Nancy Campbell Allen’s You Had Me at Bigfoot starts off exactly as you might expect a series called a Daphne Drew Mystery to start. Yep, all of the clichés and stereotypes fall right into line and yet somehow, it comes across charming and humorous. The enthusiasm of the main character Daphne Drew is palpable and refreshing.

Even more refreshing is while both of the main characters have things in their lives to work through; neither of them is portrayed as broken or so messed up they cannot move on with their lives until they fix things. In fact, the main focus of the story is not on that at all. It is on the mystery to be solved and helping others resolve their challenges.

The entire story is based on a pretty farfetched concept, but that is the reason it seems to flow so well. The portrayal of Daphne Drew makes her seem like a fun, whimsical combination of intelligence, aspiring detective, and witty commentator. Somehow, she manages to put all of that together in a caring and sincere person.

Come along for the fun as you look for hidden clues pointing to Sasquatches in the Pacific Northwest woods. Enjoy laughable moments along with sincere, heartfelt ones–and a dash or maybe two of romance. This novel was a surprising delight that exceeded expectations. Lighthearted and deep, serious and amusing, real and imaginary…it’s all here waiting for you.

Review of a Digital Advance Reader’s Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Several instances of people throwing objects at someone, sometimes causing destruction; reports of person being kidnapped and killed; person confesses to murdering someone; several injuries result in blood; character has flashbacks to scenes of war including sounds of gunfire; someone attempts to poison someone; character is grabbed by another and held hostage.

Sex/Nudity: Characters embrace and kiss.

Mature Subject Matter:

Post-traumatic stress disorder, murder.

Drug/Alcohol Use:

None