This was well written. I couldn't stop reading as I needed to keep watching the main characters. The mystery was less compelling than the characters, but was satisfying enough. The setting was delightful. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. Much as I loved the mystery side of it, what I particularly loved about it was the special relationship between the two main characters.

There are two narrators, recounting an event from some twenty years previously. One is Della, an ex reporter who decides to give up the pressure of her Washington job and settles for country life in the Appalachian countryside. The other is Abit. Unusual name? Yes. But I won't spoil it for you! Abit is a young teenager who is best described in modern terms as 'on the spectrum'. Della and Abit share a very special relationship: no, nothing salacious. Just special. Della sees qualities in Abit his parents overlook. Watching his development over the course of the book was just lovely.

The event that binds them is Della's discovery of a dead girl whilst walking her dog. The local police dismiss it as a suicide. But Della's investigative instincts as a journalist ignite. There's more to it. With the help of young Abit, friends and her ex husband, they aim to get to the bottom of the tragedy.

This has a solid plot cushioned by Abit and Della's friendship. Beautifully and perfectly executed and written.

I was a smidge disappointed to get to the end, further evidence of the author's skill. She manages to pull you right into the story, into the scenery and into Appalachian life to the point that you not only feel as if you're there, but actually really want to be. ( )

Reporter, Della Kincaid, has decided to move from Washington, D.C to Laurel Falls, N.C for a simpler life. While walking in the woods she is surprised when a man runs past her saying that "there was a body". Della and her dog do come across a body of a young woman, a supposed suicide. Della does not believe this, in spite of the suicide note.

Della enlists the help of numerous people in the community and Washington as it becomes apparent that the sheriff won't do anything to investigate the death. He claims it is suicide and that is that.

Della moved to Laurel Falls and bought a store and at first the people in the community are a bit reluctant. Most small communities are suspicious of "outsiders". The previous owner of the store, has a son, Abit. Abit is considered "not quite right". He appears to have some learning disabilities. He helps Della around the store and he becomes involved with helping Della find out who "murdered" the young woman.

The story is told in alternating chapters by Della and Abit. We learn about each of these characters that are so pivotal to the story. Della has an ex husband, who I believe she still has feelings for but he was unfaithful to her and she has a hard time believing him when he says he has changed. Abit's father is one of those down south old fashioned curmudgeon. He has very rough exterior but I believe deep down he really cares about his son.

I really enjoyed this story, a fast read with believable characters plus a suspenseful murder mystery makes this a book well worth the read. I liked how both Della and Abit's characters got stronger as the story moved on. Nicely done! ( )

In A Life For A Life, author Lynda McDaniel weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of former Washington D.C. reporter / shop owner Della Kincaid, as she tries to uncover the truth behind the death of a young woman, whose body she found while walking in the woods.

After an emotional divorce and tired of the demanding life as a reporter in Washington D.C., Della Kincaid leaves the past behind and decides to restart her life in the quaint Appalachian town of Laurel Falls, North Carolina, and becomes the proprietor of Colburn's General Store. While out walking in the woods with her dog Jake, Della finds the body of young woman leaning up against a tree. When the county sheriff deems the young woman's death a suicide, Della relies on her reporter's instinct, and with the help of her neighbor, V.J. "Abit" Bradshaw, a mentally challenged fifteen year old boy, she is determined to get the real story behind the mystery of the young woman's death.

A Life For A Life is an intriguing mystery tale that easily peaked my interest. Set in 1985 and told in the alternating first person narrative of Della and Abit, this riveting tale has enough quirky characters, witty dialogue, drama, secrets, and surprising twists and turns, that will easily keep you guessing how the mystery of the young woman's death will be solved. The author does a wonderful job of interweaving Della and Abit's voices, that the reader can't help but become captivated as their story slowly unfolds.

The story has a wonderful balance of drama, mystery, and suspense, that easily left me wanting more. What made the story that much more appealing is that it is more than a just a cozy mystery, as the author interweaves Della's personal journey of self-discovery and sense of community that she finds along the way in the small Appalachian town. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really enjoyed the author's rich description of the Appalachian Mountain town of Laurel Falls in western North Carolina, and it's memorable townsfolk. The reader is easily transported to this rustic small town where life is slow paced, and the engaging dialect of the local townsfolk will make you want to set down on the front porch for a spell. I look forward to reading the sequel to this wonderful story.

A Life For A Life is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in Della and Abit's adventures, while providing you with a nice dose of southern charm and humor.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-life-for-life-by-lynda-mcdan... ( )