Beth Gutcheon's second book in the Maggie Detweiler and Hope Babbin series is titled THE AFFLICTION. A thrill seeking and suspenseful read that is the perfect follow up novel to DEATH AT BREAKFAST. The cover does not do justice for this heart pounding mystery!

Maggie and Hope are back at it, but this time you get to know them better than ever with a glimpse of their pasts as they try to solve yet another mystery. Maggie is back on familiar ground at a private girls' school in the suburbs of Connecticut. Does this give her an advantage or will it make it easy for her to become attached? While the main points of view come from Maggie and Hope, you still have a long list of characters that are inspiring and charming to follow along. Each character helps to add that extra touch to the overall eeriness of the story, while the setting is the perfect backdrop to send chills up your spine.

When secrets that should remain silent come to light, you learn more about the supporting characters and the two girls as well. This fast-paced drama filled read will have you second guessing with each page all while sitting on the edge of your seat. When secrets to the mystery are revealed will things change for the better? Or will these secrets shatter the lives of everyone involved?

The ending is perfect for the overall plot but there are a few missing pieces to the puzzle. This only makes you want to read the next book in the Maggie Detweiler and Hope Babbin series as soon as possible. Gutcheon has created a thrilling story with a setting that helps add the spooky and mysterious suspense that makes is a must read.