Book Review: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF TRUDY SOLOMON by Marcy McCreary

Stanley and Rachel Roth, third-generation proprietors of the Cuttman Hotel, were a dynasty in the waning days of the Catskills hotel era. The glamorous Rachel and the cunning Stan had four beautiful children. They seemed like a perfect family, but 40 years later, their clout had faded. When skeletal remains are found, the disappearance of Trudy Solomon, a coffee shop waitress at the Cuttman in 1978, is reopened. Each Roth family member holds a clue, but Detective Susan Ford must confront them to solve the case.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF TRUDY SOLOMON by Marcy McCreary

Marcy McCreary's debut novel is well-written and draws the reader in with the first chapter. The plot and subplots are tightly woven into a thoughtful mystery. What starts as a simple cold case, soon becomes something much bigger with multiple plot lines and many characters, each with their individual arcs. Yet, McCreary manages to pull all of this together into a cohesive tale filled with pleasant surprises and unexpected twists.

The dynamic relationship between the two protagonists, Detective Susan Ford and her father, retired detective Will Ford, is what truly sets this book apart. It is refreshing to see two protagonists so well-developed. It is obvious that McCreary took great care with her characterization.

Speaking of characters, there is a large cast requiring the reader to keep track of everyone. But each has a distinct voice and personality, making most of them memorable. Because of the intricacies of the plot and the number of characters, this book does require the reader to pay attention. This is not a "breeze through it in a weekend" type of book.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF TRUDY SOLOMON has it all. An intriguing mystery, masterful storytelling, and an engaging cast of characters that keeps you wanting to read more. An outstanding book from one of mystery's new stars. McCreary knocked this one out of the park.