Title:  Rumors
Series: 1 of 2 parts (at least)
Author:  A. C. Arthur
Genre:  Mystery
Published:  December 30, 2014
Source:  NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Her death tore them apart. Will solving her murder bring them back together?

Best friends Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem were the golden children of Tanner University. Their paths were set: doctors, lawyers, business moguls, they were going to light the world on fire. Then, two weeks before graduation, Landy was murdered—and Nathan was blamed. Though he was never charged, vicious rumors drove him from town, and the circle of friends broke.

Ten years later, Nathan is back in Tanner, determined to clear his name. He’s asking questions no one wants answered, and soon rumors threaten to divide the community once more. Everyone in this small town is keeping big secrets—especially Landy’s old friends—and someone is willing to kill to keep their darkest deeds buried. . . .

This is a new edition of the previously self-published title Within The Shadows.

Read on for my thoughts on Rumors.  No true spoilers, promise.

Dr. Nathan Hamilton has left the anonymity of New York to return to Tanner.  It’s time, past time to clear his name, catch a killer and hopefully rediscover if the love of his life still loves him.  It’s been ten years, and Nathan is about to stir up a hornet’s nest.  But he wants his life back minus the rumors about him.  He didn’t kill Landy – someone did and he’s determined to find out who.

There are a lot of characters in this novel.  A lot to keep straight in your mind as you read and do your own sleuthing of this mystery.

I really enjoyed Rumors.  I was, at times, frustrated trying to keep all the characters straight – that might have just been me, but it kept me from falling totally into the story.  I understand why story wise there were so many people around us, it just did have an impact on how easy it was for me to read this one.  No right or wrong, just a personal opinion.

The love between Nathan and Tenile was beautifully written.  How do you fall back into love with someone who you believe hurt you in the deepest way and possibly is a cold-hearted killer.

If you enjoy mysteries, then Rumors has one in abundance.  Love situations?  Yep, got plenty of that too.  The one thing this particular book didn’t have… was an ending.  We’ll get that in the next book.  Wish I had known that before I started this one.  True I got it through NetGalley so no foul, but in order to know the ending I need to search for it.  Will I?  Yes.  I simply wish it had been an entire story without a cliffhanger.  (again, my opinion)

Overall, I would recommend Rumors.  I give it a 3 outta 5 on my rating scale – for that cliffhanger.  But it is an enjoyable read, you just need to know going in that you’ll need the next book to get an ending.

*I received an e-ARC of Rumors from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*