Review: The Journals Unlock the Mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 6, 2013
Susan Russo Anderson has developed a historical mystery set in Sicily in 1870 that is filled with suspense with memorable characters that are multi-dimensional and engaging. As you navigate the gold coast of Sicily you will see the beautiful backdrop for this story and become totally captivated.Serafina is hired to find the killer of Sister Genoveffa's mother, the baroness, who she suspects was murdered eighteen months earlier. She believes that her mother's journals would provide information pointing to the murderer and presents one to Serafina with the knowledge that there are many more at Villa Caterina.  Serafina travels with her friend Rosa and her daughter Renata to recover the journals and get any information she can from the staff at the Villa as well as the Count. They encounter obstacles on their trip that will only begin to multiply as they reach their destination and begin to unlock the mystery.The plot is complex and presented in a way that will keep you absorbed in the story. The clues to solving the mystery are subtle and intense. As Serafina comes closer to the truth she will find herself as well as those around her in danger.The character of Serafina Florio midwife, mother of seven and a widow is a strong, self-determined, loyal and extremely capable woman who is devoted to her children and friends. She is a character that will pull you into the story as she leaves no stone unturned to discover the truth. I find that the emotional connection she has with her children, Rosa and her lover Loffredo are written with great depth of feeling and portray the true heart of this story.All of the characters in this story lend a tremendous amount of drama and realism. They are well defined and their background and stories are woven together in a way that lends to the intrigue and feeling of the story.The mystery and suspense combined with the depth of personal relationships successfully pull you into the story and let you become emotionally invested. I highly recommend this book to all readers seeking a genuine mystery/thriller all while experiencing  the stunning historical surroundings of Sicily.Marilou George - The Kindle Book Review