Review: The Secret of Hunter’s Bog by Ally Blue

Author: Ally Blue

Pages/Word Count: 212 Pages

At a Glance: All in all, I thought The Secret of Hunter’s Bog was a very entertaining mystery.

Reviewed By: Maryann

Blurb: For Koichi McNab, the shop he and his twin sister Kimmy are opening in Hunter’s Bog Mall is a fresh start after their old one burned down. A way to move on. Especially when he meets the hunky owner of the luxury camping goods store next door. Koichi’s never been an outdoorsy guy, but Will Hood just might change his mind.

Will came to Southern Alabama to establish his own life away from his big, intrusive family—and in hopes of finding Anthony, the lover who vanished two years ago. But meeting Koichi throws everything off-kilter. Anthony was a long time ago. Koichi’s right here, smart and funny and cute, and Will wants him.

As Koichi and Will become friends, then lovers, Will’s past and Koichi’s present tangle into a dangerous knot that brings them face-to-face with secrets, theft, treachery . . . maybe even murder. With their lives on the line, their only way to safety is together.

Review: Koichi McNab and his twin sister Kimmy are opening McNab’s Organic Home Goods in a new location. Koichi is carrying some heavy guilt about this new move: He believes he’s to blame for a fire that burned down the original family store and now, in this new location, they may not get the customers they had before. They are now located in the Hunter’s Bog strip mall near the swamp.

Will Hood made the move from Huston to Alabama in search of a lost love and to escape family conflicts. Will is the outdoorsman type and he’s opening Hood’s Luxury Outdoor Expedition & Supplies in the strip mall, next door to the McNab’s store. Kimmy, who is somewhat of an adventurous and fun meddling sister, encourages Koichi to help Will get his store in order for opening. Will explains his business plan to hire himself out to take people glamping. Even though Koichi and Will are like opposites attract, Koichi is willing to take the leap and go glamping just to be around Will.

Koichi and Will’s relationship is somewhat shaky throughout the story—Will keeps thinking of his lost love, Anthony, and Koichi wants to have more with Will, but there’s always lingering doubt in his mind. And there’s more mystery added to the story as Detective Beauchamp’s investigation of the fire at the McNab family store reveals arson. Then there’s the burglary at Koichi’s house, missing jewelry, an old journal written in French, and an old perfume bottle. And, the glamping trips into Hunter’s Bog where mysterious activity and faces keep appearing.

Ally Blue has created a mystery with suspense, danger, humor and a little heartbreak. The story itself was well written, easy to follow and a nice little page turner. I liked the sibling relationship she created between Koichi and Kimmy. I thought it was portrayed as a special type of connection, with fun teasing, love of family, and the concern they have for each other. Kimmy’s character was very well written—she is a good opposite of Koichi. All in all, I thought The Secret of Hunter’s Bog was a very entertaining mystery. I’d categorize it as a lite mystery that will definitely hold your interest and keep you wondering.

TNA_Signature_Maryann