Mrs. Oliver's Twist: A Quinn McFarland Mystery

by Saralyn Richard

IF YOU CAN’T TRUST YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER, WHOM CAN YOU TRUST?

Quinn McFarland is on the verge of living her best life. With exciting career plans, a loving husband, and dreams of a perfect future, everything seems to be falling into place. But when she’s asked to identify the body of her beloved former teacher, Mrs. Oliver, Quinn's world is fragmented.

The moment Quinn looks at the wrist of the deceased, she notices something chilling—a tattoo she’s seen before. But this time, the ink holds an unsettling meaning, pulling Quinn into a tangled web of mystery and deception. As she digs deeper, Quinn uncovers dark truths about her teacher's past—secrets that lead to a brutal murder and people she knows and trusts.

Now, Quinn must navigate a treacherous path where every clue brings more danger, and the stakes are do-or-die. As the investigation spirals out of control, Quinn’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. With her marriage, her family, and her future on the line, Quinn must confront the frightening reality that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined—and time is running out.

A gripping thriller filled with unexpected perils, Mrs. Oliver’s Twist will keep you spinning until the very last page.

Genres: Mystery

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2025

About the author

Critically-acclaimed author and educator, Saralyn Richard writes about people in settings as diverse as elite country manor houses and disadvantaged urban high schools. She loves beaches, reading, sheepdogs, the arts, libraries, parties, nature, cooking, and connecting with readers.

Visit Saralyn at http://saralynrichard.com, on her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/Saralyn-Richar..., or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Palmcirclepress

Reviews

[Joy York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and loved books in the Detective Parrott series, I had high expectations for The Quinn McFarland Mysteries. I was not disappointed. Though Mrs. Oliver’s Twist is Book 2 in the series, I began there because I was attracted to the catchy title and the intriguing description. It didn’t present a problem, because Richard provides just enough backstory that is relevant to jumping right into the story.

Quinn McFarland works in her family-owned funeral home but aspires to be a physician’s assistant. She has just returned from her relaxing, romantic honeymoon with Josh Brady, a highly accomplished surgeon. Her plans to start her new life and career are abruptly halted when she receives a call from a local detective. One of her favorite teachers from high school, Trish Oliver, was found floating in the gulf. Because of Quinn’s help solving previous crimes and her past relationship with Mrs. Oliver, he needs her perspective. After seeing the body, Guinn realizes it is not Mrs. Oliver, but her identical twin sister from NYC. Despite Josh’s objections, Guinn gets drawn into a dangerous and muddled investigation.

Richard delivers a fast-paced, twisting plot that kept me furiously reading. Every time I thought I figured it out, another surprise drew me in a different direction. The characters are all well-developed and complex. Quinn is an intelligent, compassionate, insightful, and independent woman with a bit of insecurity which makes her more relatable. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Mrs. Oliver, a multifaceted character. There is never a dull moment in this page-turner. I highly recommend this book for all mystery and crime fiction lovers.

[Glen McGlothin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, well written. Makes one wonder about the value of trust from here out.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saralyn Richard continues to deliver another exceptional story. Mrs. Oliver’s Twist, the second book in the Quinn McFarland Mystery Series, features Quinn settling into her new life with her husband after a honeymoon in Jamaica. A sure sign of a great read is an intriguing first sentence, and this is one of the best I’ve ever read: “Quinn was done with death—or so she thought . . .”
Quinn is eager to transition from working in the family funeral home to pursuing a career in the medical profession. She is ready to leave the past behind. The previous year, Quinn played a key role in the arrest of a human trafficker and killer. Now, all that remains is to testify at his trial. However, when Mrs. Twist, one of her favorite high school English teachers, is discovered washed up on the west end of the island, Quinn’s plans come to a halt. Reflecting on the title, the first twist in the story arrives swiftly when Quinn realizes that Mrs. Twist is alive and well, enjoying martinis at Gaido’s Restaurant.
What makes this a must-read is the unexpected turns. Just when you think you’ve figured out the mystery, another twist adds to the complexity.

