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Title: Bones Under the Ice (A Jhonni Laurent Mystery #1)
Author: Mary Ann Miller
Published on: 21 March 2023
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Bones Under the Ice is the first book in Mary Ann Miller’s Jhonni Laurent Mysteries.
Two days after a blizzard blankets Field’s Crossing, Indiana, Sheriff Jhonni Laurent responds to a chilling call at Webster Park, where two boys skiing stumble upon a gruesome discovery—an outstretched hand emerging from a massive pile of snow and ice. The identified victim is Stephanie Gattison, recognized by the snow plow operator as his brother’s girlfriend.
Complications arise due to the frozen state of the body, hindering an immediate autopsy. Consequently, Jhonni cannot subpoena Stephanie’s phone records until the coroner officially declares her death a homicide. Undeterred, Jhonni opts to delve into Stephanie’s personal life, hoping to trace her last steps and unveil the identity of the killer.
Simultaneously, Jhonni faces a political storm as her adversary from the previous Sheriff election mounts a fierce campaign to unseat her. Despite being older and enjoying the support of Deputy Sheriff Greene and the local newspaper’s head, Ralph, Jhonni remains resolute in the face of this bitter challenge.
This marks Sheriff Jhonni Laurent’s initiation into murder investigations in the usually tranquil Field’s Crossing, where such crimes are as rare as the winter chill. The century-old feud between two prominent families escalates, drawing in the younger generation with connections to the victim, including the victim’s boyfriend.
Jhonni, grappling with a forthcoming election, an unexpected reunion request from her adopted daughter, and the murder investigation, faces a complex web of challenges.
Mary Ann Miller’s debut novel, Bones Under the Ice, unfolds into a gripping and explosive mystery that captivated me from start to finish. The narrative seamlessly weaves Miller’s compelling writing, a resilient main character in Jhonni Laurent, the intricacies of small-town politics, and the unfolding murder mystery.
The story unfolds as Jhonni battles a severe cold, mirroring the town’s collective struggle during the cold season. Despite her health challenges, Laurent must navigate the murder investigation.
The case takes a personal turn for her as the body is discovered on a significant date—thirty years since she gave her daughter up for adoption. Amidst the complexities of a century-old family feud and a town gripped by a blizzard, the suspects’ alibis crumble, leading to a second murder with an unexpected connection.
The engaging narration exposes the challenges faced by Laurent, not only in solving the case but also in dealing with the antagonistic Deputy Greene and Reporter Ralph, making for a thrilling and relatable read.
Bones Under the Ice by Mary Ann Miller is a unique and compelling thriller set in a small-town backdrop, offering a rich and immersive storytelling experience. Mary Ann Miller’s impressive character development and suspenseful plotlines make this novel a must-read for fans of small-town mysteries.
I received an ARC from Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The Book Decoder 
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