by Jessica S. Olson
March 29, 2022
Goodreads Summary:
Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.
From Sing Me Forgotten author Jessica S. Olson comes a gothic fantasy murder mystery perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Erin A. Craig.
Review
I'm always on the lookout for fantasy standalones so of course I had to pick up A Forgery of Roses. The story was gripping and atmospheric with a good amount of mystery and romance.
What I Liked:
- such a creepy setting
- the mystery kept me guessing
- I found the descriptive painting processes fascinating
- the forbidden romance that was tentative and sweet but also very torturous at times
- great character growths
- Myra cycled through many emotions (trepidation, despair, elation) that felt very genuine
- the sweet sweet sibling love
- good anxiety rep from August
- a foreboding ending
The Not So Much:
- the pacing was slow in some parts of the story
- the big reveal felt dragged out and a bit predictable
- some unexplained small bits (not vital to the plot but had me wondering)
"I'm done minimizing my greatness so you can feel superior." (p. 341)
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