#BookReview: Unclear Purposes

by Joan Hall

5 Stars

Book Blurb:

Some people take secrets to the grave…

Three years after her husband’s murder, Christine Lawrence still struggles for balance. She has a rewarding career and a close circle of friends but feels oddly unfulfilled. Worse, the close relationship she once had with her teenage daughter has grown increasingly strained.

Former FBI agent, Vince Green, is battling demons of his own—painful secrets that drove him from Driscoll Lake. Newly resettled in the small town, he makes his living as a private investigator.

When Vince and Christine cross paths, stumbling over the body of a murder victim, he’s forced to confront memories he thought long buried. The circumstances surrounding the killing are eerily similar to a victim from his past.

As the body count continues to rise, Christine finds herself drawn to Vince. With a murderer stalking the streets of Driscoll Lake, neither is aware the killer has targeted her as the next victim—or that Vince’s past is key to unmasking a disturbed and deadly killer.

My Review:

Unclear Purposes is the third and final book in the Driscoll Lake Series. It opens at a fast pace and keeps going up til the end. I had no clue who the killer might be until after the 80% stage of the book. The author did a great job of weaving in the many plot threads and character arcs, which all resolved nicely by the close of the book. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. If you like intrigue, crime drama, and a splash of romance, you’ll love this book. I highly recommend you give it a go.

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NOTE ON RATINGS:  I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!  — Highly Recommended.

4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.

3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read.  Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it. 

2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.

1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

16 Comments on “#BookReview: Unclear Purposes

  1. Harmony,

    Thanks so much for this wonderful review. I’m honored that you gave it five stars! So glad you enjoyed it.

  2. Fab review, Harmony. I have to agree with your star-rating system. It’s good to have something to go on and to let your readers know where you are with your reviews. My ratings are very similar. 🙂

  3. I have this on my TBR list, but want to read the second book first! Great review:)

  4. A great review of a wonderful book. Harmony! I’ve read the entire Driscoll Lake series. I enjoyed them all, but I must admit Unclear Purposes is my favorite. I loved the story arcs Joan wove for her characters (especially Jason) and the twists and turns of the mystery.

  5. Fabulous review. I read and loved all of this series. Nice to see her release getting some well-deserved attention.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Harmony. Best wishes to Joan.