Bibliography: Pickard, Nancy. (1995). Twilight. New York: Atria. ISBN: 978-0671782719 (hc) ISBN: 978-0671782900 (pbk)

Plot Summary:  Jenny Cain is planning and coordinating Port Frederick’s Fall Festival when a friend asks her to look into several deaths on “God’s Highway,” a biking/hiking path which has long been a bone of contention between residents and environmentalists, outdoors enthusiasts.  A denial of insurance coverage, scary threatening incidents, a devastating fire, and a murder soon follow.  If Jenny can solve the mysteries she may be able to salvage the festival.

Critical Analysis:  I read all the Jenny Cain mysteries almost 20 years ago.  I loved them then, and rereading Twlight, I think Pickard’s work really holds up.  In addition to spending time with Jenny and Geoff, the charm comes from the small town setting–the dime store, the community festival.  And the mysteries stem from there as well.  And here is where Pickard’s craft shines through.  Layers of scary and mysterious incidents and a murder which may or may not be connected come together in an unexpected and heartbreaking ending.  (Yes, even the second time around I was surprised.)  I may need to seek out the rest of the Jenny Cain series and reread from the beginning.

Review Excerpts:  ”Readers have only their trust in Pickard and a prologue…as assurances that the disparate plot lines will converge…Jenny’s telling observations on love and marriage, family and friendships and small-town politics add texture to this well-wrought puzzle”–Publisher’s Weekly

“[C]omplicated, intertwined assortment of mysteries….A nicely paced, nicely plotted mystery that makes a perfect read for a chilly fall evening.”–Booklist

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