Quiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh

When socialite Nina Rai disappeared without a trace, everyone wrote it off as another trophy wife tired of her wealthy husband. But now her bones have turned up in the shadowed green of the forest that surrounds her elite neighborhood, a haven of privilege and secrets that’s housed the same influential families for decades.

The rich live here, along with those whose job it is to make their lives easier. And somebody knows what happened to Nina one rainy night ten years ago. Her son Aarav heard a chilling scream that night, and he’s determined to uncover the ugly truth that lives beneath the moneyed elegance . . . but no one is ready for the murderous secrets about to crawl out of the dark.

Even the dead aren’t allowed to break the rules in this cul-de-sac. (publisher)

Ten years ago, Aarav Rai’s mother, a socialite, disappeared with the money she took from her husband’s safe. Ishaan was convinced that she was a thief who just took off. But her son isn’t convinced, especially because he remembers a scream from that night. A decade later Aarav is an author, back in his childhood home after an accident, when his mother’s body is found.

I was curious to read this since I’ve loved the Guild Hunter series, but this was my first of her mystery book and the first book I’ve read that’s set in New Zeeland.

Set in Auckland, New Zeeland in a privileged neighbourhood in a cul-de-sac. Aarav isn’t happy to be back living with his controlling father, his new wife and daughter, and there are old family issues. I actually liked Aarav’s relationship with his half-sister Pari and the way he was looking after her. That was a good thing in this dysfunctional family.

Aarav wasn’t always, and I mean often, likeable but he was an interesting character. The victim wasn’t very likeable either, but you could see the love between mother and son, although a very complex one.

There are quite a few characters since we meet a lot of neighbours and many of those were interesting in their own right.

I loved the book, and I couldn’t figure out who did it. A bit different from what I usually read but very enjoyable.

4/5

Published: Atria Books (February 9, 2021)
Format: eBook
Pages: 384
Source: Netgalley