“Carry yourself back to me” by Deborah Reed is both a mystery novel, as well as a story of love, betrayal, and how events of the past can make an impact on the present. I became interested in this book, after I read another one of Deborah Reed’s novels, called “A small fortune” and written under Reed’s pen name of Audrey Braun. I was impressed enough by this story, to see what other novels Reed published. And lo behold, I came across this book. The main character of “Carry yourself back to me” is Annie Walsh, a once successful singer and songwriter who currently leads a lonely life in a small town, after being abandoned by her cheating ex-husband Owen. As if that isn’t enough, Annie’s brother Calder is now accused of murdering his Danish girlfriend Sidsel’s husband. Chapters switch between the events of Annie’s current life, and her past. The backstory is what made Annie’s character especially memorable. Losing her father to a seemingly mysterious ailment. Falling in love with Josh, who used to be a bully until he saved her life. Finding out her unstable mother had cheated on her father with a man who means a lot to her. And starting her music career when others were going to college. Overall, I was intrigued by the mystery and the events of Annie’s life. Reed’s descriptions really brought the setting to life. But even more, underneath the story, I found a theme, that really added depth to this story. All the characters—just like real people--just want to be happy, but act in ways that aren’t always effective in getting what they want. And yet only one character realizes this—and acts in a way that changes everyone’s life. Published by AmazonEncore. September 2011. 316 pages. List price $13.95
