Demetrius Clarke just arrived in town. He grew up here, but hasn’t been back in decades. Tolland, Connecticut, has changed: more houses and businesses replaced. Most shockingly, there’s been a murder. That never would have happened when he was a kid! This close-knit community isn’t helping the investigation along and some would even say they are hindering it. When the police determine everyone is a suspect and there are no good leads, it looks like their sleepy town will be forever changed until someone lets it slip Clarke is a mystery writer. Can Demetrius Clarke uncover a killer, or make the situation worse?
Murder in Tolland is David M. Hamlin’s latest release in a string of mysteries. With whispers of small-town drama, an unlikely suspect, and the possibility of starting over again, this book is the cozy mystery everyone needs to read. The Tolland portrayed in these pages is part Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, part Cabot Cove from Murder She Wrote, and a great setting for a mystery that keeps readers guess until the end. This is a book about the power of kindness, community, and legacy.
I give Murder in Tolland 4 out of 5 stars. This was a fun read for me overall – light and entertaining. However, the story felt slow and hard to connect with in a few spots. I appreciate that the big reveal of the suspect was not at all what I had envisioned throughout the book – I thought I had it figured out several times only to see my guess proved wrong. I also appreciate the friendship created between the main character and the investigator. The way Hamlin writes their instincts to protect each other in the ways only they can is impeccable – physically by the officer, and with words by the author.
If you appreciate TV mystery dramas likes Murder She Wrote or Castle where a writer pairs up with law enforcement, you will enjoy this book! This is also a great read if you love small town settings. With light discussions of the murder and other crimes, this book may be best directed to readers over 13. This would make a great weekend getaway read or girlfriend read together book!
I chose Murder in Tolland for the US States reading challenge prompt “Connecticut”. Tolland is a real-life town in Connecticut and its most well-known features make an appearance in the book – Crandall Lake (spelled Crandell in the book) and the Town Green Historic District. Have you been to Tolland? What other similarities are there between the novel and the town?
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