Family Photos

McKenna Mystery #4

by Kate Anslinger

In book four of the McKenna Mystery Series, Grace’s gift takes her back to the 1950s, when Bridgeton, Massachusetts was run by high society families. When Grace and boyfriend, Mark Connolly, sign the paperwork on their newly purchased home, Grace learns things she’d rather not know about the seller and the family that formerly lived there.

A gunshot wound, old family photos with a mysterious woman, and a thousand pieces of shattered green glass flash before Grace when she meets the seller, John Walsh. Recruiting the help of Mark, Barb, and a few other newly casted characters, Grace picks apart old family photos and gets tangled up in Bridgeton’s past. Meanwhile, she is faced with living in a home that was the setting for chilling town secrets.

In Family Photos, Grace dissects a crime that is close to home, provoking the truth so the dust can finally settle.

Genres: Mystery

210 pages, ebook

First published March 22, 2021

About the author

Kate is the author of the Grace McKenna Mystery series and The Town Series. She’s also penned several standalone novels and co-authored a nonfiction book or two. In addition to her life as a novelist, Kate is a ghostwriter, book coach, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Her debut novel Saving Jason, touches upon the struggles of PTSD, a topic that is near and dear to her heart. Kate lives on the North Shore of Boston with her husband, two daughters and golden retriever pup.

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace McKenna is my favorite kind of heroine: Gutsy but authentic, smart, inquisitive and tenacious. The world Kate Anslinger creates for her has a dysfunctional "Leave it to Beaver" feel, where what life is never what it appears to be.

And that's Grace's curse. If her gaze connects with someone who has a guilty secret, the tale plays out in vivid, living color, revealing just enough to set Grace on the case; in this instance a long-ago closed case that everyone in town would just as soon keep closed.

Kate Anslinger's characters are richly drawn and her delectable plots twist like eating a salted pretzel in the dark. Just when you think you know where the next bite is coming from, Kate spins the story on its head, drawing you into Grace's mind as she, and we chase the truth, slowly revealing a bucket full of surprises that keep on coming until the very last sentence.

[Dawn Hosmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I started reading this book that it was part of a series. However, it was totally fine to read as a standalone and I didn't feel lost at all.

The concept of the book intrigued me - a woman could glean glimpses of crimes someone committed in their pasts simply by looking in their eyes. In this case, Detective Grace McKenna sees the murder of a young boy that happened decades earlier. She works to unravel the mystery behind the boy's death and learns some very unexpected things along the way.

I was expecting this book to be a fast-paced thriller. Instead it was more of a mystery with themes of family secrets, abuse, and grief. It was a fast read, coming in at just under 200 pages. I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a few good twists and turns along the way.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Anslinger sucked me in again!! I was reading this book on lunch breaks and in the evenings, not wanting to put it down because I just HAD to know what happened next. When I started the story, I knew in my heart there was an affair involved and I thought the affair is what perpetrated the series of events that happened in the backyard that summer. I even thought I figured out early on who had the affair. Kate surprised me big time!! The events on that day unfolded in a way I NEVER saw coming. Truth be told, I was surprised by who had the affair too. Definitely worth the read. I'll be putting this one on my list to read again.

[Diane Heald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down, just had to find out what happens. Kate Anslinger did it again, what a great read!

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Grace McKenna series! My only complaint is that I always think they end too soon! How cool would a TV series or movie from these books be?!?! Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Norman Birnbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Family Photos" is a quick, engaging read, and I mean that as a compliment.

Living in a small town that resembles Bridgeton, Massachusetts, where Det. Grace McKenna lives, I picked up the fourth in Kate Anslinger's series, "Family Photos," from my local indie bookstore, which supports local authors. First, a word about Bridgeton. As depicted, Bridgeton is a quintessential New England town but not stereotypically so. I don't think anyone says "wicked" or goes to Dunks (i.e., Dunkin Donuts), and speaks with a Boston accent. (Cars are parked in Bridgeton, not "pahhked.") Instead, it is the kind of town where people know their neighbors and think they know everything about them.

