Great Author, Great Story, Loved it more than her others. A great book for a lazy weekend afternoon for an escape. Thanks

I liked this book but I just couldn't get into the story. I didn't like the writing style but overall the story was good.

Nika Grahame's "Larceny in Lubrín" is a suspenseful page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. With elements of mystery, secrets, and a touch of witchcraft, this novel introduces readers to a world of danger and intrigue.

The story begins with Kelly, who travels to Spain to settle her aunt's estate following what seems like a simple cycling accident. However, as she peers into her family's history, she uncovers a dark secret that leads her down a treacherous path. Grahame weaves together the threads of a sinister organization, thefts, and murder.

As Kelly races against time to expose the murderer and unravel her family's hidden past, the tension builds. Grahame crafts a sense of unease and impending danger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Kelly's determination and courage in the face of danger make her a compelling protagonist. Her journey from a grieving niece to an amateur sleuth adds depth to her character, and readers will root for her every step of the way.

The backdrop of Lubrín, a small Spanish town, adds an atmospheric and immersive quality to the story. Grahame's descriptions transport readers to the charming yet mysterious setting, where ancient secrets are concealed beneath a seemingly tranquil façade.

The novel's exploration of family secrets and their far-reaching consequences is thought-provoking and engaging. It serves as a reminder that the past can cast a long shadow on the present, and that sometimes, the search for truth can lead to unexpected and dangerous revelations.

There are moments where the pacing could be more balanced. Some readers may find that the story accelerates rapidly at times, leading to occasional moments of confusion. However, this does contribute to the sense of urgency that permeates the story.

I was enticed by the title and beautiful cover, but this was a pretty rough one for me to get through. I think the writing is abrupt at some points and then overly flowery at others. You could almost feel the effort in some paragraphs that are full of descriptors and then others seem to make leaps and jumps that disrupt the flow.

There are some odd judgements or assumptions made early on, like cats-eye glasses means someone is into puzzles. There are also some illogical comments that are almost misogynistic? A character finds out she was dating a married man and calls herself a slut? A woman with many male friends and past boyfriends has a “questionable” social life?

The insertion of witchcraft comes out of left field. Witchy books are pretty popular right now and if that theme has been incorporated from the start, it would have been a believable element of the story. As is, it’s ridiculous.

I feel badly for this NetGalley review, but I feel this book could be workshopped into a better place and released again.