The Well-Broken Promise - A Review

 Review

THE WELL-BROKEN PROMISE by Kari Lee Townsend
The Fifth Wishville Mystery

Spring is a time of growth and renewal, but not this Spring. In Wishville, Vermont this Spring is bringing death. The old birch tree is dying and a schism is opening the earth disrupting the connection between the human world of Wishville and the Dweller world of Elarion. Guardian of the Well, Lyra Wells can feel the difference in the earth and subtle changes are becoming not so subtle as even Wishville residents are noticing a change. Though the Spring WishFest is in progress many people want to stop the wishes. When a flashy reporter from Lulu's past appears things get even worse as he adds flames to the fire with his inflammatory headlines. But the worst happens when a scientist, more eager than is good decides to use a probe to test and amplify vibrations. After a second unauthorized attempt in the middle of the night he's found dead beneath the birch. The Fearless Four, Lyra Wells, Police Chief Thorn, Enforcer Calderis, and psychic reporter Lulu will not only have to determine who killed him (Human? Dweller? Rebel?) but attempt to fix the rift before it destroys both worlds. 

As the Wishville Mystery series progresses it becomes darker with higher stakes. In this, the fifth book, we witness the possible destruction of both worlds. This aspect is even more worrisome than the murder and is even more important. We see the Fearless Four facing Rebel forces, some of whom want Lyra dead, and the Council of Elarion, who want Lyra removed from her position as Guardian of the Well going the prejudiced "she's not pure blood" route. In addition to the possible end of the world, we also have a murder and theft!

I really enjoy this series balancing light and dark, good and not so good with humor and a bit of pathos. I love how our team works together, but my favorite part was when the Wellies worked their magic, showing the way to stabilize the rift and thus save the day! A surprise at the ending made my jaw drop...Vex.

Fraught with tension THE WELL-BROKEN PROMISE delivers an anxiety laden mystery that nonetheless proves that with friendship and by working together the good guys can triumph-at least for today.