[Kathleen Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Oliver’s Twist is indeed twisty with a thrilling plot and intricate characters, especially the protagonist Quinn McFarland. Quinn has married the man of her dreams and finds out that her career path is going the way she wants. One of the people she credits with her success is her high school teacher, Mrs. Oliver. But as Quinn learns more about Mrs. Oliver’s life outside the classroom, she begins to wonder if her favorite teacher is hiding dangerous and deadly secrets. As Quinn works in her family’s funeral home, she realizes that several of the deceased are still providing clues and exposing secrets the someone needs to keep silent. Is Mrs. Oliver involved in some way? Or is she the sweet and reserved teacher who was there for Quinn at a rough point in her life? Quinn dares to find the answers, but it will take everything she has to stay alive and save the love of her life from those who want to keep her quiet.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the captivating title to the first brilliant pages and beyond this cleverly crafted mystery is a fabulous read. There’s so much to praise in this book, it’s hard to know where to begin. The characters, including the villains, are complex and compelling. The premise is delicious and the twists (pun intended) are brilliantly executed. I found myself racing through the chapters full of fast-paced suspense. I love it when a story keeps me guessing until the very satisfying conclusion!

Though this is the second book in the series, the author does an excellent job of weaving in the necessary backstory from the first installment, so readers who are new to the series can jump right in. That said, I’m now absolutely picking up the first book!

[Sharon Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to reality after a heavenly honeymoon is never fun, but when your parents guilt-trip you about family business suffering in your absence and a policeman darkens your door, it feels like things can’t get worse. Until you’re asked to identify a body. Quinn McFarland hits the ground running in Mrs. Oliver’s Twist, book 2 in Saralyn Richard’s latest series. Everyone has a public persona and a private one, but the deeper Quinn delves into her favorite high school teacher’s life, she discovers more than she bargains for. And that information may get her or someone she loves killed. Jump into this fast-paced twisty novel that combines crazy family dynamics with heart-pounding action.

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Oliver’s Twist is a spellbinding tale filled with emotional depth and suspense. The novel unfolds like a great piece of theatre—smart, fast-paced, and charged with intensity. It showcases Richard’s remarkable gift for creating intricate plots and complex characters that leave a lasting impression.

[Tracey Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tantalizing, twisty tale of twins, Mrs. Oliver's Twist was a terrific read. When Quinn learns the body in the family mortuary is her favorite teacher, she must get involved with the investigation. Could it be? Maybe she didn't know her teacher at all. This book is one of the top of the best 2025 mystery books in my opinion. A must read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest novel from Saralyn Richard is a mesmerizing tale of Quinn McFarland's past adoration for a former teacher who proves to be someone who cannot be trusted and is a danger to those around her. The diverse cast of characters adds depth and keeps the reader engaged. Quinn McFarland's character is strong, decisive and well plotted until the very end.

[Linda Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Saralyn's previous books are great reads, and this one is no exception. They have familiar, likeable characters and twisty plots. This one is exceptionally twisty. I really enjoyed the relationship between newlyweds Quinn and Josh -- it made the mystery really cozy. Another great job, Saralyn!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Richard has, once again, intrigued the reader with this twist and turn murder. Even though the reader might figure out who did it sooner than in her other novels, you are kept riveted to the book to see if and how the ending comes to fruition. I continue to enjoy Ms. Richard’s writing snd look forward to reading her next masterpiece!

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The aptly titled Mrs. Oliver’s Twist abounds in twists and turns that author Saralyn Richard passes around like crumpets at teatime.

A delightful mystery that leaves readers gasping for breath while trying to decide who to trust… and who to fend off with a ten-foot pole.

[Sydney Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Oliver's Twist is a fun mystery with lots of twists, as its title suggests. A fast-paced read with compelling characters that will keep you guessing until the end!

[Marjorie McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every twist in Saralyn Richard’s latest Quinn McFarland mystery! Mrs. Oliver’s Twist delivers suspense, heart, and beautifully drawn characters—a standout read from a gifted storyteller.