"A Stranger in the Family", by A.J. McCarthy

A Charlie & Simm Mystery book # 3

In a few words:

When a strange man approaches Shanna McGuire and shocks her with a story that makes her question her family history. She asks Simm to investigate the man’s claim. A former private investigator and pub owner in downtown Montreal he and his wife Charlie love to tackle simple case of genealogy and see what they will uncover. But what they think is a straightforward case soon takes a dangerous turn with threats, violence and homicide.

My thoughts:

I love how Ms. McCarthy incorporated in her tale the dark period in Quebec’s history, “The Duplessis Orphans” and has concocted masterfully an engaging mystery around this shameful time. Laced in, is a complicated family dynamics and an unwavering persistence to find the truth. Charlie and Simm exchanged their point of view in a good-humoured teasing way, it is pleasant to follow them. The many characters in this tale are interesting and are essential to propelling the plot forward which leads to a smashing disclosure. Not only, is this fast-paced and engaging story marred by the mistreatment of orphans it also takes us into a web of lies and betrayal while Charlie and Simm race against the clock to avert another murder.

I love this puzzle set in my home town and love how Charlie and Simm with their lovely pug Harley navigated the perilous journey while facing bodily threats. This story is well said, well-done and is captivating from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own