The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Angela Hayes
The Trouble with Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Two women in a world of misery, both widowed by circumstances that haven’t been sufficiently explained,”
The Trouble With Paradise is the fourth book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. I am soooooooooo in love with this series- hands down one of the best discoveries I have made this year!!!! This is one of those series that you can read over and over again and never tire of it. After reading the first book and loving it so much, I was compelled to go on a one-click spree for any other books that I could find in the series. I ended up reading the series back to back, and several times over- that’s how much I enjoyed them.
I went into this book with extremely high expectations because all the previous books were so brilliant- so part of me was a little trepidatious about reading it, wondering if Cynthia Hamilton could sustain the momentum and deliver another thrilling mystery. So, I am thrilled to say that I should never have doubted her as this book is every bit as wonderful and brilliant as the previous books- setting my anticipation levels on high for the release of Book Five!!!
The story is so cleverly woven with intriguing mystery, suspense, drama, engrossing developments, action, danger, tension, romance, emotion, and so much more. Cynthia Hamilton once again puts Madeline and Mike through their paces- weaving a smart and thought provoking mystery infused with a dangerous tension that kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the story.
This story takes place four months after the events of the previous book. Madeline and Mike end up with two cases involving grieving widows who need help to uncover what really happened to their husbands. One widow is in jail, charged with the murder of her older, wealthy husband. But did she really kill him? And if not, then what really happened? The other widow wants to prove that her husband’s death definitely wasn’t suicide. But, what will our detectives discover? As I have come to expect from Cynthia Hamilton, nothing is ever simple. She always manages to weave a complex, multilayered mystery with more than a few twisty surprises to get me sitting up and really paying attention. Add in the fact that Madeline’s snake of an ex is now released from prison, had me wondering what he was up to, and when he would make his move. He seems to have turned over a new leaf- but Madeline (and I) know better- and just how underhanded and vile he can be. So what unfolds makes for quite a thrilling read!
As I have mentioned previously, I think The Madeline Dawkins books would make a fantastic television series- reminding me a lot of the old Moonlighting series with Cybil Shephard and Bruce Willis- but with more danger, excitement, and a modern ‘feel’.
So, if you love a cleverly crafted and thrilling mystery then what are you waiting for! Grab yourself a copy and dive in- but be prepared to develop an addiction to Cynthia Hamilton’s stories- you may find that one book will never be enough.
I am so desperate to find out what’s in store for Maddie and Mike- especially after the way this book ended! So, bring on Book Five!!! SQUEEEEEEE!!!! I can’t wait!
Brilliant!!!!
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
