Is Amanda Winslow a grieving widow or a cold-blooded killer?
Jack Lindsey has mixed feelings about Carlisle, Illinois', newest resident. When he discovers Amanda was recently acquitted of murdering her husband, he thinks that is the cause of his unease. Is Mandy a killer? Mandy. He never has nicknames for people, so why does he think of her as Mandy? Why does he think of her at all? She's not his type. Still, he's an attorney and the killing has piqued his interest. He wants to learn more, even if that means frequent contact with Amanda.
Amanda needs to rebuild her life. A mantra from her past helps hide inner turmoil. When you feel powerless, be strong. She may be crumbling inside, but no one would guess. Years ago she became an expert at self-control. Amanda tells herself she can deal with Jack's curiosity, although her attraction to him is unnerving.
Jack delves into the murder and trial. His actions set off a shattering string of events, putting his and Amanda's lives in danger and resulting in the death of another. Jack is forced to question his strict beliefs.
Is murder ever justified?
While Cyndia Depre's degree is in accounting, the joy of numbers eventually faded. After years of postponing, she decided to do what she's always wanted, write a mystery, and she's now hard at work on a second novel. Cyndia lives with her husband, and miniature schnauzer named "Helpless," in Minnesota. They’ve both gotten used to seeing notebooks and pencils in every room of the house.
This complex novel is a definite keeper. Past and present are smoothly interwoven, as are hope and terror. At one level, it's romantic suspense, on another, the finest women's fiction, telling a story of a woman rebuilding her life after she hits rock bottom. On any level, it's a guaranteed good read.
Amanda Killgore of Huntress ReviewsAmanda’s Rib is a very well-written novel. The author’s characters are perfectly developed. Readers can’t help but be mesmerized by this story as they watch it unfold. Violence is part of the story line, but the author makes it no more graphic than necessary to the story. Amanda’s Rib is recommended for readers who are looking for an original mystery/romance that will keep them moving from page to page. No formula plot here, just good storytelling. Cyndia Depre’s talent shines through in Amanda’s Rib.
Fran Shaff of Word MuseumThis "edge of your seat" story held me close to the page in anticipation for what was to come. Depre does not disappoint. She delivers a fully evolved story of the deep emotional scars an abused wife suffers, the psychological wounds of someone carrying a burden too heavy to bear, and the hopes and dreams of a woman held too long within the captivity of her own fears and regrets.
Patricia Ann Jones of Business Know-How.comDepre has crafted a book that is alive from beginning to end with a great, twisty, and ultimately uplifting plot and characters who are real in every single way.
Andrea Weiss of Tone and GrooveCyndia Depre's suspenseful story is so well written that I was surprised to find that it was her first book. I literally was unable to put Amanda’s Rib down until I finished the book.
Katelyn Thomas of Round Table ReviewsCyndia Depre casts a powerful spell of mystery, clouds it with emotion, haunting secrets, and misunderstandings, and weaves it into a heartrending, imaginary journey through a real-to-life drama. Mixed amid the darkness is a cast of charming characters. The quick witty dialogue that peppers the relationship between Amanda and Wade, and so disturbs Jack, adds just the right amount of humor to lighten the darker revelations and suspense Ms. Depre crafts onto the pages of Amanda’s Rib with a master’s hand. This one goes on the do-not-miss-it list.
Charlene Austin of Writers and Readers Network