This novel started out a bit slow for me; it’s heavily focused on the world of oil drilling which is quite foreign to me. However, I’m glad I stuck with the story, because the world of the oil rig and the cast of characters really grew on me. The author did a skillful job of weaving important information about drilling into the story so that the reader could develop an understanding of the context, without the information feeling intrusive or distracting. I initially thought this was not a story I could get into, but was very pleasantly surprised by how connected I became to the characters and setting.

The narrator, Ann, is full of sass and spunk with a nice dose of wit. The other characters, most of whom work at the well, initially run together a bit because there are many secondary characters, but as the story progresses they become more developed. Ann, referred to as “little sister” by the crew, develops a relationship with them that unfolds in a very realistic and heartwarming way. The pranks between her and one crew member lend a laugh-out-loud hilarity that balances well with the slow-building suspense of the mystery.

The mystery itself is intriguing but doesn’t feel like the dominant element of the story. While I wanted to know whodunit, what really kept me hooked was the compelling cast of characters and their relationships. Each was endearing in their own way, and I found myself fascinated by the world in which they lived. Those who like a fast-paced, spine-tingly suspenseful mystery may not be satisfied with this, but those who enjoy a slowly-simmering mystery with a colorful cast of characters and a spunky heroine will find a gem here. ( )