Trial by Twelve

(A Murder in the Mountains #2)

by Heather Day Gilbert

Description

Tess Spencer loves her low-key job at the Crystal Mountain Spa, which allows her plenty of down-time with her one-year old daughter and lawyer husband, Thomas. But when a pool installation turns up eight skeletons in the spa's back yard, Tess becomes entangled in a sleuthing job destined to go awry.

As the investigation gets underway, someone dumps a fresh body near the excavated burial site, confirming unspeakable fears. A serial killer has returned to Buckneck, West Virginia...a skilled hunter with a unique taste in prey.

When Tess agrees to help the cunning Detective Tucker gather clues from the inside, she discovers the posh spa hides more than dead bodies. Even as she sifts through layers of deceit, Tess realizes too late that the killer's sights have zeroed in on her.

Unpredictable psychological mystery replete with memorable characters, Trial by Twelve is Book Two in A Murder in the Mountains series.

This novel is written from a Christian worldview.

This book can be purchased at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

HEATHER DAY GILBERT writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University and is married to her college sweetheart. Having recently returned to her roots, she and her husband are raising their three children in the same home in which Heather grew up.

Heather's Viking historical novel, God's Daughter, is an Amazon Norse Bestseller. She is also the author of A Murder in the Mountains mystery series, and the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert
FB Author page: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heatherdgilbert/boards/

My Thoughts ~

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. A fast-paced and unpredictable mystery, I wasn't able to lay this book aside for any length of time. A Trial by Twelve was unlike what I expected, and I was pleasantly surprised.

With a serial murderer on the loose Tess' life turns into a whirlwind of questions and dangerous situations. A number of people in the community are suspect as Tess works with Detective Tucker in unraveling numerous frightening and ambiguous clues. Murder victims continue to mystify the residents in this small mountainous community, and Tess endangers her life while attempting to uncover evidence that could lead to the murderer.

Throughout the book, letters composed by a father to his child in foster care are revealed, adding to the suspense. It isn't clear who this person is and what role he plays in this mystery, but the fact that these letters show up throughout the story indicates that the originator of those letters could be a suspect. The letters gave me shivers as I read between the lines. Numerous characters throughout this book became suspect in my mind, and as Tess encountered these individuals my heart raced!

Family is a very strong component throughout this well written story. I could relate to those wonderful, loving family ties. Each member watched out for the others, and the bonds between friends and family are commendable. Love is a strong force.

Rather than give you more details, let this mystery unravel for yourself, and pick up a copy of Trial by Twelve. You won't be disappointed! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.