I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. School Principal Emily Taylor has lived in the little town of Burchill for two years. She feels that she and her husband have finally found their perfect home and safe haven, that is, until the school caretaker Nathaniel Ryeburn is found murdered. The townspeople are filled with fear as the reality of a murder in their midst is realized. Who could this killer be? Is it someone they all know? As Emily begins to investigate on her own, she learns that as Bridgeman, Nathaniel was also the town counselor, and knew everyone’s secrets, something she didn’t expect because the Nat she knew was reserved, shy and quiet. Then Emily comes across evidence and a shocking discovery. Sadly, her curiosity brings investigators to her home, while she and her husband try to hide from their own secret past.

This was a great novel; I was drawn in from the very beginning. The author was very detailed in her descriptions, that you could actually feel like you were standing there right beside her. The characters were believable and realistic, especially for a small town. The mystery uncovers a twisted secret that completely stunned me! I loved the story and plot, but I wish there was more added about Langford’s past, that portion felt incomplete. Hopefully, future books in the Emily Taylor series will expound on this. I was also disturbed by the graphic nature of the animal abuse; the author’s descriptive nature was a little too intense in this instance. Needless to say this is not a book for young readers.
( )

The past Emily is upset by is never really explained the reader has to guess what her husband was suspected of, or accused of, or tried for? Those questions got in the way of the story, I wish the author had been more explicit. ( )

3 3/4 stars. I really enjoyed The Bridgeman, although some of the subject matter (animal abuse) was pretty disturbing and might be a bit much for some (I'm still wavering on whether I will recommend this to my mom, for example). And the main character did have one ridiculous "too stupid to live" moment reminiscent of a horror movie heroine. But generally, it hooked me right in, and I powered through it, putting it down only reluctantly when forced by family members! I really liked the characters (stupid moment aside), and the small-town Ontario setting was well done. Thankfully, I already have the next in the series, and will be reading it soon! ( )

Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2013/09/foodfic-please-welcome-catherine.html

This is a wonderfully creepy book about Emily Taylor, a woman who is still recovering from her last adventure. She finds herself in a small town filled with secrets and evil. Total page-turner - I couldn't put it down until the very last word.
Note to the squeamish - the murder isn't the most gruesome thing in the book. Might be disturbing. ( )