A specialist in historical renovation, Dani Evans intends to restore Ironwood to its former glory while she rebuilds her life after the death of her mother. Death, hidden treasure, and falling in love with a murder suspect were not part of the plan. The lure of the infamous Ironwood treasure cache convinces Dani the skeleton is the key to unraveling the legend, and that the treasure itself is the motive for the murders.
Cage is certain an old grudge is setting him up for murder, but the evidence against him is mounting and time is running out. Dani believes she can find the truth before Cage is arrested, but her search for answers will uncover a descent into madness that should have stayed buried
When Dani uproots her life after losing her mother to move to a quaint southern town she hopes to be greeted by warm hospitality, sweat tea and exciting finds as she restores the beautiful old plantation home she just purchased. What happens however, throws her in the path of a murderer. When bones are found in the basement of the Ironwood plantation, Dani realizes that the legends of hidden rooms and treasures may not be just stories after all... and the south may not be as welcoming as she thought.
After serving as caretaker to Ironwood for the past year, Cage is blindsided when the historic foundation sells it to a brash Yankee. He's seen too many beautiful southern homes get destroyed and modernized by northerners who think the South is some romanticized scene from Gone with the Wind. How can they ever appreciate the true value in the history of Rosalea?
Skeleton's Key is gripping right from the start. The reader is transported to a beautiful plantation full of mysteries and secrets. It's impossible not to feel the excitement that Dani does when she walks through the old forgotten dust-covered plantation and pictures it as it would have been years earlier… full of life, rich mahogany, and secret passage ways that may conceal antiques of incredible worth. When bodies start turning up, and Cage is a prime suspect, Dani will have to decide if she should run back North or if she should trust him and risk her life by digging deeper into the plantations history.
The characters are expertly written with depth, realistic flaws and admirable strengths. One can't help but get attached to them and cheer for them throughout the book. Skeleton's Key is cleverly written to keep the reader guessing on who the culprit is to the very end. A perfect mix of history, murder, suspense, & romance, Skeleton's Key made this "Yankee" reader want to pack up my bags & explore the south!
I listened to the audioversion of this novel. Johanna Fairview did an excellent job with the narration. Her husky southern voice added charm to the story and was pleasant to listen to. Her narration became smoother as the story progressed and she did an excellent job.
NARRATED BY: JOHANNA FAIRVIEW
LENGTH: 9 HRS AND 47 MINS
SERIES: DELTA CROSSROADS, BOOK 2
RELEASE DATE : 8/13/14
PUBLISHER: STACY GREEN