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Cape Refuge is a peaceful island off the coast of Savannah, GA, a place where the weary and the persecuted retreat to find themselves again. Nothing bad happens here until Wade and Thelma Owens are murdered. Prior to their deaths, the couple had been under pressure from the town council to shut down Hanover House, their bed-and-breakfast for lost souls, because some of their clients had criminal records. And Jonathan Cleary, the couple’s son-in-law, had wanted to move his wife, Morgan, out of the house, fearing for her safety. Blair Owens, the second daughter, had moved out years ago and become the town librarian, seeking refuge in books from scars incurred during a fire. When motive and means point to Jonathan, the sisters band together to find the true killer. As Morgan takes over running Hanover House, her example reawakens Blair’s interest in God even as they discover that their perfect parents were keeping secrets that may have killed them and endangered everyone at Hanover House.

This new series by Terri Blackstock promises serious suspense and mystery. When Thelma and Wayne Owens, good-hearted people who own a halfway house for people in need, are victims of a brutal double-murder, suspicions immediately arise regarding the reputations of their tenants. However, the evidence soon points to their son-in-law, the owner of the murder weapon, and the best friend of the police chief! The victims’ daughters, Blair and Morgan are the focal point of the novel as they struggle to accept these horrible deaths, tolerate one another’s opposing beliefs, and find the ruthless murderer.
The relationships in the novel are rich and realistic, the plot alive with unexpected turns and suspense, and I was glad there was barely a hint of romance; it wouldn’t have a place in the story. It deals with tough issues of today, so is not exactly a feel-good read, but it is well-written and a great introduction to a new series.
Cindy