When Beryl Swallows, ex-cop, receives a call from her former neighbor, Sam Galloway, saying that Anna Jones is missing, she decides to search for her. Beryl reaches out to Richard Wilson, her lawyer, and Tony Russo, her former partner, for help. What they discover is shocking! Did Anna Jones even exist.
"I'm not sure when someone decides to become a writer. I was once asked why I started and I said, 'I was tired of reading so decided to start writing!' Some dream about it but never do it and others are foolish enough to try. I have always loved Daphne DuMaurier's quote: 'Writers should be read and not seen or heard.' I loved the thought of writing but having anonymity at the same time. I doubt that can be achieved in today's world. I write for the pleasure of writing and I share it because I hope others will find joy in reading it."
A fan of Sharon Mierke’s Beryl Swallows Cozy Mysteries, it’s because her version of Cozy is ex-cop Beryl Swallows who exudes sass and spunk. On that note, Book 4 exemplifies top-notch storytelling.
The circumstances revolving around Anna, the missing woman who bought Beryl’s former home, become more baffling and complicated as Beryl; Sam, a neighbor; Tony, her former partner; and Richard, her lawyer friend, delve into the matter.
Once more, Beryl straddles the line between heeding her intellect or giving into her heart when it comes to plausible romantic alliances. As a reader, I’m torn between two of them.
The author’s straightforward manner, humor, and warmth render ‘Anna is Missing’ a recommended read.