Deceased and Desist,
by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
So many characters were introduced in the first few pages of this novel that I found it difficult to keep track of who was who. They’re all in a café, and a character named Thelma thoughtlessly makes a remark that causes another (overly sensitive and immature) character to burst into tears. Thelma calmly continues writing in her notebook with a shaky hand (she has Parkinson’s). Then the first-person protagonist—Chantilly Adair—slams Thelma’s notebook shut and tells her to “Stop acting ugly and apologize.” I thought Chantilly’s behavior bossy, rude, and insensitive, and I almost set the book aside at that point, thinking I don’t like any of these people; but then, I persevered, and I’m glad I did.
After a few more pages, I found myself vicariously living in a small town where everybody knows everybody, and long-gone pasts such as high school days (the phrase “back in the day” is overused by multiple characters) crop up regularly as topics of conversation. The plot is improbable, but still, I became engaged in these characters’ lives. I did guess whodunit about two-thirds of the way through, yet it didn’t detract from the excitement of reading the poignant climax. This novel is no lighthearted romp, like most cozies; instead, it takes a hard look at dysfunctional relationships and the emotional misery they can cause. The fact that several of these anguished characters are teenagers, including the narrator’s own son, makes this story even more heart-wrenching. It’s painfully real, despite the narrator’s fanciful (and fun) conversations with ghosts, including the murder victim. When I finished reading, I mentally thanked the author for showing me some new aspects of human nature.
But I continued to feel exasperated by Chantilly’s attitude toward Thelma. Later in the book, Chantilly says, “Thelma had a heart of gold. I aspired to be like her.” Huh? This doesn’t jive with Chantilly’s scolding, condescending behavior toward Thelma in the first few pages. But silly me—wondering about people who exist only on paper. Now that’s the result of reading a good book! I give this one four stars. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.