But they don't really know what goes on behind the picket fences, inside the clapboard homes.

At the start of "Family Photos," Grace and her boyfriend buy a house in Bridgeton, and because of her gift -- Grace gets visions when she looks in the eyes of a criminal -- she believes that a five-year-old died 65 years ago in *her house* but was it an accident or was it murder. A crime that had long ago been determined to be accidental but may have been covered up.

I'm a relatively new resident here but I've heard people mention in passing how the town will go out of its way to help families who have lived here for generations. (Street names in town include the names of existing families.) So a coverup to protect a family seems a real possibility.

Does Grace find whodunit? Does she find out why? Is justice served?

You'll have to read "Family Photos" to find out.

[Gwen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timmy and John’s Solved Non-Case! 4.4***** Spoiler Alert!
At Grace and Mark’s house closing, Grace envisioned the shooting of a swinging, young 5-6 year old by the younger version of the elderly, reclusive wealthy seller, John Walsh Jr. Working backwards with Barb’s and Mark’s help, she was able to solve the accidental death of John’s emotionally and physically, abused younger half- brother, Timmy, by their drunk, sociopathic, socialite mother. After years of carrying the guilt, John finally told his twin sister/ Re known psychologist, Susan, who smothered her elderly mother for her past familial crimes and atrocities. The family gathered at Timmy’s grave, which included their former protective nanny, Karina, JohnJr, Susan, Grace, Mark, Sully’s and Bett’s (Timmy’s half brother via his dad’s affair with Mrs. Walsh) to properly grieve Timmy, while growing their newly minted relationship bonds. HEA for pregnant Grace and Mark as they forge a stronger bond with Bruce, her wealthy dad, while battling and coping with her mom’s mental and physical decline. It is sad that Ellen with not hold her soon to be grandchild.
An Amazing-Read with a theme of ‘Money does not buy happiness!’

07/08/23- 07/08/23 STTecks’23 COVID-19

[Jennifer Salsich]

I absolutely loved this book. I read this first before realizing that there were 3 that technically came before it. I wish I had read them in order because I like reading things that way, but these certainly stand alone on their own. After this one, I read The Gift, which was excellent, and am now going to read #3.

This book is a cozy blanket and cup of coffee sort of reading that leaves you entertained and turning pages swiftly. She's a new and young writer but very talented.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Grace was a cop and she could sometimes see things others dont see. Her and her boyfriend Mark bought a new house . Later she gets vibes about a little boy Timmy died from a gunshot wound many years ago in the backyard. She decided to do reach on the little boys murder. Find out the who and why.Long story short she found out what really happened and who was involved it and why. You wont regreat reading this one.

[Karen Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read.

Just as the first book in this series I truly enjoyed this one as well. If you have and detective sense in you like me some things will try to figure out. The main character/s have a sweet relationship. This story as it says take you back in time, so much changes through time. So better for it and some just fall down the wrong path in their life journey. Well that is all I will say to not bring forth spoilers. I look forward to the next book. Happy Reading.

[MELISSA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing to read through this series in between other more intense books. Again, psychic detective getting unintentionally involved in cold case murders has caught my attention. As these are more in the cozy mystery area, they give me a needful break away from more tense (for me) books. Overall good reads.

[Jan Stenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photos

This is an interesting story. The detective has an amazing gift. The socialite family has many secrets. And there's a mystery to unravel. I highly recommend this book. It's gripping from cover to cover.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Grace McKenna, detective, looks into someone's eyes, she sees a crime being committed. Grace and Mark buy a house and when she looks at John Walsh's eyes as the seller, she sees a little boy being shot. This is the fourth book of the series. Loved them all

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Photos is an enchanting story with the elements of suspense and mystery combined with the brilliant characters that all help to make this a very engaging read.

