What constitutes a good mystery? Do you like well developed characters and a plot that is predictible but well written? Perhaps you prefer to read a "who dun it" that keeps you guessing to the end. This week's book, The Inn At Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble, falls somewhere in between.

Most novels that I have read introduce two main characters who are well developed, and have a small cast of supporting characters. In The Inn At Ocean's Edge, Coble spins a yarn around nine different people who are central to the story. Some throughout; others for specific parts of the story. She also introduces a few additional characters who are pertinent in individual chapters.

Claire Dellamare follows her parents to a quaint country inn for a business meeting. Upon arrival, she has a strong feeling of deja vu which triggers a panic attack. Claire later witnesses a murder that stirs some suppressed memories. One of the inn's employees mentions to Claire that she had been at the inn when she was little and was abducted from her own birthday party. The plot is based around Claire's attempt to unravel the mystery of who took her as a child, where she was hidden for the year that she was missing, why she has no recollection of the event, and why her family has been less than forthcoming about her past. Coble does a fantastic job of developing both her characters and her plot line. The story has its predictable moments, but also has enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing until the end.
One of the things I have come to appreciate, especially in Christian fiction, is a novel that includes study group questions. The Inn At Ocean's Edge could easily be adapted for small group discussion. Since it is not overtly religious(includes references to belief and to God), it would also be easily adaptable for book clubs.



Disclaimer: This book was a kindle free version. The opinions expressed within are those of the reviewer.