Conspiracy of Silence

by: Martha Powers

Published by: Oceanview Publishing (November release)

Reviewed by Wendy Hines

Clare Prentice is about to be married. She undergoes some thorough check-ups and is relieved when the doctor declares her perfectly fit. However, the doctor also drops some shocking information. Clare is adopted.

After breaking off her engagement, Clare begins digging into her adopted mother’s past. The trail stops before she hardly begins. However, a class ring soon leads her on a new path, one taking her to Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Although she is on assignment to interview the town’s reclusive author, Nate Hanssen, Clare’s main agenda is to find out who she is. According to all of her research, there is no record that either she or her adopted mother exist. Since her adopted mother, Rose, had recently passed away, Clare is determined to find some answers in Grand Rapids.

Renting a quaint cottage from Ruth, the town’s librarian, Clare soon settles in and begins her research. After perusing old yearbooks, she finds a picture of her adopted mother, Rose. The last name has changed, and with this new piece of the puzzle in place, Clare is able to delve deeper.

She soon learns who her parents are. Unfortunately, her mother was murdered; her father being blamed for the crime. Her father, however, runs from the situation and is later claimed dead from jumping in front of a train.

Someone, though, doesn’t want Clare digging too deep into the past. As bits of her forgotten childhood memories come back, danger begins to close in around her. Leaning on author Nate, and also Waldo, a neighborhood dog, gives Clare some strength to find the elusive answers of what really happened that long-ago night.

A town full of secrets but quaint charm sets the scene for this suspenseful novel. Full of interesting characters, Conspiracy of Silence is a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. I absolutely enjoyed it!

Armchair Interviews says: Another small town cozy mystery you’ll enjoy.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MarthaPowers.com