Title: The Hard Fall   

Series: Anna Sweet Mystery

Author: Brenda Chapman

ISBN: 9781771530057

Author Website: brendachapman(.)ca

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary:

Paul Taylor, a wealthy business man, is in jail for the cold-blooded murder of his lover Laura Flint. She is found dead in his bed one hot August morning. Taylor’s wife, a former swimsuit model, is the only one to stand behind him, but even she has doubts. Taylor is about to go on trial-and he is the only suspect.

Anna Sweet of Storm Investigations agrees to take on his case with little hope of winning. The trail of clues is about to lead her into a hornet’s nest of ugly secrets. Will Anna find new evidence to clear Taylor’s name? Or is she working to free a killer? (Goodreads)

Review:

The Hard Fall is the second novella in the Anna Sweet Mystery series by Brenda Chapman. An easy, quick read chalked full of intrigue. 

Anna Sweet has decided to remain in Ottawa, at least for the time being to look after her father. Along with Jada Price (a former police officer) Anna has opened Storm Investigations. The case of Paul Taylor, a local, wealthy businessman charged with murdering his lover lands on their desk. 

As the story unfolds, the reader encounters various suspects in addition to Paul: his wife or maybe even his business partners? As Anna and Jada work to find the truth, the reader is taken on an interesting, twisted journey. We also learn a bit more about Anna and her relationships with various family members.

I found the writing easy to read and it drew me in so that it was a pleasure to sit for a short while and devour the whole book. As I am fond of saying, I did not figure out whodunit until the end – just the way I like my mysteries (though I did have my suspicions).

If you are looking for a read which will take you away, keep you engaged and your time is limited, then I suggest picking up The Hard Fall and enjoy. Each of the titles in the Sweet Mystery series are easily read as stand alone titles.