LOVE AND DEATH IN BLUE LAKE by Cynthia Harrison

4 out of 5 stars

Contemporary drama/mystery

On Amazon UK HERE
On Amazon.com HERE

Reviewed by me as part of Rosie Amber's Book Review Team

Courtney and Eddie were high school sweethearts who married young and split up over Courtney's desire to start a family.  Courtney moved to California and became a successful force behind the scenes in the music industry, while Eddie opened a bar and became a 'love 'em and leave 'em' type.  A school reunion brings Courtney, now trained as a psychiatrist, back home to Blue Lake...
 

I've read another of Cynthia Harrison's books, Lukes #1 Rule, and I felt the same about this one ~ her writing is so readable, almost conversational.  It's very American, in a way that I like, as it highlights the differences between English and American language and attitudes in that the books are about ordinary, small town people.  I loved this passage, with Eddie commenting on Courtney's engagement ring from her California lover: 'Huge stone.  Not the kind of ring people wore round here, no matter how much money they had.  Sucker was the size of a quarter.'  Or one of the gossipy, narrow minded school reunion guests, when Courtney considers 'setting up shop' in Blue Lake: 'Nobody here needs a shrink.  Well, Spence had issues, but he's from downstate.'

There are two stories running through this, one being the complex relationship between Courtney and Eddie, and the other a revenge scenario between camera girl Lily and bad experience in her past.  I was most interested in the former, but the two come together to make this more than just a contemporary romance/drama.

Ms Harrison's writing is clear and honest, with emotional statements that appear to come from the heart.  'Why does youth squander happiness like there is a never-ending supply?'  Courtney is a terrific character, I believed in her completely; a well drawn main character will always make a novel a 'page turner'.

Luke's #1 Rule by Cynthia Harrison reviewed HERE