Ginny finds changes in her New England town since she left more than ten years ago. Hip, new businesses have taken over old buildings. New York artists convert mills into lofts, and coffeehouses blossom from diners. Ginny travels memory lane and ends up in Molly’s Bakery, a childhood staple with delectable treats. Her surprise that Molly’s is open turns to shock as she faces her past love and the current bakery owner, Jimmy Griffin. Jimmy cannot believe that his heartbreak has returned from her big city life. He has never forgiven Ginny for leaving him and aborting their child. Verbal jabbing rekindles their lust, and they land in bed, or whatever is close by.

Ginny tries to tame her passion so she can conduct her own investigation of Danny’s death. Local police deem it a murder and arrest the town crazy, Jumping Jack, a homeless, Vietnam Vet. Ginny sees that pinning the murder on Jack is circumstantial and convenient. Ginny weaves through a maze of Danny’s life: a gun hidden in his room, a search for his biological mother, and artsy, nude photos of the young man. What could he have gotten involved in that none of his family, friends, or girlfriend knew about? More murders lead to more suspects including Sonya’s husband. This town holds decades of buried secrets, and Danny’s murder may be connected to crimes long ago. Can Ginny stay alive long enough to untangle Danny’s secret life and find his murderer?

Author Elizabeth Bloom presents strong characters and quick pacing in The Mortician’s Daughter. The characters are 3-dimensionable with quirky strengths and likeable weaknesses. Bloom builds great conflict within the characters, small town versus big city, and past demons versus current anguish. Read The Mortician’s Daughter for a tale twisted with secrets, dreams, and love.