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Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
As the newly appointed sheriff of Possum Gap, Sadie Mills understands that the town will scrutinize her approach to coexisting peacefully with the Dovers; a family of outlaws led by the infamous Lucy Dover, notorious for their criminal connections and willingness to take the law into their own hands at any opportunity. Just when she thinks her situation couldn't worsen, a resident stumbles upon a dismembered body on a nearby hiking trail. Sadie juggles these challenges with managing a rebellious daughter's antics and setbacks on her current project at Helena House. This signals eventful times ahead for the residents of the quiet community in the hills of South Kentucky in Karen Ann Hopkins's Misery Loves Calamity.
Misery Loves Calamity is the fifth installment in the Possum Gap Novel series. Karen Ann Hopkins skillfully connects this novel with its predecessors through subtle nods to past events, such as Lucy Dover reminding Sadie of their unfinished business tied to Lucy's mother's death. This approach allows readers to appreciate this book as a standalone or part of the larger narrative. While the character development is concise, the detailed origin stories help keep the plot clear and engaging. The dialogue is light, except during confrontations, where the suspense heightens in an effective narrative style. One of the novel's strengths is the keen attention to detail, illustrated by Sadie's hesitance to allow her daughter to find love as she navigates a perilous romantic triangle. Hopkins employs subtle nuances to realistically portray a parent's challenges in raising a young adult, resonating well with drama enthusiasts. The narrative progresses at a measured pace, yet this does not lessen the reader's immersion, as Hopkins cleverly hides clues amid numerous red herrings. I thoroughly enjoyed Misery Loves Calamity and eagerly anticipate the next installment.
