Title: Westwind Secrets
Author: Marilyn Dalla Valle
Published February 21, 2021
405 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9798710771051
Rating: 4.29
Overview
Mysti Wade, a romance writer, is devastated by her husband’s infidelity. She sets out to claim her inheritance, a Second Empire Victorian mansion on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.
The estate is in a dilapidated state and Mysti has no means to repair it. She decides to stay, despite the rumors of ghosts.
When a drifter, Harry Pearson, shows up during a thunderstorm, she allows him to live in the carriage house in exchange for work. Soon, the estate springs back to life, but evil seems to be lurking.
Mysti, heartbroken and broke, abandons her romance novel to write a mystery, using her reality for inspiration. She delves into her grandmother’s accidental death and squandered assets with skeptical eyes.
As she uncovers secrets, bodies begin to drop. Mysti is walking a tightrope to stay alive and protect her dog.
Will she be able to expose the deceit, greed, and murder before it’s too late? Dive into Westwind Secrets and find out!
About the Author
Marilyn Dalla Valle, originally from Connecticut, currently resides in Williamsburg, Virginia with her energetic Sheltie, Randy. They enjoy playing ball, taking long walks, and visiting the beach.
After teaching dance for five years and working as a professional photographer for thirty, Ms. Dalla Valle decided to pursue writing when her two sons moved out. Being a fan of mystery writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Clive Cussler, and Sue Grafton, it was only natural that she chose to write mystery novels with a hint of adventure.
In March 2000, she e-published her first novel, Murder in Mystic, which quickly rose to #2 on the bestseller list within two months, was chosen as editor’s choice for October, and was even nominated for the Frankfurt E-book Awards. Her second book, Murder in Newport, was e-published in August of the same year and achieved a position of #7 on the bestseller list within two weeks.
By January 2001, it had switched spots with Murder in Mystic.
Both Murder in Mystic and Murder in Newport are now available on Amazon Kindle, Amazon books, and can be ordered at your local bookstore. Audiobooks for both novels are also available on Audible.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes.
Ms. Dalla Valle continued her successful career in writing with the publication of Two Headed Snake of Key West in January 2014, followed by Murder in Galveston in November 2017. Both novels are available in paperback, Kindle, and audio formats.
Her latest novel, Westwind Secrets, was published in February 2021 and is available in both paperback and Kindle formats.
Editoral Review
Westwind Secrets by Marilyn Dalla Valle is a gripping mystery novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Dalla Valle is a seasoned author who has written several novels in the mystery and suspense genre.
This particular book was published on February 21, 2021. The novel is set in the small town of Westwind, California, where perky cocktail waitress, Jade Fitzgerald, unexpectedly discovers a dead body in the dumpster behind the diner where she works.
As she tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder, she finds herself being drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy her and everyone she cares about. Dalla Valle masterfully weaves a complex plot with plenty of twists and turns that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
The tension builds continuously throughout the novel, making it difficult to put down. The author’s descriptions of the setting and characters are vivid and evocative, bringing Westwind and its inhabitants to life.
The main characters in the book are well developed, each with their own motivations and secrets that are slowly revealed as the plot unfolds. Jade Fitzgerald, the spunky heroine, is someone readers will root for, with her determination and grit in the face of danger.
The other inhabitants of Westwind, such as Jade’s boss at the diner, the local police chief, and the wealthy real estate developer, all have their own roles to play in the story. One of the strengths of Westwind Secrets is the way in which it explores the darker side of small town life in America.
There are themes of corruption, greed, and class struggle that are handled deftly by the author. The novel is set in the present day, but it also touches upon the history and culture of California, particularly the issues of indigenous rights and land theft.
The writing in Westwind Secrets is engaging and well-crafted. Dalla Valle has a talent for creating vivid imagery and building tension with her words.
However, there are some moments where the pacing slows down, particularly in some of the expository dialogue. Additionally, there are a few plot points that feel a bit contrived and require some suspension of disbelief.
Overall, Westwind Secrets is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense novels. It has a strong plot, interesting characters, and themes that resonate with current events.
While the book is not without its flaws, it is a well-crafted piece of fiction that is sure to entertain. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written mystery novel that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