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

[Judith Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books in this series I loved this one the most--I catches you right at the start and doesn't let up until the end. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and how they all came together at the end. I recommend this series and cannot wait to read the next book.

[Louise Werder Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sleepless night

I could not put this down. Timmy kept me awake a until after 5am. I knew I shouldn't pick up your book at 3am, but I had to know what had happened between John and Timmy. The twist always catches me by surprise.
Already for the next Installment.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful series

Written with skill that shows Love for her character. So interesting how a vision creates such good stories. If you prefer clean books you’ll love these. I love all books so enjoy!

[Maureen Harris]

A series about a detective who can see elements of a murder in they eyes of some of the people she meets. Then she and her boyfriend work to solve what she sees. Some glimpses are of recent events others of times that happened in the past.

[Bakerm2761 · Rating 4 out of 5]

family photos

Good to follow Grace through the past cases. Have enjoyed the 3 books I have read in the series and probably will come back to read another after I get a different type of drama.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

just gets better and better

I wasn’t too sure about the first book in the series, but the authors writing just gets better and better. Love the ending of this book!

[Jody Weems · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fulfilling Mystery

Grace sees another crime, A shooting of a young boy, and sets out try to solve the mystery, or was it a crime?

[Susan Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a nice easy read

[Avree Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the immense pleasure of getting to serve as editor and copyeditor on this fourth installment of the McKenna Mystery Series, Family Photos. I was drawn to Kate’s storytelling since first being acquainted with The Gift: A McKenna Mystery Series Book 1 and sucked in from that first page, enthralled by the writing and storytelling. Well, Kate Anslinger has done it again! This story has haunting imagery, characters finding healing from the past, humorous moments, the comfort of friends and family you can count on, beautiful new friendships, a new chapter of life, and at its center—a shocking death in 1955 that was never investigated because it was believed an “accident.” Grace's vision shows otherwise . . .

"The child wore a dirtied white short-sleeve shirt affixed with a navy blue tie, knee-length shorts that exposed knees encrusted with mud, and blue and white saddle shoes over soiled white ankle socks. Looking every bit the proper schoolboy except for the tattered flannel blanket he clutched to his side. He moped while seated on a rocking tandem swing. His round face then contorted into wide-eyed horror with his mouth agape as he plummeted backward to the hard earth below. A rivulet of bright crimson seeped from a bullet-sized chest wound. His face turned ashen and his full lips turned bluish-purple, slackening as his chest no longer rose and fell with breath. His little body fell limp as his vacant hazel eyes released a trickling tear along the contours of his broad nose, blurring a cluster of freckles along the way."

Will someone pay the price for the uncovered truth sixty-five years later?

It was incredible to be involved from the very beginning with this one and it never ceases to amaze me how Kate’s mind works to come up with these intricate, twisty storylines—and so quickly, I might add. (Be sure to check out Buried Secrets and Never Tell, books 2 and 3, of the McKenna Mystery Series.)

I began pursuing my self-education at becoming a freelance proofreader/copyeditor in November 2019. Kate and I first became acquainted in August of 2020 when I reached out to her, offering her my proofreading/copyediting services, upon the recommendation of my neighbor Helen—Kate’s high school friend. She graciously responded within an hour of messaging her. She informed me she was working on her fourth book in the series and from there we stayed in close communication and I was consulted on a few research questions for her story (since she’d learned, at the time, I was doing my own research for my first writing project of a historical crime fiction—that I’m currently 70,000 words in on my first draft).

Upon communicating via email, texts, a video call, multiple phone calls, and one magical in person meeting, between August and December, we arrived at the conclusion that I may serve as a good fit as her editor on the project. I was beyond tickled she’d even agreed to take a chance on me as a complete novice as a freelance copyeditor (my first official gig, mind you) . . . I hadn’t even considered my hand at editing, but we felt we’d both be open to giving it a try and here is the culmination of our hours of communication, care, attention, rewrites, and toil.

