Pretty Dead Things: A Mystery

Book Review: Pretty Dead Things by Lilian West 📚

Rating: 3 Stars

I recently finished reading Pretty Dead Things by Lilian West, and I have to say it was an intriguing little mystery, though it didn’t quite blow me away. The story follows Cora, a bride-to-be who has just moved to the charming small town of Hickory Falls in 2024. While settling into her new life, she discovers a quaint estate sale that draws her in with all its knickknacks. Among her purchases is a jar filled with colorful trinkets, but the real surprise comes when she finds two wedding rings tucked away at the bottom. What starts as a simple quest to discover the rings' original owner soon leads her down a rabbit hole of a decades-old cold case. 🕵️‍♀️🔍

The narrative alternates between Cora’s modern-day journey and the haunting tale of Clarity Grey from 1953. Clarity finds herself entwined in a complicated relationship with a married man, which eventually leads to her marrying him after he divorces his wife. Just when she seems to have it all—a new family and the life she always wanted—she mysteriously vanishes, leaving everyone in town questioning what happened to her. Sadly, the stigma attached to her disappearance leads many to dismiss her case as that of a flaky homewrecker. 💔🕰️

What I really appreciated about Pretty Dead Things was how West masterfully connects these two women across time through something as simple as a jar of trinkets. The cover art is absolutely delightful and captures the essence of the story beautifully. The mystery itself had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged, although I did find some elements a bit predictable. Still, the resolution wrapped everything up nicely, providing closure for both characters and readers alike. 🎨✨

In summary, while Pretty Dead Things offered a charming journey through time and mystery, it didn't leave me breathless. If you're a fan of small-town mysteries and enjoy narratives that intertwine past and present, it’s worth a read. Just don’t expect to be completely blown away; instead, enjoy the ride and the satisfying ending that brings justice to the past. 📚👍

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️