Published by Seventh Street Books Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Format: ARC
Divorce is Murder is the first book I have read by author Elka Ray, and it won’t be the last! This book introduces us to Toby Wong, who is a Chinese-Canadian divorce lawyer who returns to her small town to take care of her mother, Ivy. Several books use this same premise. Girl wants a change. Girl goes back to her hometown, girl falls in love, girl lives happily ever after. Divorce is Murder is different in that Toby meets up with the infamous Josh, who broke her heart so many years ago (at summer camp no doubt). Josh is now a wealthy man who, by all accounts, is living the dream life with his wife, Tonya. Did I mention Tonya happens to be the Regina George (Mean Girls) of Toby’s past? Tonya made Toby’s life a living hell at summer camp, and Josh was a scoundrel. It took years just for Toby to get over the torment that has haunted her.
Fast forward…. Josh wants a divorce, who else to ring upon than Toby? Toby decides to take the case, and soon after Tonya is murdered and Josh is under suspicion. The cast of characters rounds out this book. Toby, surrounded by supportive women; her bestie, who is pregnant, and her worldly and mystical mother, tries to find out who murdered Tonya and uncovers secrets from the past. Now, this wouldn’t be a good mystery thriller without a hot cop in charge of the case right? Enter Colin Destin, the man that could give Toby the kick in the pants she needs to distract her from Josh.
The story moves along at a quick pace and will keep you entertained. There are elements of mystery, romance, and suspense, although there were a few plot holes, overall, the story came together in the end. I would have liked a little more character development, as I would have loved getting to know them on a more intimate level. Luckily, the lack of expansion didn’t hinder the story. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I think you will love Toby and the gang!
Thank you to Elka Ray, Seventh Street Books, and Henry Roi for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review.
