When the body of Sharon Reese, a dedicated government employee, washes up on the shores of Lake Templeton, a small town on the coast of Vancouver Island, Private Investigator, Fati Rizvi, is determined to find out why. Everyone liked her, but no one knew much about her. Was she hiding something? Maybe a questionable past riddled with scandal. And did it lead to her plunge to death, in a drunken stupor, off the dock outside her secluded lakefront lodge? Was it an accident? A suicide? Or cold-blooded murder? With so many questions and secrets than run deeper than anyone could have imagined, it’s up to Fati to figure out how Sharon’s murder is connected to a cult escape, corrupt politics, a failing business and a multi-million dollar project before another body is discovered.
This debut novel from Burnley really caught my attention, especially with the unique angle of the protagonist defying her Muslim family’s wishes to join the Vancouver Police Force. Her journey then takes an unexpected turn as she becomes a Private Investigator after discovering that red tape was preventing her from doing the job to her high standards. Plus, she’s in her mid-30s, unmarried, which is still somewhat unconventional in her community. It made me like her even more—who doesn’t love a rebellious daughter who kicks butt and saves the day?!
The characters are well-developed and solidly written, the plot is engaging, and the twists are cleverly hidden just under the surface. You don’t notice them until they’re right in front of you—exactly what any crime thriller fan hopes for in a debut. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Admittedly, it took me longer than expected to finish the book, partly due to some formatting issues with my Kindle (I’m not sure if that was on my end or an issue with the file provided for review). Despite some personal challenges that have been taking up most of my energy lately, I found myself consistently drawn to this story.
Keep an eye on Burnley in the coming years. This is an author to watch!
Author Biography.
HS Burney is a talented author soon to be known for her fast-paced, action-packed mysteries set against the stunning landscapes of West Coast Canada, where majestic mountains meet the crystalline ocean. With a knack for creating characters that keep readers on their toes, she delivers thrilling tales that are sure to captivate. By day, she works as a corporate executive, and by night, she pursues her passion for writing.
Burney holds a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing from Lafayette College, and as a proud Canadian immigrant, she crafts stories that showcase diverse characters from unique cultural backgrounds. When she isn’t writing, you’ll likely find her out hiking, waiting for the next story idea to strike and pull her into a new adventure.
Morelli’s Reads 
Thank you for such a fab review to close the tour with x
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