For fans of complex mysteries
All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon gives readers a mystery to solve through the eyes of an amateur detective. Annalee Spain, a young Black theologian, decides that since no one is going to investigate her father’s suspicious death, she will. She heads back home to her small-town roots, but trouble follows the minute she steps foot on the train to Denver. She meets a lost boy searching for his father, and the two team up with a pastor to uncover clues.
I enjoyed this complicated mystery. Annalee makes an excellent amateur sleuth, fearless at times, like when she faces off with the KKK. At other times she’s a bit naïve, especially when it comes to manners of the heart and Pastor Jack, who captures her interest. I like the quirky characters and the many red herrings as everyone has something to hide. The story is set in the 1920’s, and the only thing I wished for was more of a historical context. It didn’t feel like the 1920’s and felt more modern than historical fiction with the way the characters talked and the setting. Nothing really stood out as being distinctly from this time period. But I like that this is the start of a series, because I would definitely want more stories of Annalee solving mysteries with her side-kick Eddie and her love-interest pastor. This combination is clever and I definitely want more.
Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.