A Chain of Pearls (by Raemi A. Ray)
A Chain of Pearls by Raemi A. Ray is a story of mystery, murder, and corruption on Martha’s Vineyard. Kyra Gibson, a young woman from London, arrives on the island to settle her father’s estate. Tragically, her father, Ed Gibson, an investigative journalist, mysteriously met his end when he fell off a senator’s yacht during a winter storm. Initially dismissed as an accident, Kyra becomes determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s death.
Kyra planned a brief trip to the island as she was not close with her father, who left her in the care of her aunt in London after the loss of her mother when she was a child. Fueled by a desire to know more about her father’s death, Kyra reaches out to Detective Tarek Collins, the investigator who handled her father’s case. Together, they embark on a journey of uncovering questions and sorting out their suspicions about the people her father was interacting with.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative of a London lawyer collaborating with a detective to solve a potential murder or two. I particularly appreciated the character development of Kyra throughout the story. The process she underwent as she settled into Martha’s Vineyard, adapted to her father’s home, and grappled with her grief made her a truly relatable character. I found myself rooting for Tarek to soften and loosen up a bit. While he undoubtedly maintains a professional and by-the-book demeanor when handling cases, I couldn’t help but wish he could adopt a more relaxed approach. I understand that the author intentionally crafted Tarek’s character, and this characterization has proven highly effective. However, revealing any further details would constitute a spoiler. The setting of Martha’s Vineyard was simply lovely, with its charming restaurants and friendly locals.
A Chain of Pearls, the first installment in the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series by Raemi A. Ray, introduces us to a captivating cast of characters on the picturesque island. While I eagerly anticipate exploring more of their lives, I must admit that the narration by Kim Bretton left me a bit disappointed. During the suspenseful moments of the story, her voice seemed forced and stiff, detracting from the overall impact of the narrative.
I appreciate Raemi A. Ray’s marketing expert asking me to listen to the audiobook of A Chain of Pearls. The author kindly sent me a digital copy of the book so that I could provide an honest review.
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