Title: Unfinished Business

Author: Jan Jenson

Publisher / Publication date: Novels by Janet Kay / June 1, 2025

Language: English

Format / # of Pages: (hardcover, softcover, e-book, audiobook, etc) 240 pp

Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Paranormal

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-9926223-0-0 

ISBN Ebook: 979-8-9926223-1-7

Reviewed by John Krause

Trauma heals and family secrets surface on the shores of Lake Superior.

Unfinished Business follows Angela, a recently divorced young woman escaping her old life in Chicago to the serenity of Northern Minnesota, to both heal from her traumatic marriage and to solve a decades-long mystery of the fate of her grandmother, Angelique.

With the solid support of both the spirit of her grandmother from the other side, and a new man in her life, Thomas, Angela follows clues along the shores of Lake Superior and deep into the Minnesota woods. Her searches help her learn not only how and why Angelique disappeared over sixty years ago, but also a deeper understanding of the emotional and spiritual ties that have bound Angela to her ancestors.

The novel is filled with rich imagery of Lake Superior and surrounding areas as a backdrop. The Lake and its own mysteries become characters themselves. Historical tidbits of important places and events of the area are sprinkled in. Trauma, healing, forgiveness, and love across time and space are ideas explored.

While the novel succeeds in evoking a vivid atmosphere and emotional depth, its narrative momentum lacks urgency and conflict. Yes, Angela puts herself in the right place at the right time, but leads and clues often drop into her lap without her having to dig deeper or fight for the truth. Other than the villain, every character is overly polite and all too willing to share everything they know with a complete stranger. Perhaps Northern Minnesotans do behave this way, but everyone being nice to each other all the time does not produce the emotional tension necessary for a stirring narrative.

Also, when Angela does come across leads or clues, there is rarely any urgency to pursue them. There's always time to first go on a hike, or get dinner, or take a nap before tackling the next big lead that might crack the case. This undercuts the "thrill" element one might expect in a psychological thriller, as this novel is marketed to be.

If you’re looking for a mystery where reflection takes precedence over adrenaline, Unfinished Business may be just your pace.