Abandoned: A Lively Deadmarsh Novel - Book 2: Beginnings and Betrayals

Katie Berry continues her interwoven saga in Abandoned, the second volume of the Lively Deadmarsh series. This installment follows Lively and Minerva Deadmarsh as they investigate the Sinclair Resort Hotel, which hides secrets far deeper than its exterior suggests. The sisters devise a plan to uncover events from forty years prior, risking their safety for the truth. Their actions intersect with Chief Inspector John Harder’s official investigation into the Sinclair Incident. As Harder peels back layers of mystery, he realizes his role in these events is far greater than he initially believed. The stakes become deeply personal, forcing him to confront truths he might have preferred to ignore. Berry writes a narrative that blends supernatural fiction with gothic mystery traditions. The story relies on the complex relationship between the Deadmarsh sisters and their growing entanglement with law enforcement. Readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a focus on family secrets and hidden histories will find this book suitable. Those seeking fast-paced action or standalone thrillers may find the slow-burn investigation less appealing. The text does not offer easy answers, instead presenting a web of intrigue that requires patience to unravel. The novel examines how past traumas influence present realities. It explores the tension between official investigations and personal vendettas. Berry’s prose remains grounded in the specific dynamics of her characters rather than broad philosophical statements. The narrative structure moves forward through the sisters’ discoveries and Harder’s professional findings, creating a dual perspective on the central mystery.