Dear Author Bonnie Hardy,
I recently completed An Unsuitable Job and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Right away, Josie MacFarland’s strong voice drew me in, and I had to follow her through the story’s tough situations and clues. You’ve given readers a lead character whose inner strength rings true on every page. The best part of the story was seeing Josie continually make her own space and overcome the obstacles that people put in her way.
The investigation at the Castaneda Hotel, with Josie’s job as a Harvey House detective, provides a gripping entry point, yet what struck me most was how deftly you capture the world surrounding it. The push-and-pull between what’s expected of Josie and what she demands of herself created a richer tension that went far beyond the crime. You show the obstacles in her path not by calling attention to them, but by letting them emerge naturally in the way others respond to her. That subtle approach made her determination shine even brighter.
The connection between Josie and Daniel offered a gentle counterbalance to the tension surrounding the case. Their interactions brought a quiet emotional depth that heightened the story’s overall impact without ever stepping into the spotlight.
What stood out to me was the remarkable way the ambiance of 1930s New Mexico was brought to life: the era’s difficulties, the hotel’s charm, and the subtle conflicts. I turned the last page, hoping Josie’s journey continues. She’s a character with so much more to explore, and I’d happily follow her through many more investigations.
With admiration,
Jules Whitcomb for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio