For fans of Lisa Jewell and Liane Moriarty...

 

⭐⭐⭐

Blurb: Kelly's 11th novel, THE OFF SEASON, explodes on the tranquil shores of the Chesapeake Bay. A headstrong thirteen-year-old girl, Vann, insists her mother’s drowning was anything but an accident. She’s forced to tangle with the languid bay police department as well as the year-rounder adults and teens who might be complicit not just in her mother’s death, but a decades-old cold case. Vann will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of her mother's death -- but what will she do when she finds out the answer? With echoes of GONE GIRL and STAND BY ME, it’s part crime, part coming of age about grief and longing.

The Off Season is a mystery novel that offers an intriguing premise and atmospheric setting but ultimately falls short of delivering the suspense and depth it promises.

Set in a small, stormy coastal town, the book effectively captures the eerie, isolated vibe essential to a good mystery. The descriptions of the off-season quiet and looming secrets of the town are some of the strongest aspects of the story. The author’s ability to create mood and setting is commendable, and it draws the reader in right from the start.

However, the plot feels uneven at times, with some twists coming across as predictable or underwhelming. While the main character’s struggle to uncover the truth is engaging, some of the supporting characters lack development, making their motives and actions feel contrived or hard to connect with.

The pacing of the novel also fluctuates, with moments of nail-biting tension interspersed with slower sections that drag. The ending, while resolving the central mystery, doesn’t pack the punch it could have, leaving some loose ends and unanswered questions.

Overall, The Off Season is a decent read with a strong atmosphere and a few gripping moments, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of a truly standout mystery. If you enjoy coastal settings and a light, easy-to-follow mystery, it’s worth picking up—but it may not leave a lasting impression.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.