The Company You Keep

by Angela Henry

Book Overview

Twenty-eight-year-old Kendra Clayton never quite broke out of her hometown of Willow, Ohio. She works part-time as a GED instructor and beefs up her income by hostessing at her uncle's restaurant,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1583146075
• ISBN13: 9781583146071
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Sepia
• Length: 211 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Best new author of 2005

OK, that's my opinion. Angela Henry has introduced us to the freshest new face in mysteries in ages. Smart, savvy and funny, Kendra Clayton has more common sense in her little finger than Stephanie Plum has in her entire truck-exploding body. This is a character that would work well with television or the big screen; and everyone can empathize with her and love her close-knit family. Thanks, Angela, for sharing Kendra with us! Oh, and by the way, I loved the sequel, Tangled Roots. Folks, buy both, grab a lawn chair and an iced tea, and have a great weekend!

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP... An Excellent "Whodunit" !!

The Company You Keep is the story of Kendra Clayton, a 28-year-old part-time Hostess and GED instructor who lives in the sleepy college town of Willow, Ohio. Her life is nice and quiet (even a bit boring). Her best friend Bernie is involved with a shady ladies man by the name of Jordan Wallace. Bernie confides to Kendra that she is sick of Jordan's cheating ways, and is ready to get rid of him. (This makes Kendra happy). Bernie wants to run up on Jordan and confront him, but instead, she finds him brutally murdered on her property. She doesn't call the police first, but calls her best friend Kendra instead. As a result, both Kendra and Bernie become suspects in the murder of Jordan Wallace. Kendra, in an effort to clear herself and her best friend as suspects, turns "amateur sleuth" and does a little private investigating of her own. And she finds out that there is more to Jordan's past and shady lifestyle than meets this eye. The story goes on from there... This book was an excellent, classic "whodunit". I thought at first, since this book is a little over 200 pages, that there would be a couple of suspects and that's it. But with each chapter, the list of suspects gets longer and longer. I mean, this book could have easily been 400 pages. Easily. I am mesmerized at how the author could fit such a large amount of detail in such a short book, complete with engaging backstories and flashbacks. Now that made this book a great page turner. I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to see who indeed killed Jordan Wallace. On top of that, the author weaved a few interesting subplots (Kendra's love interests, Kendra's relationship with her mother and neighbors, etc., etc.) very nicely and delicately into the main plot, without overshadowing the main plot. And on top of that, there were so many crazy and unexpected twists and turns in the book!! I LOVED that about this book!! And I really liked Kendra Clayton. She was a classic homegirl, with all the day-to-day needs, worries, and concerns as the girl next door. Quite realistic indeed!! Overall, I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a quick, engaging and fun read, and if you are a fan of good mystery... this book is for you!!!

A New Sistah Sleuth!

Kendra Clayton is living a quiet life in small town Willow when she gets dragged into a murder mystery after her friend Bernie's no good man gets killed. Kendra decides to investigate on her own when the police suspect both her and Bernie of the crime. The suspects and motives are plentiful, as is the humor, and twists and turns. The Company You Keep is a fun, page-turner. Angela Henry has a winner on her hands and I can't wait for Kendra's next adventure.

A New Sleuth Hits the Shelf

Born and raised in Willow Ohio, Kendra Clayton is a small town girl that has yet make a break for the big city. She has good friends, a close family and two part time jobs that fill her life. That is until Jordan, her best friend's good for nothing, live in boyfriend winds up dead. The girlfriends keep a secret from the police and soon, Kendra finds herself implicated in the crime. If you're a fan of amateur-slueth mysteries, Angela Henry has crafted a well written story that keeps you guessing until the end. Move over Blanche and Tamara Hayle. Make room for Kendra Clayton!

Good Stuff!

Part-time teacher Kendra Clayton is thrilled when she hears that her friend Bernie is ready to get rid of her cheating, good-for-nothing boyfriend Jordan. But then Jordan gets himself murdered and the police cast a suspicious eye not only in Bernie's direction but Kendra's as well, forcing her to turn sleuth to clear their names. Along the way, Kendra discovers secrets about someone she thought she knew, meets a man that ignites both her interest and her suspicions, and becomes a target herself. This was such a fun read! Kendra is sassy and sarcastic and the secondary characters are well developed and believable. Angela Henry is a writer to watch.