by Nicole Alicia
Disclaimer: My book reviews are not intended for people who still want to read the book and have not. I may occasionally divulge details of the story. Please remember this is only MY opinion of the book.
A fast-paced, who-dunnit mystery, definitely a page turner!
I discovered the author of this book Sharhonda Exantus, through her Tic Tok channel earlier this year. I love seeing women authors with debut novels and independent authors like myself. Plus the fact that she is also a mom (another relatable factor that drew me in to her content) as well. After watching some of her posts, I purchased a copy of her book for my Kindle to read earlier this Summer. “Sins of The Lines” came out in 2023, and the next book from her in this series is set to come out this October. I am excited and I have already pre-ordered it. I can’t wait to read this next one!
The book starts out with a visitor coming to town, Evie, that appears to have just arrived back in her old college town and is visiting the former house where she lived when she was a part of the sorority there. She finds that the former house mom is still there to greet her at the door. Evie finds that she has come on the day of the sorority’s probate about to happen in a matter of hours. It seems these are bringing up some interesting memories for Evie when she pledged.
Maybe memories that aren’t so pleasant. Then perspectives change the next chapter to a different character Tori who is looking for her best friend at the probate show who is supposed to cross, she isn’t on stage with the other girls and she calls and receives no answer and she begins to worry. When her friend Nia Bryant ends up missing and the cops get involved, fingers start to point. This is when the real mystery begins. Friends turn into enemies and some who are closest to each other, family even become suspects. Things don’t always appear as they seem definitely is the theme of this novel.
This book covers some touchy and heavy subjects such as trust, betrayal, friendships, infidelity and even abortion and infertility. I think the use of writing from the different characters’ perspectives was an excellent touch. The book was definitely relatable and a tad bit nostalgic for me in a couple of ways. I did attend college away from home and found the characters, plot, and story line relatable. I knew of some situations with friends that got into some situations like Nia, Byron and Drew. I have seen many fraternity and sorority probates as well.
I think the book definitely lived up to its title. This book has a solid plot, great characters and excellent description of setting. The story flowed effortlessly and did not drag along. I like that the author kept the story flowing and moving with short digestible chapters also. At one point, I was able to kind of see what was happening with Nia and Byron’s friend. A familiar story line, very realistically familiar maybe. Was it slightly predictable with what went on between Nia and Dianna’s boyfriend? Anyways that whole part was the only thing I found that I could predict what would happen.
Another thing that was an interesting piece of the story that flowed well was the factor of giving the perspective of the law enforcement with the detectives getting information wrong and just running with that. I feel like that may occur way too much in our judicial system and that point was awesomely woven into the story too.
I think this book is good for mystery lovers, perhaps sorority members and college alumni or even current college students I’m sure could relate.
In all Mrs. Exantus, excellent first novel and like I said I can’t wait for her new release to debut in October.
Nicole Alicia’s rating: [4.5] ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Nicole Alicia Writes 
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