I loved every moment of the process and Kate is such a genuine, positive, patient, and hardworking person. Though we started our relationship as a professional one, I’m honored to be able to call Kate a dear friend!

I’m really pleased with the outcome of this thrilling story and I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. I especially enjoyed the 1950s elements. Upon completion of my role serving as editor, copyeditor, and proofreader of an ARC, Kate messaged me to say that she was writing the acknowledgements and feeling a bit sentimental while writing it. I had to wait until the book’s release to be able to read the acknowledgments and Kate was so kind and generous with her words. It means so much to me.

Kate is currently well underway with the FIFTH book in the series. So, let’s do it again, Kate!! Here’s to more of Grace McKenna and the loveable gang of beloved characters you feel like are your friends, the exciting new characters Grace is going to encounter, adventures she will embark on, and mysteries she will, no doubt, solve.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a trip to a small charming seaside town?? Bridgeton has it all small shops, idyllic streets and amazing history. In this trip to Bridgeton we find Grace and Mark buying a home in town. Not only did they buy an amazing house, they bought one that had a mystery just for Grace.
The amazing house is everything both Grace and Mark wanted and are so excited to be moving in. Of course moving into a new house always requires some work and home repairs you can't see or expect, but when Grace meets the seller of her house, John Walsh, she is flooded with visions of a small boy.
Grace is worried her dream home will be come the place of nightmares. One their first night in their home Brody finds a hidden space below the window seat and Grace finds a box of old photos.
She sees the small boy from her vision. With the help of Mark and Barb, Grace starts to learn there is so many more layers to the history of not only her house, but 1950's Bridgeton.
While dealing with mystery of her vision Grace is also dealing with her mother needed more and more care and her relationship with her father.
This story has characters that are well written and have depth. Grace and Mark are shown more at home and how their relationship is developing and changing. They are not just dating anymore, they have a home and a life together. This books shows that Grace is more than just a Detective. It shows her layers and that we have so much more to learn about her in the next book.
This book has some fun twists and when you think the story is going right it does a 180. I love a book that makes me think and then rethink. I was so sure I knew how this mystery would end and boy was I wrong.
I can't wait to see where Kate Anslinger and Grace McKenna take us next!!

[Michylle Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Kate knows how to keep me interested by getting to the point while doing so, so eloquently. I love her use of words. She immerses me into this journey of another person’s story. I would describe it as the longest orgasm ever to finally reach a climax. When you get there, you say to yourself, I can’t wait to do that again! I also appreciate the relationships between her main characters and the new characters created each time she writes a novel. Her stories come together so beautifully. You have to start at the beginning of the series to appreciate how far these relationships have come, I look forward to another Grace McKenna Mystery Novel, soon to come in the future.

For this novel in particular, I had no idea which direction it was going, I was on the edge of my seat each chapter. Chapter “John” & Chapter “Susan” and of course, the final Chapter, blew my mind. Just when I thought I figured it out, NOPE, here we go again........!

Great job to the Author for giving me something to enjoy for the week. Love my quick reads.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Family Photos" has probably been my favorite book so far in this series. I just love the way Kate writes. I get sucked into the story and nothing else matters. Don't start reading this book if you have things you need to do because you won't want to put this book down!!!
I love reading about the adventures of Grace and all the work she puts into her career and especially using her gift. Mark is so supportive of Grace throughout this book just like he has been in the other books of the series. I also love Brody and his silly dog antics!!
I can't wait for another McKenna Mystery Series book to come out!

[Courtney Demers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book in this series! There are twists and turns around every corner, and just when you think you know what happens, another HUGE secret is revealed and leaves you stunned. The best part about this book, is you get to know your favorite characters on a deeper level along with their connections to each other and the new characters that are brought in. Another great read by a great author!

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent enough light reading (for me) series!