A Personal Dive into My Father Always Finds Corpses by Lee Hollis
When I first encountered My Father Always Finds Corpses, I was instantly captivated by the intriguing title and the premise of a former child star turned amateur detective reluctantly discovering his and his daughter’s investigative prowess. With Lee Hollis at the helm, I knew I was in for a wild ride—one that promised not just suspense but a deep exploration of family dynamics and the grief of loss.
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Palm Springs, the story introduces us to Jarrod Jarvis, a man grappling with the heavy weight of his past and present. Twenty years after stumbling upon his first corpse, he’s still wrestling with the emotional aftermath of losing his husband, Charlie. As he pours his heart into directing plays, the shadows of his past threaten to loom larger than life. Alongside him is his daughter, Liv—who has recently graduated with a degree in criminal justice but is grappling with her trajectory in life. What unfolds is a multifaceted tale that elegantly intertwines mystery with the complexities of familial love and unresolved grief.
The character development in this story is nothing short of brilliant. Jarrod and Liv’s journey is both poignant and relatable, showcasing their evolving relationship. As they dive deeper into the investigation surrounding Liv’s boyfriend, Zel, who is found dead under suspicious circumstances, readers can feel the tension between them grow—the ignorance of her dad’s past colliding with her newfound desire to understand her roots. The emotionally charged moments resonate beautifully, especially as Hollis captures the nuances of grief without descending into melodrama.
Hollis’s writing style is engaging and lighthearted, perfectly balancing the undercurrents of sadness that permeate Jarrod and Liv’s lives. The pacing felt just right, allowing for both the thrilling elements of the mystery and the deeper emotional beats to flourish. This makes for reading sessions that are both heart-pounding and reflective—how often can you say that about a cozy mystery?
Some of the standout moments in the narrative reveal the diverse cast of characters that surround Jarrod and Liv. From a former first lady to a flamboyant best friend duo who steal every scene, the supporting characters add a delightful layer of humor and warmth. I found myself chuckling at their eccentricities, yet, at times, a poignant philosophical reflection would arise, leaving me with much to ponder.
One of my favorite lines encapsulated the heart of the novel: “In the midst of loss, we find ourselves piecing together the things we never knew mattered.” This sentiment resonated deeply with me; it speaks not only to Jarrod and Liv’s journey but to our own experiences of loss, discovery, and the complex nature of familial bonds.
My Father Always Finds Corpses is more than just a gripping mystery; it’s an earnest exploration of love, loss, and the messy complications of family life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries who also crave rich character studies. Whether you’re a lover of heartwarming narratives or a mystery enthusiast, this novel undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression.
In the end, I closed this book feeling like I had not only enjoyed a riveting plot but had also taken a deep dive into the emotional undercurrents that bind us as humans. And if Hollis does decide to turn this duo into a series, I will be one of the first in line to read about their next escapades!
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