Jessica Strawser lives in Cincinnati and she likes to come over to Yellow Springs to camp out at our local state park, to visit our cute little shops, and to dine at our fine restaurants. Neither Jessica nor I are employed by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce. These are just facts. Yellow Springs has been a hipster hangout for several generations, and it remains so.
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Strawser thought Yellow Springs would be the perfect place to set “Not That I Could Tell,” a mystery novel that fits in the genre of domestic suspense.
A group of women had gathered together one evening in their neighborhood in the village to socialize. As they were conversing around the fire pit they were also imbibing wine. Perhaps too much wine.
The story begins the next morning. In the aftermath of what might have been excessive frivolity the previous night, word starts to spread that one of the women who had been with them that evening has now vanished along with her children.
Kristin, the woman who has disappeared, had apparently given no indication to her friends or neighbors that she was planning a trip. But they know that she has been separated from her physician husband, Paul, and that the couple are getting a divorce.
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We experience this story primarily from the perspectives of Clare and Izzy, two neighbors who were at the party. Clare is probably the missing woman’s best friend. Izzy is a recent transplant to Yellow Springs and she’s having a difficult time making the transition.
The Yellow Springs Police Department launches an investigation. Detectives question Clare, Izzy, other neighbors, and Kristina’s estranged husband, who has now decided to move back in to the house his missing family appears to have vacated.
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The author sprinkles in short chapters revealing Christina’s thoughts as the story progresses. The investigation has hit a wall. Kristina and her children are nowhere to be found. Paul the estranged husband is clearly the leading suspect. He is playing the role of the distressed spouse. As time passes, his performance becomes somewhat lackluster. Concerned neighbors, the police, and the readers of this book are all waiting for a big break in the case.
Is Kristina still alive? Does Clare know more than she is saying? Will Izzy ever find romance? Is Paul innocent or a total jerk? Is Yellow Springs really this airy-fairy? “Not That I Could Tell” offers resolutions to most of these questions. I’ll leave it to Yellow Springers to decide about her portrayal of our little town.
You can hear my interview with Jessica Strawser for “Not That I Could Tell” this Sunday morning at 10:30 on WYSO (91.3 FM).
WANT TO GO?
What: Book signing with Jessica Strawser for "Not That I Could Tell."
When: Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m.
Where: Books & Co. at The Greene, 4453 Walnut St., Beavercreek
Information: 937-429-2169
About the Author