Teresa Mathews Reviews Carolina Reckoning by Lisa Carter

Carolina Reckoning by Lisa Carter

Abingdon Press

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

4.5 Stars

In this gripping and suspenseful novel Lisa Carter takes us on a trail of murder and mayhem that hopefully will lead newly widowed Alison Monaghan to the person who murdered her cheating husband.

The day Alison found a picture of an unidentified woman holding tightly onto Frank, she really wasn't shocked; in fact relief might be exactly what she felt. Now she had absolute proof of his cheating ways and truth be known this wasn't the first time he had done this. Determined to confront him as soon as he hits the door, Alison plants herself on the couch to wait. The next morning when she awakens she is surprised to realize Frank never made it home. She is a little worried but she never thought that the knock on the front door would be two Raleigh cops telling her that Frank had been shot to death a small distance from home on a back road that is behind the Weathersby Historical Park.

Alison is almost relieved when Det. Sgt. Mike Barefoot tells her that Frank is dead, it seems her suppressive life under Frank is over. She is upset that someone would kill him, after all there was a time when they loved each other and they did have two wonderful children together. Knowing full well that the spouse is always the first suspect, she is very upfront with Ds. Barefoot, in fact almost to the point of incriminating herself, even though she had nothing to do with Frank’s murder. Thankfully Alison’s best friend Valerie Prescott arrives in time to stop her from saying too much.

There is something about Alison Monaghan that has connected with the soft spot in Mike Barefoot’s heart. She doesn't seem like the type that would kill her husband but he has learned a thing or two since he has been a cop; you can be wrong about people. So he decides to keep a watch on the beautiful widow, even going as far as attending the funeral. Who knows maybe the killer will slip-up, since they usually like to come to their victim’s funeral?

After the graveside service Alison wonders if any of these people that are extending their condolences to her, could be the killer. There are several that might just fit that bill. Could it be that one of the friendly people Frank served on the board of directors with at Weathersby Historical Park wanted him dead?

After months of struggling to pay the bills and getting nowhere, Alison is offered a job at Weatherby’s office. Will she finally find some answers to the questions she’s had all these months? Will she figure out who killed Frank or will the killer get to her first? Will Mike be there to save the woman who has stolen his heart?

This is Ms. Carter's debut book and let me tell you it is a very intriguing book. I love suspense books and this one is certainly a great one! It has a lot of twists and turns and I was guessing until the very end as to who the killer was. Thank you Lisa for a truly delightful story.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.**

This book may be purchased at Amazon, CBD, Deep Shopping, Barnes and Nobel and other outlets.
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GIVEAWAY: OWG is giving away readers choice of either of Lisa's two 2013 releases, including Aloha Rose or Carolina Reckoning in choice of format. (Outside of USA ebook only.)

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