56 DAYS by Catherine Ryan Howard.

Blackstone Publishing, 2021

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982694654

Available: Hardcover, hardcover large print, CD ( Bookshop.org )

We knew it was coming. Just as 2020 had to finally hang up its tainted spurs and 2021 decided it needed some negative attention, a novel about COVID-19 was inevitable.

The only mystery was whether it would be any good, or just capitalizing on the modern plague.

Set in Dublin, Oliver and Ciara meet 56 days ago, just as the virus hits Ireland. 35 days ago, the lockdown begins. Yet, instead of doing what most fledgling couples would, Ciara moves in with Oliver. I highly recommend NOT doing this in real life. Relationships are tough enough; the virus can cause isolation to drive the most “normal” person to near homicidal tendencies.

Oliver is not who he seems to be, and with the pandemic, prolonged time together shaves away the masks we wear, leaving behind the true faces underneath. What did Oliver and Ciara learn about each other? What drove one to kill the other?

Catherine Ryan Howard takes a chance with allowing 56 Days to build at a slow, steady burn. If readers hang on, they will be rewarded in a blistering second half that delivers on what is promised.  She has produced a quality suspense novel here that will undoubtedly win her new fans with this story that refuses to play by the rules. That’s a very good thing.

The format is interesting, beginning with the discovery of the body and then jumping between the lovers and the pair of officers, Kurt and Lee, who struggle to piece together this timely mystery.

The reader is immediately thrust into a story that is narrative heavy, describing the scene where a dead body is found.

Is it Oliver or Ciara?

It’s an intriguing puzzle that will keep readers buzzing.

Recommended for any suspense/mystery readers who are ready for the first big COVID hit.

Reviewed by David Simms