BURNING HOPE

This paranormal mystery sees a young woman with psychic abilities become the prime suspect in a murder.

Scarlet “Red” Hooper moves from town to town, living out of her brightly painted camper van, aka Bubbles. Red, 28, has been in Hope Harbor, Washington, for a month, working at the five-and-dime, saving money for a new car battery and fridge. When she comes into the store one morning, she stumbles on Murray, the resident handyman, lying murdered in the back room. Murray was a sleaze and not liked in town. Still, the majority of Hope Harbor’s 534 residents—the town’s marshal, among them—are inclined to suspect Red of the homicide. Their suspicions are not allayed by her past history. Since her grandmother died and bequeathed Bubbles to her, Red has played a part in unmasking several murderers in the towns she’s passed through. Though her family tried to keep it from her, Red has psychic abilities that are brought out by fire. She’d rather be normal; she doesn’t want the visions. But as town sentiment mounts against her, Red’s only shot at freedom might be to solve the murder herself. But what of Hope Harbor’s most eligible bachelor, who starts courting Red even though she all but publicly accused him of the crime? Is he really on her side, or are his motives sinister? To find out, Red must come to terms with her psychic gift—and reconcile with her estranged sister when she breezes into town. In this series opener, Roberts writes in the third person past tense from Red’s point of view. The prose is accomplished and the dialogue, unobtrusive. Red emerges as a strong, likable protagonist dealt a bad hand but determined to be her own person. The characterization of Hope Harbor’s populace is less subtle. The town’s residents exhibit behavior gravitating toward stereotyped, close-minded antagonism. This adds to the oppressive sense of gathering injustice but nevertheless comes across as a tad manufactured. Red’s interactions with her sister feel more real and are astutely handled. The mystery itself strikes a nice balance between signposted developments and genuine surprises. The story moves unhurriedly yet with purpose, keeping readers engaged and invested. Overall, the author’s fans will be well satisfied.

An enjoyable tale of self-discovery and suspense set in a hostile small town.