Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery
Author: Josi S. Kilpack
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: February 2012
Paperback: 372 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1-60908-903-0
FTC FYI: Review Copy
Reviewed by Mindy
Goodreads Summary: “Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua’i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.
Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.
With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she’ll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.”
My Review
Sadie is having a rough time. All that has happened to her in the last 18 months has finally taken it’s toll. Her panic attacks are getting more frequent, and in the middle of one, after an attempt at snorkeling, Sadie finds another dead body under a pier. Sadie visits Dr. McKay, her new psychiatrist. He talks with her about PTSD, and how he feels she is suffering from that. Determined to feel better, Sadie makes a list of things to do everyday.
Go outside every day.
Eat fruit every day.
Talk to Pete every day.
Do something brave every day.
When the son of the woman whose body Sadie found comes to her, it takes time, but she realizes that she needs to help this boy. Sadie finds a list of Charlie’s that he left at her house. That spurs her into action.
This is another strong offering from Josi. The best thing about her books is not only do they get better and better, but they are unique in their own way and can stand alone. Sadie is a different person in his book. She is hurting, mentally and physically. It’s quite a change to see her react the way she does, my heart just ached for her. What I love most about Sadie is, even though she has forgotten this, she is a very strong lady. Sadie finds herself getting better when she is investigating, and it helps with her anxiety. She also remembers that helping others is a good thing, and she is not a dead body magnet. Gayle helps her see that it’s okay to let someone else help her, too.
5 out of 5 stars. Follow Josi on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some purchase links as well.
AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK