LITTLE PRETTY THINGS

An investigation into a childhood friend’s death leads a small-town girl to discover that her own early years may not have been as they seemed.

Juliet Townsend never expected to be condemned to an indefinite stint as one of two employees of the Mid-Night Inn, a one-star venue that specializes in serving the “Bargains and Desperates” who wander in. Though she’d counted on a track scholarship as her ticket out of town, Juliet was consistently beaten by her rival, Madeleine Bell. Now stuck in a never-ending series of rooms she pretends to clean, Juliet couldn’t be more surprised to see Maddy walk through the Mid-Night entrance. Maddy’s had nothing but success since leaving school. She’s living in Chicago and sports an engagement ring the size of a small planet. For whatever reason, Maddy is determined to have a drink with Juliet; she spends her time at the bar trying to get Juliet to admit that their rivalry stemmed from their close friendship. Juliet wants no part of whatever Maddy’s motives are, but soon she doesn’t have a choice. Shortly after Maddy’s body is found the next day, Patrol Officer Courtney Howard becomes convinced that Juliet’s involved in her death. Now Juliet’s only opportunity to apologize may be to find the real killer.

Though the plot is straightforward and predictable despite the obligatory twists, Rader-Day (The Black Hour, 2014) writes absorbingly enough to make you look forward to a sequel.