Thoughts on Twilight Falls By Juneau Black

Another lovely instalment to the Shady Hollow Mystery series. I adored the Autumn setting of the first three books, but I was delighted when I found out that the fourth would be set in the Spring. I received this book for Christmas, and I’d been waiting patiently for the first flowers to pop their heads out of the hedgerows before I opened this one and devoured it (as I tend to do with books like these).

Twilight Falls has some of the best pacing I’ve seen in this series so far, and the best emotion. I felt myself getting quite emotional, especially near the end. I found the previous books to have their fair share of emotions, but they didn't come close to the way that this one made me feel.

The characters were spot on; I love the von Beaverpelts so much - seeing their development as the series goes on has been very interesting. Per usual, Vera is such a perfect protagonist for a cosy murder mystery like this one.

Twilight Falls was beautifully described, and I can imagine it vividly in my head. Just like the previous books in the series, you will get many descriptions of delightful seasonal food and the little moments in nature.

My only criticism is one that I had for the previous two books: Repetition. Black has a tendency to repeat information that has already been established in the first, second and third books. I understand that they want to recap to the audience about what has happened, but when it is explained that Lenore owns a bookshop in the first, second, third and now fourth books, it is quite irritating because it is something you only need to establish once.

That is my only criticism of Twilight Falls. Aside from that, this has to be my second favourite in the series, with Cold Clay being my favourite, at least at the moment. It is the perfect relaxing Springtime read.

mhantzsch's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

litebriteartist's review against another edition

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funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

spicypenguin's review against another edition

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mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

crazygoangirl's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This the fourth book in the Shady Hollow series.

We return once again to Shady Hollow, peopled with whimsical characters of various species who live mostly in harmony with each other. This time Vera and Orville witness a tragedy while on a date to the famous Twilight Falls. Anastasia von Beaverpelt and Jonah Atwater are in love and want to get married but both Stasia’s mother Edith and Jonah’s father Shelby are vehemently opposed to this proposed union between beaver and otter. When Shelby Atwater takes a tumble over Twilight Falls and disappears, Vera and Orville work together to solve the mystery of his death. Once again, the plot is simple but effective. Vera relies on a combination of her innate flair for detection, curiosity, research, and her strong intuition, while Chief Orville is more of a by the book, believe the obvious, plodding sort of detective who does work very hard sometimes for paltry success. Their differences often complement their efforts but also cause tiffs and ego clashes! It’s very entertaining ☺️

Another wonderful return to the rather magical, rather mystical world of Shady Hollow. Now that I’m caught up with the series, can’t wait for the next book!