Random Things Blog Tour - The Final Reckoning

TITLE: The Final Reckoning
AUTHOR: Margaret James
PUBLISHER: Ruby Fiction
PUBLISHING DATE: January 27, 2019

SYNOPSIS: Everyone in the small English town of Hartley Cross knew that Lindsay Ellis and Simon Dyer were inseparable. But their teenage love was cut short by a horrifying crime. Lindsay stumbled across the brutally murdered body of Simon's father, Louis. Traumatized by the experience--and by Simon's arrest--Lindsay left Hartley Cross and never looked back. Until now. 

With her mother's passing, it falls to Lindsay to plan the funeral and sort her mother's affairs. That means returning to Hartley Cross, and confronting the anguish that has haunted her for years. Many of Lindsay's old friends are still there. And so is Simon, who was eventually acquitted. After all these years, Lindsay's heart still jumps when she sees him. Perhaps there's hope for their spark to be rekindled. But not everyone is happy to have Lindsay back home. Because whoever killed Louis was never caught--and may be willing to strike again in order to keep it that way. 

MY THOUGHTS: After having a slower October, my November reads are really hitting it out of the park. I've come to realize I really like foreign thrillers, which is the case with The Final Reckoning.  Lindsey and Simon had the perfect teenage romance until it was cut short by the murder of Simon's father.  Simon was arrested and Lindsey moved on.  However, family circumstances brings Lindsey back to Hartley Cross.  Simon was eventually acquitted but Lindsey's return may just turn the cold case warm again.

This is the first book I've read by James but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The characters were very compelling and the mystery kept me on my toes.  I found Lindsey to be a very likable character andr really wanted things to work out for her in the end.  This book does have a slower build up but that was fine with me because I enjoy those types of read.  I've also always been a huge fan of books that go back in time to reveal aspects of the story as the present day progresses.

I never would have guessed this was James' first foray into the thriller genre and I think she did a great job combining her experience with romance into this new endeavor.  I will definitely be looking for future works by her and I think any thriller lover, who doesn't mind a hint of romance, should consider picking this up.

RATING: 4 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A pseudonym used by Pamela Bennetts.

Margaret James has been a member of the RNA for 22 years. She has written thirteen published novels, many short stories, and she also teaches creative writing for the London School of Journalism. Margaret's first novel was A Touch of Earth, a family saga set in Herefordshire where she was born and grew up, and her most recent is The Penny Bangle, set in Dorset and published by Robert Hale. But her personal favourite among her novels is Elegy for a Queen, published by Solidus, a small independent which has a varied and fascinating list. Margaret now lives in Devon, which she loves.