Third Time’s The Charm by Michale Mohr is a crime novel with a twist, showing that no person is ever only bad or good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
… but Gallo just mentioned for them to read it. Tom kneeled next to Melinda and they read it together. Tom could not believe the words on the page. It read, Tom and Melinda, my dear friends, This is an impossible letter to write, but I owe you the truth. I’m not who you think I am.
Third Time’s The Charm, Michale Mohr, pg. 190 Kindle
Michale Mohr had agoraphobia in her early twenties. Being housebound led her to write stories with fearless characters that didn’t escape any dilemma. When her son disappeared, she forced herself out of the house to look for him despite her panic attacks. Fortunately, she found and brought him home safely after a 3-year search.
After winning agoraphobia, she lives happily in her recently bought townhouse with her family and cat, Shiloh. She loves walking outside, chatting with her neighbours, and shopping.
“those who had those precious moments interrupted know most deeply the joy and sorrow of a moment in a lifetime.”
Third Time’s The Charm, Michale Mohr, pg. 211
Michale Mohr wrote her story in her memoir, My Ette Life, which she plans to publish. Third Time’s the Charm is the first book in her Heartfelt Murder Mystery series.
Third Time’s the Charm – Summary
Dominic Gallo finds himself between a rock and a hard place. Torn between his assignment and a new friendship, he fears for his life if he doesn’t produce the goods for his client. And he still needs to deal with getting blackmailed by a corrupt cop!
Melinda Stark is a physiotherapist at the Heartfelt Clinic. When she hears about her son’s friend Jeffrey Stahl’s murder, Melinda decides that she is going to investigate his murder, despite her detective boyfriend’s warnings to leave it to the police.
What did I like?
Characterisation
The most intriguing character is James Walsh. It is incredible how this frail and sick older man can still strike fear in the hearts of those who oppose him. However, his wealth and far-reaching influence can explain it. But then, in contrast, his desperation to get well led him to believe in the ‘mythical’ healing powers of two Egyptian charms – so much so that he will take extreme measures to get hold of these charms.
“The white hair accentuated his youthful, piercing blue eyes, which juxtaposed the wrinkled skin, confusing anyone attempting to pinpoint his age. The only things that tilted the scales were the almost-too-thin frame and the arthritic hands.”
Third Time’s The Charm, Michale Mohr, pg. 8 Kindle.
Book Cover of Third Time’s the Charm
The illustration on the simple cover gives the reader a hint of the architectural aspect of the novel.
Writing Style
Michale Mohr uses simple and descriptive language to pull the reader into the narrative and keep them reading.
“Melinda’s maternal fears were in full chaos. Horrific scenarios ran through her head.”
Third Time’s A Charm, Michale Mohr, pg. 18, Kindle.
Tension and Suspense
Writing from alternate viewpoints helps to build tension and suspense. The author uses this technique to show the same events from the perspectives of Melinda and Dominic.
Plot and Pace
Michale Mohr weaves an intriguing narrative with many unexpected twists and turns. But the pace is more driven by the characters, as we see in the detailed descriptions and the exploration of the character’s thoughts and feelings.
Theme of Third Time’s the Charm
In Third Time’s a Charm, Michale Mohr shows through Dominic’s character that people are not only immoral but also that even people we label as bad can have good traits as well.
She also explores how power and wealth can change a person and how desperation can make such a person extremely dangerous.
And not so much?
I wouldn’t say I liked how Detective Lansing manipulated Melinda to be more cautious in the murder investigation. But he knew that he will not be able to stop her from investigating regardless of what he say to her.
Should you read Third Time’s A Charm?
Michale Mohr weaves an intriguing crime novel involving a detective, a physiotherapist, a corrupt cop, and a thief. When Melinda hears about the death of her son’s friend, she decides to investigate his murder and the recent mysterious robberies in the neighbourhood.
The alternate perspectives and in-depth exploration of the characters build tension and suspense and will keep you reading until the end.
I recommend Third Time’s A Charm to readers who like crime novels with detailed characters and surprising plot twists.
Please also read my review of The Cuts That Cure and Plain in The Lake for more crime novels.
Book Info
Language
English
Print Length
211 pages
Publication Date
25 October 2023
Hi! I am Susan
Welcome to my adventure
Why Read or Rot?
I have started reading at the age of four. I can remember how I often read under the covers with a flashlight when I was supposed to sleep.
During my early school years, we visited the library once a week. I couldn’t pick out my new book fast enough! By the end of the period, I would have finished it already, leaving me with nothing to read for the rest of the week!
Growing up, Fridays was the highlight of my week. Dad would pack the whole family into the car, and off we go! You guessed right – to the library! We were a family of readers.
In my adult years, I’ve developed a variety of interests like technology, photography, gardening and even writing. But reading was and will always be a part of my life!
Reading for me is like breathing. If I cannot read, my soul will quietly rot away…