Almost Innocent: A Small-Town Political Mystery (Women's Fiction)

by Beca Lewis

Small Town, Big Secrets, Is Anyone Innocent?

When two deaths disrupt the tranquility of Spring Falls, Judith Zoe, a local with deep roots in the community and an unwavering sense of justice, races against time to uncover a tangle of secrets and lies.

As Judith delves deeper, she uncovers hidden truths that challenge her perceptions of her neighbors and her town. From clandestine meetings to whispered rumors, every new revelation brings her closer to a truth that could change Spring Falls forever.

Dive into the world of 'Almost Innocent' and join Judith, and the enigmatic Ruby Sisters as they seek to piece together the puzzle of their once-idyllic hometown.

Will they restore peace to Spring Falls, or will the secrets they uncover disrupt their lives forever? Find out in this enthralling tale of mystery and community. Grab your copy today!

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2024

Reviews

[Sucharitha Rajendran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different kind of book. A mystery in a quaint little town. The town reminds me of " Gilmore girls" a lot. But the mystery is very interesting. I found myself wanting more characters' story details and background. Who would have loved it to be a little more drawn out in just that one aspect. Otherwise a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Connie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I answered Beca Lewis’ call for early readers, but had no clue what I would be receiving. Since I didn’t know Beca or the genre she wrote, the story pleasantly surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I am not a reader of mysteries, cozies or otherwise. In this story, Judith and a group of her friends and family rose to the challenge of helping the sheriff of a small town uncover the corruption and a murder within the town council. Once the author introduced the many characters and you gained a sense of the community, the story took off running. An omniscient narrator moved the story along and there were lots of characters to either love or hate. On the evil side, I found the character traits of the council members who sought power and wealth to be flushed out well. The author is a master at interiority, which made getting inside their corrupt minds interesting. Intentionally or not, the main evil antagonist, though female, had characteristics of Donald Trump and the story suggested why loyalty remained even after wrongdoings were revealed. This was a page turner for me.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many returning characters in this book about the resident’s of Spring Falls including the mysterious death and shenanigans that the Town Council and Mayor have been up to. Great novel that should be read with the other Ruby sister’s novels.

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden secrets in a small town

The continuing saga of a group of friend who call themselves, The Ruby Sisters. This was book 5 and the last in the series.
It was through an ARC read and I was glad to have read it and am now making my review.
The story was a moving and poient story of the sisters' coming to the aide of the towns mayor, who was murdered. Through the course of the story the sisters and addional help, seek to find clues and answers to who may have killed the mayor.
The author did a swell job in creating a continuing story of the Ruby sisters who all come together in the time of need to solve the mystery. The characters were great and were shown as strong women who thrive in desperation matters and work together no matter the difficulties they encounter along the way to find answers to their problems at hand.
I enjoyed reading the series and hope to read more from this author.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book club book: to be fair, I read this in book club and it’s the 5th book in the series…so the character development was so confusing to me and I didn’t realize the Ruby sisters weren’t actually sisters until 150 pages in…I do want to read the first one and the one where we get the story about Veronica’s serial killer exhusband because that was too casually mentioned for it not to have been a book

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story. Secrets will be uncovered that could wreak havoc. Like the lead characters that are trying to solve the mysteries. The small town setting makes for great secondary characters. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the end of an engaging mystery series and it was a nice wrap up. The Ruby Sisters are a great group of women that I’ve come to enjoy. I will miss them.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing new author for me. This book was full of suspense, secrets and superb characters. Judith tries to solve the mystery, will she be able to accomplish this without danger to herself.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and it was fascinating! Great plot and such interesting characters. Loved how the story unfolded!

[D M Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is such an amazing series. I have loved each and every story. The way the relationship between the friends evolved and expands is wonderful

[Anne Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another stunning book from those author. You have to keep reading as every chapter leaves you on a knife edge. What a wonderful series thank you

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend reading the series.

[Meenal]

7% don't suffer through the bad

[Kim Ligon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings greed, evil, and corruption to the small town where the five sisters of the heart, the Ruby Sisters, live. I enjoyed the way the author foreshadows what is coming next to tease the reader. The retirement of Marshall, the mayor of 40 plus years, triggers a series of events that bring Judith Zoe to question everything she thinks she knows about him and the town council members. This was the first Ruby Sisters novel I've read but there are references to the past laced throughout the story so I could keep everyone straight. Now I'll go back to read the rest! I had two favorite lines: "Joy is stronger than sorrow." & "...life was hard. But it was worth it." This is s good mystery and an even better tribute to the people we love who become our family whether they were born to it or not. I received an ARC of this book from the author but this review reflects my own opinion freely given. Get it. Read it. You'll be glad you did!