I enjoy mysteries that are set in locations or circumstances that are foreign to me, and this definitely filled that bill. Linda Wallheim is a Mormon, and she finds herself in the middle of some nefarious goings-on in her neighbourhood (ward). Women around her seem to be subject to abuse and maybe murder, by the men in their lives. It seems that when the story begins, Linda is not a blind follower of her faith, but while she is undoubtedly devout, she also clearly questions aspects of her religion, particularly when it comes to relations between men and women, and the authority given to men, over their families and their communities. There are places in the narrative where the author feels the need to explain certain actions and reactions within the context of Mormon life. This is fine, though it feels a little forced. Tough to say whether it might be smoother in the hands of a more adept writer. I wasn't thinking I would read on in this series, but now I think I might read at least one more--it's kind of like judging a TV series on the merits of the pilot (which I try never to do). Anyway, the story is engaging, if somewhat frustrating, as Linda comes up against the patriarchy I mentioned earlier, particularly in the attitudes of the men she encounters throughout her informal "investigation." She rankles at that patriarchy, or at least how it seems to be abused by some Mormon men, and I did too, as a reader. It pretty much embodies all the reasons I don't subscribe to an organized religion, and Mormonism is about as organized as it gets. I did have an unexpectedly strong emotional reaction as the story wrapped up, not least because Linda begins to experience something that I, myself, feel I lack in my life. That stuff always gets me right where I live. ( )

An interesting viewpoint of a local murder through the eyes of the Bishop's Wife. Part detective novel, part murder mystery; it gives glimpses into the Mormon Church while not be overly religious or controversial.

I'm trying to branch out of my nonfiction/memoir tendencies and read other genres. I liked this one, even though I'm not usually a fan of mysteries. Very effective weaving of a culture I am part of (LDS) without getting bogged down in unnecessary description/explanation of the culture. Read it in a day, so clearly engaging. ( )

I had a hard time deciding if I liked this book or not. After finishing it, I finally decided it had some significant problems, but I think the author has potential. I don't know if she'll manage to stretch this out into a series, but the sequel could wind up being a stronger work if she learns from her mistakes.

The negatives:
- Plotting. I spent the first 250 pages thinking I'd cracked it. She curveballs it at the end, but it's too obvious in retrospect.
- She feels the need to provide a great deal of background information regarding the LDS church. Thankfully she doesn't go in depth over every last detail, but the balance between providing the reader with necessary context and overloading is uneven.
- The writing is awkward at times, though it sharpens over the course of the novel.

The positives:
- The main character. Although at several points, I thought "no one gets away with being that much of a busybody," she is interesting and sympathetic.
- The exploration of faith and culture is sincere. It is clearly the work of a believing Mormon, but it is not an overly shiny, polished whitewash of The Perfect Mormon Housewife.
- The main voices in the novel are those of the women, and they are the strongest. Harrison's decision to push the male characters to the periphery, despite their prominence in the events, allows the women's thoughts and actions to shine.
- There's a gentle but noticeable subversiveness throughout, as Harrison uses all the tropes of Mormon wifeliness as tools for Linda to do what she wants (many, many pans of baked goods are produced). ( )

Passed on to me by a friend who knew I had a morbid interest in Mormonism, so I felt obligated to finish it. Barely qualifies as a mystery story; more like Desperate Housewives of Utah, of which the narrator is a leading example. Endless self-analysis and second-guessing flesh out a very thin plot.