Book Review: Tips for Living by Renee Shafransky

When Cora finds out her famous husband is cheating on her and his mistress is pregnant with his child she leaves and moves upstate in an attempt to put the experience behind her and build her life again.

Two years later Cora's new world is rocked when her Ex, his new wife and child move to her town, disrupting her new routines and resurfacing all the old feelings she thought she had put behind her. But when they are found dead in their bed and Cora has no alibi for her whereabouts she becomes prime suspect for their murders. And the evidence all points to a jealous revenge killing which makes even Cora start to suspect herself.

The set up of this story has a great hook. A couple are murdered and the evidence all points to the spurred ex-wife. But she was asleep alone that night and never left the house. Or did she? With a history of sleepwalking can Cora really trust herself?

The best element of this book is the back story. The breakdown of the relationship between Hugh and Cora felt real and tangible. The concept of Cora being his artistic muse and the embarrassment of their relationship breaking down so dramatically in public via his paintings was a unique idea. I could really believe the situation Cora found herself in as hard and empathise with her emotions. (Spolier alert coming up!) However, I never really believed Cora was a suspect in the murder. Yes, all the evidence pointed to her but that felt way too obvious and the red herring alternative suspects, again, too obvious. Unfortunately I guessed the murderer pretty early on and it all panned out exactly as I expected. So the big twist fell a bit flat.

Overall this was a real page turner with some unique ideas which would make an excellent holiday read. Amazon Affiliate link below.