Review of Overflow by Linda K. Rodante

I wrote this for Clean Fiction Magazine: Magazine

Back of the book blurb:

Can a peaceful waterfall hold the answer to a murderer's darkest secret?

In the small town of Benton, Tennessee, Laurie Brooks is seen as quiet and unassuming until she makes a deadly discovery at a waterfall. Determined to find justice for the victim, Laurie embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself.

Trevor Oppenheimer, a young, successful psychologist, loves his work helping others overcome emotional turmoil. But when Laurie begins to unravel a dangerous maze of secrets, Trevor's pain-filled past rises to threaten her investigation. Can he conquer his fear, or will it ultimately drive Laurie away?

As Laurie and Trevor navigate their struggles of faith, fear, and growing love, a killer lurks in the shadows. As the danger escalates, Laurie and Trevor must unravel the truth before they become victims of a vindictive killer.

Fans of faith-filled drama, suspenseful whodunits, and strong female protagonists, will love Book 2 of The Waterfall Mysteries. Although fun as a series, each book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery, too.

My review:

First impression: fast-paced novella typical of all Rodante’s books. This one is set in Tennessee’s waterfall country with a mystery and romance combined for a thrill ride.

Action: No shortage of action in this hiking around waterfalls story. There is sizzling romance with dangerous trails and risk at every turn of the page. Police, SAR (search and rescue), skeleton, flying bullets, baking, and an overabundance of amazing food are packed into this novella. 

Adventure: The book opens with an injury to the main character, Laurie Brooks, cook and baker extraordinaire, who is half-owner of an amazing bed and breakfast that, if real, I’d want to stay at. Laurie develops a love of hiking around waterfalls because of her business partner and BFF. Her new love interest, Trevor Oppenheimer, is also a hiker. Their close friend is a ghyll scrambler and they take a hike on a slippery waterfall spray covered path, causing her to get injured, which leads to the mystery and danger in the book.  

Romance: Sparks fly, and passion is increased between Laurie and Trevor. Although another good-looking man enters her life and weaves himself into her life, creating jealousy on Trevor’s part and confusion in Laurie’s feelings. It is a typical love triangle that gets sorted out.  

Religion: Bible verses, prayers, and numerous references to faith and God are woven into the pages. The book is not preachy, but it is a Christian influenced story. 

Final Thoughts: Warning: This book shows passionate kissing and makes a reference to sex before marriage in a back story. There are targeted bullets causing wounds and gun waving. Sometimes Rodante goes into descriptive omniscient POV instead of showing in character’s perspective. A couple of things came out of order and occasionally a character knew things without being told. But those are easily overlooked as the story unfolds into mystery and suspense.

Rodante was great at sending out good red herrings for the reader to consider. I had it figured out, but I have a writer’s sleuthhound mind. I challenge you to read it and see if you can too. I’m sure you will find this a captivating read. 4 stars

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