Review Title: Greedy Meets Generous in a Hoarder’s House (Review of Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars

Ramona Richards covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, in Murder in the Family. The main setting will grab the interest of readers right from the beginning. Within a close knit small town community lived a beloved retired lady who became a hoarder by default in her later years. Relatives and others found her to be soft-hearted in wanting to help people keep family heirlooms safe. Her house became the dumping ground for many a treasure. Then she died leaving a mess for her neice, Molly, the main character, to sort out. The scenario is ripe for the worst and best in characters to be revealed.

Molly, a career storm chaser, decides to return to the small town which she had hoped to never revisit. Her Aunt Liz’s final request tugged at her heart as the only reason she could possibly go back. Her Aunt Liz chose her as The One who would fairly help those in the community in need and hopefully stand up to the greedy bullies who would stop at nothing to get more than their share.

Add to this intriguing beginning a dead body that turns up in the attic, a romantic attraction between Molly and the town sheriff, and a decision Molly must make about her career, and the reader will be caught up in an irresistable page turner. A grand story not to be missed!

This book will have special appeal to those interested in the issue of hoarding. The story provides understanding of how some hoarding evolves and what is necessary to clear it out. The reader will clearly view the difference between characters who are content with little compared to those driven by insatiable greed and its consequences. Themes of integrity, loving community, the value of people over the value of things, and forgiveness will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. The book has both strong women and men characters so it could easily appeal to men as well as women. With that in mind, it would make a great movie.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy from the publisher for reading and review. I am under no obligation to give a favorable review. I have given my honest opinion after reading the book to the end. I highly recommend this book for YA and older readers.