Review: Searching for Irene

"Anna Coughlin is a modern 1920's woman armed with a college education and a partiality for numbers. Now, within the walls of a fantastic castle-like mansion in the hills of Virginia, her skills will be tested as never before. Hired to serve as financial advisor to wealthy Lawrence Richardson, Anna finds the welcome she receives anything but warm. Lawrence's handsome but antagonistic son Tyler wants nothing more than to send her packing. The household staff isn't much better, but who can blame them, considering Lawrence's last advisor, Irene, disappeared. Convinced that one of the enigmatic members of the household has something to do with Irene's disappearance, Anna doesn't dare trust anyone--not even temperamental Tyler Richardson, who, despite her best intentions, is beginning to steal her heart. A series of frightening incidents ensnare Anna in a maze of intrigue, putting her life in peril. But even as Anna begins uncovering the secrets hidden within the mansion's stone walls, she harbors a secret of her own. Now, the only question that remains is whether she will disappear as mysteriously has Irene."

One look at its cover and a quick reading of its description, I found myself excitedly requesting Searching for Irene from NetGalley. Living in Virginia, I was happy to see it was set here. I was also happy to see it was set in the 1920's, one of my favorite eras. Throw in a "fantastic castle-like mansion" and a mysterious plot, I was sold.

Unfortunately, Searching for Irene didn't quite live up to all I hoped it would. The story started well, instantly drawing me in, but after a promising start, it seemed to stall. There didn't seem to be any plot movement. This wouldn't have bothered me if, during this stall, there had been indepth setting or character development, but that seemed missing as well. When the plot finally moved forward, I found myself at the end of the book. The ending was good, just a little too quick.

Overall, if you are looking for a quick, simple mystery, with a little bit of romance, I think you will enjoy this one. If you want something with a bit more depth, this may not be for you. It wasn't for me.

My personal rating: 2.5/5 stars

Title: Searching for Irene

Author: Marlene Bateman

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Format: Paperback

Price: $15.99 on Amazon Searching for Irene
Source: NetGalley

Fashion & Fiction was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.