Well it's time to dispel all previous conceptions about what happened to the Sullivan sister's mother so many years ago. Suffice it to say we were all wrong. In IN THIS TOWN, the culmination of the series, Beth Andrews conjures up some magic, perhaps sleight of hand, to lead us to the conclusion she envisioned even if it never entered our minds. So all you amateur sleuths hang on to your hats for an unbelievable ending to a wonderful murder mystery that wound up a double murder investigation as well as a departmental misconduct query to round out the scenario. I was hooked by the end of book one, left aghast after number two and surprised and perhaps a little dismayed or saddened by the resolve in this final installment. No shortcuts for Andrews and no punches held back in this captivating series that keeps you coming back for more.

The Sullivan's were certain of Dale York's natural death, so much so there really wasn't much of an investigation into his demise. Truthfully there wasn't anyone to grieve his passing, not even his son Griffin who had pretty much divorced himself from his father many years before. Now a new face is in town and drumming up all kinds of angst from just about everyone. State Police detective Walker Bertrand didn't come to Mystic Point to make friends. He was there to check out the allegations of wrong doing in the local police department. All this because the chief was having a very open relationship with the assistant chief and with a murder still unsolved there was concern that the investigation was tainted by that liaison.

There didn't seem to be any solid evidence against Dale York's involvement in the murder of Val Sullivan but still no one doubted his guilt. All anyone knew for certain was that Dale and Val were having an affair and planned to run off together. All this proves to just be the tip of the iceberg. As Walker starts interviewing people he is determined to remain professional and not establish a connection with anyone in Mystic. Well that's all fine and good until he spends time with the sexy, flirtatious Sullivan sister, one Tori Motts who has dangled her goods in front of every man in town and is now practicing her wiles on this rough tough state cop who seems determined to dredge up bad memories for her entire family.

Tori has a reason for her concern. Walker is digging deep and what he discovers is going to once again shake the Sullivan's to the core. But here's the deal, Walker finds he unable to maintain that space he covets between himself and those he investigates. In this case it's Tori who is gaining a strong foothold on his thoughts and if he isn't really careful -- on his heart as well.

Loved this series and can't wait to see what Beth Andrews will come up with next.