Book Review: ‘Twisted At The Root’ Is The Next Fun Jane Lawless Novel

Author Ellen Hart is back with her 26th novel featuring the awesome character of Restaurant owner/P.I. Jane Lawless and her trusty sidekick/best friend Cordelia (who is such a well-written, fun character). This time they are tracking down leads for a man that is jail for murder for four years now but claims he is innocent and new information might bear this out.

Rashad and Gideon were married and happy. Then he was found dead in the bathtub and his husband Rashad was the prime suspect and then convicted of his murder. His lawyer was Jane’s father and always felt he was innocent. Things didn’t add up. Now Rashad’s brother has contacted him to say he may have new evidence. He reopens the case and hires Jane to investigate it. And that means Cordelia as well.

As Jane starts her investigation it points to an art gallery that did business with Gideon. It also points to the possibility it could have been his daughter or her husband (he was rich and was threatening to cut her off if she married him). It also points close to home with her brother Peter who was involved in the case four years ago and who is back in town with his own secrets. The more Jane investigates the more information she uncovers that sure makes it seem like Rashad is innocent. Jane finally pieces it together and a confession is made but is it too late for someone?

Also Jane’s girlfriend Julie who has been sick with cancer makes a life-altering decision that will affect both of them.

These books are so well-written and fun to watch. The characters never disappoint especially Cordelia who is the comic-relief of the series. You can jump right in with this new one even if you never read one before. They are written like stand alone books with enough backstory to understand everything.

You can pick up Twisted At The Root in stores on Tuesday, August 13th from Minotaur Books.