Review: Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer
Title: Thicker Than Water
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Unknown
Publication: December 29, 2015
Summary (from Netgalley): On his own
Thomas Bellweather hasn't been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad's cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect. Not that there's any evidence. But before Thomas got to Frederick there had only been one other murder in twenty years.The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. Her friend was the other murder vic. And she'd like a couple answers…. Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden.The more they dig, the more it seems the only way they'll hear the real story is from the source--the killer. Not the kind of future plan a college recruiter likes to hear. But then, the better it works, the less likely either of them is going to have a future. . .
Thomas Bellweather just lost his mom in a gruesome murder and he is the prime suspect in the case. He meets Charlotte and together they try to solve the mystery of the killer, but they are thwarted at every turn by Charlotte's father and 3 older brothers, who are all are cops and they suspect Thomas is the killer.
I felt this story was more about Thomas coping in the aftermath of his mothers death than the mystery of who killed her. It did not read like a mystery book, because the scenes were more focused on how people treated him and how he tried to live with the blame. There was not a lot of sleuthing or investigating and we don't get many clues about the suspect. The pace was very slow too, which helped make this book feel less like a mystery book.
That said, I really did like this book. The main characters were likeable and felt real. It was frustrating to see what Thomas had to go through after his mothers death, but I think he handled it very well. I liked Charlotte's character also. She could cook and clean, yet she was a fighter and could defend herself. She was kind and helped Thomas and their romance was sweet. I liked the romance because instead of insta-love, they gradually started liking each other. They even became friends first (*gasp*). There were many loose ends and unresolved questions at the end of the book, which leads me to believe there must be a second novel, although I can't find anything on the web that agrees. I hope we get another book, because I would love to get some answers to some questions and see where their romance goes.
I don't suggest starting this book with the mindset it’s a mystery book, because you will be disappointed. This reads more like a coming-of-age romance book rather than a mystery book. Overall, I liked the story and the characters, and I would like to continue the series (if there is second book).
*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
