Another Fine Mess

By: Mariah Thomas

Lindy Ryan’s book Another Fine Mess pulls you in from the prologue. You are dropped in the center of a stormy night and told so many secrets to unravel. As much as this is a story of the world of the supernatural, at its core it is a tale about family – specifically the Evans women and the decades of trauma endured and life lived. This is a sequel to Bless Your Heart and Another Fine Mess picks up directly after the initial events. However, there is a deeper look at known characters and introductions to new ones. This book serves as a wider vantage point into the complexities of generational trauma. 

For more than one hundred years the Evans women have run the local funeral parlor. However, they share a deeper connection to the dead. In this world monsters are real and the deceased don’t always stay that way. These women often find themselves in sacrificial situations in order to keep the town safe. Lenore and her granddaughter, Luna, are the only Evans women alive as they just lost Grace, Lenore’s daughter, and Ducey, Lenore’s mother. As they come to terms with these losses, another victim of a suspected animal attack turns up. The women must work together with the new sheriff to uncover the horrors that continue to threaten the Evans family and the town. As she struggles with the loss of her daughter and mother, Lenore has to look out for her granddaughter who is floundering with an immense amount of guilt. 

A favorite moment for me was a chapter from the point of view of Sissy, the cat. In clever ways Ryan distracts you from the obvious until you finally realize what you reading is actually the cat speaking. Although her story doesn’t have a happy ending, I enjoyed the cleverness in the writing. Most of the stand out moments to me in this book have the same reasonings. Jumping from different points of view, you learn the mysteries at hand bit by bit. Although it feels as though we are left in the dark at times, there is an excitement to knowing an explanation is on the horizon. 

This is my introduction to Lindy Ryan’s work and I am intrigued to read more. Although the southern charm added in the writing may not be for everyone, Another Fine Mess was an easy read. As a fan of horror and suspense, the pace of the book felt like an episode of a crime show. There is also a solid balance of humor and family drama weaved in between. She does a wonderful job at bringing you into the world of the Evans women and I look forward to more.

At the center of this story is an inner look at struggles many families face. It shines a light on the pain and heartache of loss and the blame that follows. It also highlights the love and sacrifices willing to be made for those we love. Another Fine Mess brings you into a supernatural world through the lens of the Evans women – a family that has kept a family business alive for over a hundred years. Although this series will not be for everyone, it is an easy read with a wonderful story. The end hints at and leaves you wanting another book. If you are a fan of supernatural and crime drama shows, this is for you!