website at www.patcamallierebooks.com.
My Opinion:
The Mystery of Mount Forest Island is the third book in a series but it easily stands alone. I did not read the first two books and did not feel like I was missing anything as I delved into this story of a young woman blinded in an accident who is trying to find answers and make her way in the world, one hopeful friend at a time. Valerie cannot see but she is trying to build her life back so she can live as independently as possible and support her daughter. She has a prickly nature that only got more so after the accident that took her sight. As she looks to move out on her own she is encouraged by her priest to make friends again with a woman from her past, Cora. She and Cora parted badly and while Cora has been kind to her Valerie is not sure why Father thinks this is her path forward.
As Cora and Valeria move towards friendship they also work together towards on of Valerie’s goals; unraveling her past. There are a lot of questions she wants (needs?) answered about why her mother disapeared and who killed the uncle she loved. As she grows in confidence and in understanding Valerie soon gains more friends who help her in her quest.
This was a quick, easy read with several twists and turns as well as a paranormal aspect that keeps the reader interested. The characters are interesting and unique. The locations in the book and some of the are based in fact which makes the story even more interesting if you ask me. I would love to read the first two books and would certainly welcome the opportunity to continue along with Cora’s adventures.
Rating:
4
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