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To Die, To SleepAdult Romantic Suspense
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 272 Pages
November 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications
Summary
After surviving a difficult year, Natalie Marsh is heading for Ellsberg Keep, an exclusive mountain resort that promises to provide the tranquility she desperately needs. She's eager to relax and to reconnect with her estranged cousin Lily, who works as the Keep's nurse—a reunion that begins abruptly when an accident on the winding mountain roads lands Natalie in the infirmary in the care of her cousin. They have little time to bond over childhood memories, however. Everything is thrown into chaos when the owner of the Keep is rushed to the medical wing, wildly delusional and raving about a murder plot.
Despite Lily's care, the owner dies. Is his death simply an accident, or are his frenzied suspicions true? Determined to help Lily cope with the loss of her patient—and the accusations that she's to blame for his death—Natalie searches for answers and is swept into a mystery that grows more puzzling as frightening hallucinations torment the dead man's son. When a staff member who asks too many questions disappears, it is clear that this idyllic resort harbors someone with deadly intent—and Natalie may not survive to uncover the truth.
My Review
TO DIE, TO SLEEP is a murder mystery that begins pleasantly and then grows in intensity to the climatic end. Readers will find themselves cheering on these characters as they try to figure out what is going on. Recommended to fans of the author and genre.
I appreciated that even though this is the third book by this author with the same main characters, it can easily be read on its own. Having only read the first book, NOT A WORD, years ago these characters weren't real familiar to me, but I had no issues getting into this story. I also appreciated that there is a bit of romance, but it very much takes a backseat to the family and friend dynamics of this story, and especially to the mystery. This story is foremost about what the protagonist, Natalie, stumbles into when she's supposed to be vacationing and the subsequent investigation that ensues.
I really liked these characters. It was so easy to connect with them. I also really liked the whole mysterious vibe that Ellsberg Keep emits with its hard structure and being set during the cold of winter so that it feels even more isolated. Then there's the whole plot... full of twists and turns, which kept me guessing almost to the very end.
The only thing that didn't quite work for me was some overly dramatic characters and their actions. Some of it just felt too convoluted and illogical. Particularly the extreme loyalty and obedience towards Trudy and then the way she hides so much. Then there was also Isabel, Jake and Charlotte.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed reading this one! It's a murder mystery with plenty of twists, a creepy setting, and lovable characters. Definitely recommended!
Content: Some violence, but nothing too detailed or gory.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
The main character in To Die, To Sleep is also in these two other books, but it each can be read
on their own. The first book is linked to my review and the second to Amazon (an affiliate link).
About the Author
I’ve enjoyed making up stories since I was a child, when my sisters and I would play long Barbie games full of intrigue and danger, or write and direct plays for ourselves and our younger siblings. I took a creative writing class in high school, but my stories stunk, since I hadn’t yet figured out that a story needs a plot. An encouraging comment from the teacher got me rolling in the right direction (thank you, Mrs. Owen!) and my final story for that class eventually developed--after many years, much studying of fictional technique, and countless hours of writing and rewriting--into my first published novel: The Believer, a dystopian thriller, was published in 2005 by Covenant Communications.Four of my contemporary mysteries are Whitney Award winners for Best Mystery/Suspense, and my second dystopian novel was a Whitney Award Finalist for Best Speculative Novel. My novella “An Eye for an Eye” was part of the RONE Award-winning anthology Timeless Romance: Autumn Suspense collection.
My husband Brian and I have five children, two children-in-law (with one more on deck), and a rather majestic cat. I love spending time with my family, enjoy homemade pizza and anything chocolate, and have recently developed a fondness for LEGO projects. I play the violin in a community symphony (but never practice enough), and always have unmatched socks, post-laundry. At the center of everything that matters most is my love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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