NO BODY NO CRIME by Tess Sharpe Book Review: A Thriller with Secrets & Lies – Beauty Cooks Kisses

No Body No Crime by Tess Sharpe for this review is a relentless and emotionally charged thriller that plunges readers into a dark world where past sins refuse to stay buried. From secret high school lovers and a harrowing plane crash to brutal wilderness survival and a foundational murder, this book delivers a narrative packed with exciting, high-stakes elements. It’s a gripping read for anyone who loves their suspense laced with deep character bonds and the long shadow of buried secrets. Therefore, let me tell you more.

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A Past They Buried, But Couldn’t Escape

Rural PI Mel Tillman has a past as tangled as the backwoods she now navigates. Years ago, in high school, a secret lesbian relationship blossomed between her and Chloe Harper, a rich girl from a different world. Their bond was forged in fire after a harrowing confrontation with teen drug dealer Toby Dunne, culminating in the shocking act of burying his body deep in the woods. Mel, the poor girl who grew up to become a private investigator, has learned to live with the secret, but Chloe, believing it safer, disappeared six years ago to live off-grid in the Canadian wilderness.

Now, Mel is tasked with locating Chloe by her family, as Chloe’s father is dying and they want her to have the chance to say goodbye. Mel herself had stayed away, believing that her separation was the only way to keep Chloe safe. But the danger that drove Chloe into hiding is still very real, and their reunion reignites not only their old feelings but also a relentless pursuit. This is because when they buried Toby Dunne, they also buried something he had taken – something a powerful family desperately wants back. As Mel and Chloe navigate the treacherous wilderness and try to avoid capture, unexpected trouble and complications arise, forcing them to confront the past they thought buried forever.

Forged in Fire: The Complex Lives of Mel & Chloe

Mel Tillman emerges as a compelling and formidable protagonist. Smart, streetwise, bold, and driven, her resilience was forged in the crucible of a difficult upbringing, marked by a brother struggling with drug addiction and an abusive father. These harsh realities instilled in her growing up gave her a profound understanding of life’s cruelties and the paramount importance of survival and fiercely protecting those she loves. This background not only shaped her into the resourceful private investigator she is today, but also provides a deep, empathetic core to her relentless pursuit of Chloe and their shared past.

Chloe Harper, on the other hand, defies expectations. Raised as a rich girl, no one would have believed she was capable of surviving and thriving off-grid in the harsh Canadian wilderness. Yet, she possesses an incredibly strong instinct for survival, demonstrated by her ability to rig the woods with elaborate booby-traps and master the bow and arrow. Chloe is not just a survivor; she knows how to kill, a stark transformation from her privileged upbringing. Her disappearance and self-sufficient life reveal a fierce determination and a deep-seated need to protect herself and, implicitly, Mel, from the dangers of their shared past.

Toby Dunne & the Powerful Family: The powerful family and Toby Dunne serve as the primary antagonists while some characters within their orbit, such as Rick, surprisingly provide moments of comic relief from their unique perspectives. This adds a layer of complexity to the portrayal of the “villains,” one that prevents them from being purely one-dimensional and offering unexpected shifts in tone.

Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds

Tess Sharpe masterfully explores the profound question of whether murder truly bonds or breaks, particularly through the complex and enduring relationship between Mel and Chloe in No Body No Crime discovered reading this book for this review. The narrative delves deep into the long-term consequences of secrets, showing how a single, but one desperate act in the past can ripple through years, dictating lives and forcing difficult choices. Themes of survival and fierce loyalty are paramount, as both protagonists demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting each other, even at great personal cost. The remote and unforgiving backdrop of the rural backwoods and Canadian wilderness intensifies the atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of isolation and constant danger that heightens the suspense. This setting becomes almost a character in itself, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles and the wild, untamed nature of their past.

Why You’ll Be Hooked: Strengths of NO BODY NO CRIME

Sharpe does a fine job of weaving a complex narrative, told through alternating points of view and multiple timelines with effective flashbacks, ensuring the story continually builds in intensity. The twists and surprises are genuinely earned, adding layers of intrigue without feeling contrived. The sapphic yearning between Mel and Chloe is beautifully rendered and feels authentic, adding significant emotional depth to their desperate journey. The villains are truly villainous, providing a palpable threat, and the tension is expertly maintained, making readers feel every moment of danger right alongside the characters.

A Minor Hiccup: Pacing in Dialogue

While the plot delivers plenty of great twists and turns that keep the reader thoroughly intrigued, the pacing occasionally felt hindered by the dialogue. During highly suspenseful scenes, the characters would sometimes pause for heartfelt moments or overwhelming declarations of feelings, which, while adding emotional depth, could momentarily slow down the relentless tension.

Final Verdict: A Gripping, Action-Packed Thriller

In conclusion, my opinion that I formed after reading No Body No Crime for this review is that Tess Sharpe provided a wonderful action-packed narrative that benefits immensely from its dual timelines. This structural choice works exceptionally well, allowing this author to expertly unravel the layers of the past while simultaneously driving the high-stakes present-day pursuit. It’s a great read for anyone seeking a thrilling ride with deeply complex characters and a story that proves the past is never truly buried. Check it out. This book is released today, July 15!

Thanks to Farrar, Straus & Giroux for this #gifted book for this review.