Brought to you by OBS reviewer Sammy

Synopsis:

Cage Foster can’t catch a break. The discovery of a dusty skeleton in the antebellum home he’s caring for is bad enough. But the unearthing of two fresh bodies, buried during his tenure at Ironwood Plantation, may land Cage on Mississippi’s death row. Even worse, the one person certain of his innocence is a pushy Yankee newcomer, a woman who talks too fast and still believes in the romance of the Old South.

A specialist in historical renovation, Dani Evans intends to restore Ironwood to its former glory while she rebuilds her life after the death of her mother. Death, hidden treasure, and falling in love with a murder suspect were not part of the plan. The lure of the infamous Ironwood treasure cache convinces Dani the skeleton is the key to unraveling the legend, and that the treasure itself is the motive for the murders.

Cage is certain an old grudge is setting him up for murder, but the evidence against him is mounting and time is running out. Dani believes she can find the truth before Cage is arrested, but her search for answers will uncover a descent into madness that should have stayed buried. (Goodreads)

Review:

What an absolutely charming story! This is the second story in the Delta Crossroads series but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. But, the first book in this series is also great. I  recommend reading them both because it’s worth it. Wonderful writing and the flow of this book works so well,  it sucks you in so quickly you find yourself turning page after page until you’re finish before you know it. Talk about a twist at the end. Amazing!

It took me a bit to warm up the Cage, he was so grumpy, unfriendly and stuffy. When he found the skull it was more of an inconvenience to him. He didn’t seem to have any compassion. He did get better and grew on me. I loved Dani from the first, she was filled with compassion and kindness stayed and helped her mom when she was sick. Who wouldn’t like her?  I loved how she knew what she wanted and went for it. This author has a wonderful way of making her characters complete, with flaws and all, while at the same time making us understand them.

One of the most delightful things about this author is her ability to make you feel like you are in the places she is writing about. You feel the heat and see the house through loving eyes and smell the decomposition  I could feel my nose turning up and my mouth turning down at her fabulous description of that. This wonderful ability  she has goes throughout the story with everything making you feel part of the story. Taking  you into another world. Yes, there is darkness in the story, but it’s not weighted down with it. Nicely balanced.

I enjoyed how characters from the first book were in this story as well, but for those who have not read the first book,  it still works, you don’t feel like you are missing anything.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well written romantic suspense, with surprises that you really don’t see coming.

Stacey Green can hold her own with any of the other well established authors in this genre. She is a force to be reckoned with. I’m looking forward to continuing to read her stories.