Book Review: Isabella Moon

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Isabella Moon     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Laura Benedict
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Paranormal
Random House/Ballantine Books, 9/25/07

Sheriff Bill Delaney listens politely as Kate Russell tells him that she knows where Isabella Moon's body is. Isabella vanished when she was nine years old, shortly after Kate arrived in the small town of Carystown, Kentucky. Now, almost two years later, Kate says Isabella's ghost has appeared to her and led Kate to her grave.

At first, Bill does not put too much credence in this story, but he investigates it anyway, finding out in the process that Kate's own history is rather mysterious. He doesn't find sufficient reason to excavate the supposed burial site immediately, considering the source of the information and a spate of other incidents that keep him and his team busy, ranging from property damage to sudden death. The complexity of the situation becomes increasingly clear as the links among the various crimes, including Isabella's disappearance, and the various town residents become more obvious.

It is hard to believe that this excellent book is a first novel. The supernatural aspects are handled well, without being over-the-top or dominating the story. Kate is an interesting protagonist - an ordinary young woman in an ordinary small town with a far from ordinary background and experiences. The other characters - Sheriff Delaney, Kate's friend Francie, Francie's mother and the rest of the small town residents - are convincingly well-drawn, adding to the realistic portrayal of a small southern US town.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM