Mermaid to the Rescue

I continue to like books in the Purgatory Falls series more with each book I read. This book shows how close Brooke and her new friends have grown. Her kindness and tender feelings for her friends shows in the care she provided for Twyla during her recovering hibernation. She continues to evolve as we see her become more confident in herself and her abilities. Her friends continue to reveal more about themselves.

To me, whether I'm watching a movie or reading a book, the characters are what initially invests me in a story. If I can't care about them then I can't care about the story. These characters grow on you and I came to care about them and am very interested in learning more about them and what the future holds for them. Of course, the story is of equal importance and this story held my interest all the way to the end. I appreciate a book with fade to black romantic scenes and without profanity. This book checks both of those boxes.

I received an ARC of this book for which I am grateful but it in no way influenced my opinion of which I am voluntarily giving.

Good news Twyla has emerged from her healing sleep. Brooke is super excited to see her friend again. Not so good news on their way to a reconnect dinner the trip over a headless man in an alley. Not exactly the best welcome back from hibernation. Brooke is still conflicted about her place in town. On the one hand she loves it and the people, she feels like she belongs there, but on the other her family, her mother especially keep on her case about getting back to the real world and to stop hiding away. She is struggling mightily with the decision and her mother showing up unannounced doesn’t make it easier. So instead she focuses on helping out with the murders that have been committed. She is working with her mentor Esmeralda on the magical procedures that could help the police. Brooke is also hanging with Twyla to make sure she is fully recovered. She feel connected and at the same time as if she is unimportant to the process and the people around her which makes her decision all the more difficult.
There’s a lot of angst in this book due to Brooke and her back and forth, stay or go decision making. Her behavior borderline annoying/ childish. Adulting isn’t the most fun thing all the time but she really needs to get on that train. I loved the strange murder mystery. It was puzzling and enigmatic which is probably why the whole Brooke thing irritated me so much, it detracted from the sleuthing. While I enjoyed this story and it’s mystery I could’ve used about ten percent less angst. Your mileage may vary.
I received an ARC from the author, this is my honest review.

I love Brooke and the characters of Purgatory Falls. I have to say this series makes me always want more… Mermaid mystery books! Between reads I’m always wondering what the people are doing in Purgatory Falls when they aren’t the stars of Nikki’s books (ok maybe I’m too into this series). I figured out who dun it just before the reveal (so there are the perfect number of clues, but no spoilers here). I will say I wish there was more interaction between Brooke and Aiden this time around, but I feel there is more to come, and I can’t wait!