A Book A Week

How well do we really know the people we love? Despite our efforts to connect and understand them, there are always layers of their lives that remain hidden from us. I often ponder this when reflecting on my great-grandparents, whom I was fortunate to know for much of my life. Despite spending considerable time with them and hearing their stories, I only scratched the surface of who they truly were. It's a poignant reminder of the inherent mystery within our closest relationships. This theme sets the groundwork for  Jeneva Rose's latest thriller, Home is Where the Bodies Are. Despite hearing much acclaim for Rose's work, I hadn't yet had the opportunity to delve into her books. Through her publisher's kindness in providing me a copy of her newest release, I finally read her work. 

"The moments that change us always feel recent because we carry them with us whether we want to or not."

The narrative delves into the lives of three siblings, each navigating their own journey. Their family dynamics were forever altered by their father's disappearance years ago, leaving a void that they coped with in divergent ways. Beth, the eldest, remained at home, tending to their ailing mother. Nicole, the middle child, grappled with drug addiction, drifting in and out of their lives amidst her struggles. Meanwhile, the youngest, Michael, pursued success elsewhere, distancing himself from their Wisconsin roots. The imminent passing of their mother prompts their reunion, with Beth being the sole witness to her final moments. Their mother divulges a long-held secret in a cryptic revelation, cautioning Beth against trust. Now faced with a dilemma, Beth must decide whether to disclose this revelation to her siblings or conceal it.

The three siblings soon face another revelation as they sort through their parent's belongings. They chance upon a cache of home videos, prompting a nostalgic journey through their past. Their trip down memory lane takes a chilling turn when they stumble upon a VHS tape documenting a forgotten night from 1999. On-screen, their father emerges, blood-stained. The tape documents another grim discovery and a pact between their parents to conceal it. Before more answers can be revealed, the footage abruptly ends. Confronted with this unsettling revelation, Beth, Nicole, and Michael are compelled to confront the buried secrets of their family's history. Will they choose to unearth the truth or let the past fade into obscurity along with their mother's passing?

In Home is Where the Bodies Are, Jeneva Rose explores the intriguing concept of mysteries lurking within familial bonds, crafting a suspenseful narrative rife with hidden family secrets that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Through deft shifts in perspective between the three siblings and flashbacks from their late mother, Rose intricately weaves a web of deceit and revelation, laying the groundwork for a captivating tale. Immersed in the mystery, I found myself eagerly flipping through the pages, eager to uncover the next twist. A mystery's potency often hinges on the strength of its characters, and Rose excels in this aspect. She provides nuanced development for each protagonist. By allotting chapters to each sibling's viewpoint, she gives readers insight into their motivations and aspirations, enhancing our understanding of their roles within the narrative. The culmination of events leads to a shocking yet gratifying twist, providing a deeply satisfying conclusion. Home is Where the Bodies Are is a riveting, fast-paced thriller that showcases Jeneva Rose's compelling storytelling.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 33)