Review: Between Death and Destiny

Between Death and Destiny by W.L. Brooks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Escaping death when it is fated may be easier said than done. New to me Author W.L. Brooks grabs me by the ruff on my neck and sucks me into this small town soap opera. Reegan McGrath escaped her small town, Willows Bluff to become the photographer she's wanted to be. Sure, she may not be traveling the world as she first thought, but she is still with her best friend, Sydney. Sydney is the poor little rich girl whose is estranged from her mother but adored by her father. Sydney's father showers his affection upon both girls and they live a decent life in New York. When Reegan's grandmother is ill and close to her end, Reegan travels back hope and learns about a past that shocks her.

This story is best summed up as a Gordian's knot. There are so many ties if one believes in past lives. What Reegan believed to be true all her life is but a fake veneer to make her pliable and ignorant. As more about the curse and her past life is revealed, it shakes up the whole town. What also happens is past deaths are suspect and reviewed under new light. Those that covered up the crimes become nervous and will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out. The mystery and the supernatural woowoo stuff all surrounds two sisters who were brutally murdered out of jealousy. What happened decades ago needs to be solved and as cliche as it sounds, the truth will set you free. Or at least it will set Reegan free.

I liked the twists and turns this story takes. It kept me interested from start to finish. Some of the "big reveals" were neither surprising nor shocking for me. Ms. Brooks provides key hints throughout the book so that when the conclusion came, it was expected if a bit bittersweet. Betrayals, love reunited and psychotic stalker possessiveness keep this sleep town writhing in dark deceit. I like it! The characters are well developed. The plot is complicated and Ms. Brooks does a nice job of keeping the threads all tightly woven together. The amount of angst and martyrdom is just enough to keep this book balanced between emotional versus screwed up dysfunctional drama.

This supernatural tale is recommended for readers who like when wrongs are righted themes.

* Review copy provided via Reading Alley for an honest review.