Chat Room (Paperback)

It's been a wonderful read; and first mystery book I read in the last 4 years; I believe it re-kindled my love for mystery.

There was quite a few thought-provoking bits in there. If Jesus came today, would he be just another person with a web site? Perhaps...

Glynis becomes nervous when Kim emails her that she isn't coming back-that she and Gill are planning on getting married. Kim was only supposed to be gone a week. Then she asks Glynis to loan her $500, and when Glynis goes to Kim's apartment, finds it empty. Shortly after that the emails stop.

Glynis hires Terry, a PI (former Police officer) and in Terry's search through a box Kim had left for safe keeping at Glynis' house, finds a dusty green backpack at the bottom full of money. Glynis had no idea the money was there or where it came from. More intriguing are personal letters found in the box from someone named "L", mentioning to Kim about danger that Kim had warned her about. Only there is no return address.

Glynis had always been dependant on Kim and becomes a recluse now that Kim's gone. She stops going to church and instead, joins an internet church group, where no one knows her or what she looks like and she becomes comfortable with the position given her there as a confidant of Chasco's, the internet pastor. He is adept at drawing people out and woes her and makes her feel needed. Thus, she sends him monies for his ministry and other needs. She is unaware of the danger he poses.

This intriguing mystery has depth and is hard to connect the dots. It's full of twists and turns, as are all of Linda Hall's mysteries. You'll love this book!

Chat Room was a very fun read, the perfect choice for a long flight when I had the time and opportunity to lose myself in a gripping story. The characters were compelling, the plot quite complex (in a good way!), and the pacing just right.

The thing I liked best, though, was the way the P.I. pursued her case. I have to wonder if Hall is a P.I. in real life, because the character, Teri, seems to do her job exactly the way she should, carefully plodding along, working mostly within the law, and paying close attention to details. It was a pleasure to follow along as she solved the mystery.

I look forward to other books in the series! If you like complex stories with good pacing and compelling leads, you will enjoy this book a whole lot!