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The Hive    by Gregg Olsen Amazon.com order for
Hive
by Gregg Olsen
Order:  USA  Can
Thomas & Mercer, 2021 (2021)
Softcover, CD, e-Book
* *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

Gregg Olsen's The Hive is set mainly in the Pacific Northwest, where readers follow Detective Lindsay Jackman's investigation of a young journalist's murder - her nude body found at the bottom of a ravine. As she begins her work, Lindsay is still reeling from the suicide of her long-time partner and mentor, Alan Sharpe.

Sarah Baker had been investigating another murder, a cold case. Calista Sullivan was found dead on a beach at Lummi Island. Both women had ties to charismatic cosmetics queen Marnie Spellman, a wellness and lifestyle guru with an estate on the island. Stunningly beautiful and razor sharp, Marnie had a legion of devotees, almost a cult, with an inner circle called The Hive.

As Lindsay investigates those close to Marnie at the time of the first murder, she uncovers a pattern of accidents and deaths involving many in her circle, particularly those who were critical of her empire or could be seen as threats. Lindsay's investigation gradually zeroes in on the women who formed the Hive around Marnie's Queen Bee.

The story has a shocking twist towards the end and though a devastated Lindsay does find answers to both cases, not all the guilty are caught, nor do all the punishments fit the crime. A rather cynical Epilogue details what happens to each of the characters involved after the investigation closes.

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