Book Review: Skeletons in the Attic by Judy Penz Sheluk

Skeletons in the Attic (Marketville Mystery, #1) by Judy Penz Sheluk
Narrator: Clayra Jordin
Published by Self-published on 07-31-17
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery
Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Author
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Calamity (Callie) Barnstable isn’t surprised to learn she’s the sole beneficiary of her late father’s estate, though she is shocked to discover she has inherited a house in the town of Marketville—a house she didn’t know existed. However, there are conditions attached to Callie’s inheritance: she must move to Marketville, live in the house, and solve her mother’s murder.

Callie’s not keen on dredging up a thirty-year-old mystery, but if she doesn’t do it, there’s a scheming psychic named Misty Rivers who is more than happy to expose the Barnstable family secrets. Determined to thwart Misty and fulfill her father’s wishes, Callie accepts the challenge. But is she ready to face the skeletons hidden in the attic?

After reviewing The Hanged Man’s Noose by this same author, and thinking that it was one of the best cozy mysteries I have ever read, I was looking forward to this one.

Calamity Barnstable’s father just died, and she inherits several documents, a house, and a mission: finding who murdered her mother when she was still a child.

After having listened to two books by Judy Penz Sheluk, I can say that she builds interesting and intricate stories with fully fleshed characters. I think this is why her stories work so well. Callie is a woman who I can perfectly relate to, in search for the truth, and trying to make her way in a new place. I especially enjoyed her friendship with Shantal, and the fact that nothing in this story seemed to be just black or white, and no one was what they seem. There are several twists and turns in this book, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end, unable to stop listening and find out the truth.

I have to say that the end was completely unexpected, and after all the buildup I felt a little bit underwhelmed. I don’t know how to explain it but it seems that the story suddenly deflated at that point. It is just a personal impression, and except for that I really loved the book.

Clayra Jordin did a decent job with the narration of this book, but honestly, I think Suzanne T. Fortin, who narrated The Hanged Man’s Noose did much better. Jordin inflected the right amount of emotion to the characters’ interpretations, and her voice was clear, but sadly all characters sounded exactly the same, which made several dialogs quite confusing.

This is the first book in a series, and I hope Judy Penz Sheluk hurries up and writes the sequels. She has me really hooked up to her cozy mysteries.

I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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