The Rewind by Nicole Stiling is a second-chance romance with a gripping murder mystery thrown in.
Some choices break hearts. Others leave a body count.
After a devastating breakup with crime reporter Alicia Flynn, police detective Cami Lyons is finally doing okay. She spends her days investigating petty thefts and chasing down vandals but when a body is found in the nearby forest, everything changes.
Alicia made a terrible mistake when her existential crisis spiraled out of control causing her to flee leaving her relationship, job, and family behind. But time doesn’t heal all wounds and now that she’s back the truth of all she’s lost may be way too much for her to face.
With the captain, the mayor, the public, and the media breathing down Cami’s neck, her priority is figuring out who’s terrorizing their town, and fast. Sorting out her lingering feelings for Alicia? Most definitely not a priority.
Writing
The Rewind is the perfect title for Nicole Stiling’s latest. The balance between the romance and the murder investigations is well-maintained, with each aspect receiving equal attention. The few but telling details about the investigations add an element of mystery without overshadowing the romance. The realistic portrayal of frustrations among the officers adds depth and drama to the story, making both elements complement each other effectively.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Alicia’s sudden (and barely explained) departure three and a half years ago had a profound impact on Cami, their friends, and family creating a complex dynamic upon her return. The cautious and protective behavior of the friend group adds a realistic touch to the story, making the dynamics of Alicia’s return intriguing. I kept wondering how she would be able to get back in everyone’s good graces because apologies can only go so far, especially when the hurt runs deep. Rebuilding trust and relationships often requires consistent actions over time.
Cami and Alicia’s second chance is a bit contentious at first (and rightly so). But over time as Cami’s hardened heart begins to thaw she’s able to see the deep connection that she will always have with Alicia. I appreciate that their reconciliation avoids excessive drama allowing the focus to remain on both the relationship and the murder mystery.
The murder mystery is multifaceted with intricate twists and turns. I was kept on my toes and found myself questioning and speculating right along with Cami and her team. The chilling atmosphere and escalating crimes create an intense and immersive experience.
Heads Up
Murder and kidnapping.
The Conclusion
The Rewind is set in a small New Hampshire where nothing particularly exciting happens, that is until a murder happens which leaves the whole town reeling and the local police scrambling for answers. The story blends its small-town setting with a gripping mystery and heartfelt romance. The main characters are wonderful women who deserve a happily ever after and the supporting characters, especially their group of friends, add another layer to their romance. The mystery surrounding the murders and the clues thrown in do a wonderful job of creating suspicion and tension. It’s a story that grips a hold from the start and doesn’t release until the final punctuation mark in the epilogue.
Excerpt from The Rewind by Nicole Stiling
Cami found an empty booth by a back window and sat. There were muffin crumbs on the table, so she used the side of her hand to swipe them into a napkin. Yuck. She fumbled with the napkin holder to pluck out another one, but they were packed in tight. She struggled to pull out a full one instead of the tiny pieces that kept breaking off. “Detective Lyons.”
Cami turned quickly and stood. “Yes, sorry—” She stood there, frozen to the spot next to the table. She couldn’t quite bring herself to close her open mouth, though she was aware that no words were coming out.
Alicia was standing across from her wearing a gray suit and small gold hoops in her ears. Cami focused on her earrings. She didn’t remember Alicia having pierced ears. She assumed that pierced ears were something she would have noticed in their six years together.
Alicia swallowed. “Cami, hi. Hi. I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m doing here.” She licked her lips and swallowed again. Her nervousness had always been pretty transparent.
“Are you the reporter they sent?” Cami asked. Her voice sounded like it was coming from someone else. From a tunnel far, far away.
“I am. I was afraid if they told you who you were meeting with, you would have said no, so I was purposely vague.”
She could feel her blood returning to its normal state, and it flooded her face with vigor. “I would have.”
Alicia seemed to falter. “I know, I’m sorry for the ambush. I shouldn’t have…we can get right into it if you want and catch up later.”
“I think I’m actually going to go.” She pointed to the exit. “I’m sure Kelsey can meet with you at some point.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1636795720
Publisher: Bold Strokes
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