You think you know someone. Then they change right before your eyes. Claire Beaudry Chase marries Griffin, a widower. She devotes herself to her husband and stepsons. She believes that life is going well until she finds out the truth about her husband. Her knowledge is her downfall.
Claire is an artist. Her form of art is shadow boxes. She uses objects that she finds in nature and crafts them into a scene that tells a story. Each box is unique. One of her pieces has a strong personal meaning for her husband. With the support from his wealthy friends, Claire’s husband Griffin is running for governor. Claire knows her husband and is determined to stop his ambition. She plans to accuse him of an unsolved murder by the message of a special piece in the exhibition. But before she can call attention to the message in that piece, she is attacked. Her attacker leaves her for dead. Claire escapes and hides believing that her husband is the one who attacked. Who is her attacker? She doesn’t want to return home until she knows.
On the same day as Claire’s attack, A friend is killed in a boating accident and one of the children is missing. Could her attacker be responsible for both incidents? Claire learns of this terrible accident while recuperating. She is working to solve her case but her husband’s wealth has bought off most of the police. Griffin is sheltered by his many influential friends. Will Claire be able to determine her attacker and stop her husband from taking office?
Luanne Rice has written a page turner about the insidious nature of domestic abuse. Wealth does offer abusers a measure of protection but not everyone can be bought. Her main character, Claire, is a relatable strong woman. Over time Claire sees the rot under the veneer of her seemingly charmed life. As her awareness to problems begins, those involved begin watching her to see what kind of damage she could do. Claire’s disenchantment puts a target squarely on her back. The book shows the insular lives that the wealthy live. Ultimately, conspiracy and entitlement lose out to honesty and friendship.
My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Additional Thoughts: People can fool you. They have great poker faces. I know people that have this ability. Once you see the true person, it is hard to be comfortable around them. I had a boss that seemed to be supportive and encouraging until the day I had a performance review. I was blindsided by her behavior toward me and the harsh and even cruel criticism. I guess that made her feel powerful. Luanne Rice captures that feeling of being blindsided perfectly. This is a terrific book. I recommend it.