Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler

 Late love or elaborate con?

Thoroughly entertaining domestic thriller that proved nearly impossible to put down.

I love guessing in the books I read. I like to think that I can figure out the big twist or denouement before the author lets me in on the reveal. In this case, though I had suspicions, I was always thinking that the author had a trick or surprise or two up her sleeve. I wasn’t sure which way this was going to go, and if you’re like me, the ending has to be just right for me to really appreciate a book.

The characters in this story are so well drawn and believable. I paid really close attention to everthing each said or did trying to discern their motivations. Is this one guilty or is that one being honest? Who can be trusted and which of them seems like a schemer. In this intricately plotted web, it’s hard to discern their motivations truth. I was really letting my dubious nature reading between the lines. Skeptical about each of the players because there was a lot of money at stake.

Kate is a wealthy CEO with a daughter, Julie. After 50 years, Kate reconnects with her first love, Charlie Mull. They’d met in high school but were separated by circumstance and different choices. On the night after their huge society wedding, something goes terribly wrong. The next thing we know, Kate has accused Charlie of a terrible crime. She claims he confessed it to her. In a whirlwind of accusation and even an investigation, the suggestion is proffered that Kate may not be completely mentally competent. Is this a ploy — gaslighting and manipulation? 

Julie, the daughter, has been in her mother’s shadow for her entire life. Married to Eric, an orthopedic surgeon, she is somewhat controlled by him as well. When tragedy strikes, will Julie stand up and fight or not. Lots of interesting family dynamics. 

The big mystery involves a crime bigger than everyone wanting Kate’s money. I enjoyed the intrigue and was hoping that things would turn in a manner that provided the best conclusion to all the drama. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator did a fantastic job of imbuing the text with appropriate tone, voice, and dramatic flair that enhanced my appreciation of the novel. The production was well done and made the story and characters come to life.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags - murder, suicide, mental incompetence, wealth, family drama, hurricane, drugs