Book Review: The Company You Keep: A Kendra Clayton Mystery by Angela Henry
From the very first page of The Company You Keep, I found myself drawn into the quirky world of Kendra Clayton, an English teacher with a flair for finding trouble in the most unexpected places. Angela Henry’s debut in the Kendra Clayton mystery series caught my eye not only for its intriguing plot—a teacher turned amateur sleuth—but also for its relatable and vibrant protagonist navigating the murky waters of friendship, romance, and murder in Willow, Ohio.
The plot kicks off when Kendra’s good friend Bernie finds herself entangled in a web of suspicion after her womanizing boyfriend, Jordan, is found dead. This unlikely scenario leads Kendra, against her better judgment, to don her detective hat and clear Bernie’s name. The narrative is ripe with humor and warmth, evoking memories of classic cozy mysteries while spinning a tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end. There’s something wonderfully compelling about an everyday teacher taking on the role of a sleuth, and Kendra embodies that spirit perfectly.
What truly stood out to me was Kendra’s relatability. As someone who has often found themselves stuck in the grind of routine, Kendra’s yearning for excitement amidst the mundanity of grading papers resonated deeply. Angela Henry has crafted a character who is both endearing and flawed, drawing readers into her journey of self-discovery as much as the tangled murder mystery. Kendra’s interactions with her colorful cast of friends and potential love interests added layers of depth that made me laugh, cringe, and cheer her on.
Henry’s writing style is engaging, with a lightness that allows serious themes—like betrayal and friendship—to emerge without weighing down the narrative. The pacing is brisk, with twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. One moment I was chuckling at Kendra’s witty observations, and the next, I was on the edge of my seat, trying to piece together clues alongside her.
The book also touches on community dynamics, showcasing how past choices echo into present relationships. The characters are vibrantly painted, and Kendra’s world feels lived-in and very real. Reviewers have described this book as "highly recommended" and praised it for its enjoyable plot and characters, which only solidified my own impressions. The balance of humor and mystery is handled with finesse—something that can be tricky to pull off but is executed beautifully here.
In reflection, The Company You Keep is a remarkable start to what I can only hope will be a long and wild series. It’s a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a blend of light-hearted mystery with the charm of everyday life, making it perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and character-driven stories. I found it refreshing, entertaining, and just the kind of cozy escape I needed.
If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy series or just a break from heavier reads, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Kendra’s less-than-stellar sleuthing adventures. I can’t wait to see where Angela Henry takes us next in Kendra’s journey!
You can find The Company You Keep: A Kendra Clayton Mystery (Kendra Clayton Series Book 1) here >>