Read time – 2 minutes
Book Blurb:
Ethel Fiona Crestwater may be 75 and a retired FBI agent, but her quick wit and old-school skills are still razor-sharp. When her recently orphaned niece, Jesse Cooper, stumbles onto a dead body in Ethel’s own boarding house, the two become unlikely partners in a case veiled in secrets. The story weaves political intrigue, government secrets, and a cast of eccentric suspects through the sleepy streets of Washington, D.C., revealing layers of mystery beneath the capital’s calm exterior.
Let’s talk about the book:
I picked up Secret Lives hoping for a cozy mystery with a strong, memorable lead, and Ethel Crestwater did not disappoint. She’s a 75-year-old retired FBI agent with no-nonsense attitude and a backbone of steel. From her razor-sharp comebacks to the way she wades through government secrets and suspicious boarders, Ethel is the life of every page. She never tries to soften herself for anyone, and that stubborn, dry wit totally won me over. The scenes with her are powered by this quirky, irresistible energy that made me wish I could pull up a seat in her living room.
But here’s the thing: while Ethel’s storyline is punchy and memorable, the actual mystery never quite pulled me in. The plot, full of political layers and Capitol Hill secrets, was interesting enough, but there was something hazy about the emotional punch. Maybe it was the pacing or the way things wrapped up, but I finished the book feeling content but not entirely eager for round two. Sometimes a story and a reader just don’t click, and that’s okay.
On the audiobook side, Patrick Lawlor’s narration is a total highlight. I honestly didn’t realize a man was voicing Ethel until after the fact. He slips into her no-nonsense tone and sly humor with complete ease. Lawlor gives Ethel the right blend of warmth and steel, adding another layer of enjoyment.
Would I recommend it?
A solid, cozy start with a memorable lead, but I’m not eager for chapter two. If you love amateur sleuths with a dry sense of humor and enjoy a twisty but gentle puzzle, give it a go. As for me, I’m happy to leave Ethel on her porch, binoculars in hand.
What do you say?
Have you read Secret Lives, or is an elderly sleuth on your favorites list? Was Ethel’s charm enough, or did something hold you back too? Let’s chat – tell me your thoughts!
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