What Happens in Montana - by Kim McCollum (Paperback)

About the Book

A murder mystery set at a haunted, holistic, hot springs retreat in Montana. An adventurous girl's trip ends in tragedy, but was it an accident or something more sinister?

Book Synopsis

"...a beautifully written tale of strong female relationships that draws you in from the beginning and won't let go. Reading this book is like spending the afternoon with comforting friends. Enjoy the experience." -Diane Dickinson, author of Final Transaction

A ghost's antics, a harrowing moose chase, a hypnosis session, and smuggled booze lead to spilled secrets and betrayal, but do they also lead to murder?

At a hot springs retreat in Montana, whiskey-swigging Maude, the nearly eighty-year-old chef, longs for the glory days when the retreat hosted martini-sipping celebrities instead of long-haired hippies who refuse to wear deodorant. Brooke, feisty, adventurous, and a bit reckless, proposes a reunion at the retreat with her best friends to get away from the chaos of her life with teenagers and the emotional aftermath of her postponed wedding. One of those friends, Tracy, has devoted her life to her children and her husband despite her excruciating boredom. But a long-held secret could cost her the most important friendships in her life. Haunting the place is a ghost who, in life, dealt with tragedy by turning to prostitution which led to her murder over 100 years ago at the very place they all are staying.

What Happens in Montana explores friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness with blunt truth and witty insights. Together, these friends learn to navigate empty nests, infidelity, deception, and poltergeists. Most importantly, they learn their friendship is strong enough to get them through it all.

Review Quotes

2024 Winner - New Fiction Category Firebird Book Award

2024 NY Best Book Award Winner - Paranormal Mystery

2024 Maxy Awards Runner-Up - Romance & Women's Fiction

2024 Literary Titan Silver Book Award

"What Happens in Montana is a compelling read for those who appreciate mysteries interlaced with rich character studies and themes centered around friendship and growth. McCollum's novel is a testament to the intricacies of human and supernatural connections, making it a recommended read for fans of drama and mystery alike." -Literary Titan

"McCollum does character and voice like Moriarty's Nine Perfect Strangers meets Sebold's The Lovely Bones!" -Cam Torrens, author of Stable & False Summit

"With a clever blend of mystery and reality, What Happens in Montana offers a captivating journey through the landscapes of Montana and the spirals of intrigue, keeping the reader engaged until the last page." -The Historical Fiction Company

"Kim McCollum's ability to expertly blend drama and mystery in this novel displays an excellent level of storytelling talent. I look forward to reading more of her works." -Readers' Favorite

"I loved every aspect of this book. I was sucked in from the first page... I'd rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to people who enjoy thriller novels." -OnlineBookClub.org

"Kim McCullum's debut novel is a real page turner, and I was transported straight to the Montana of today and to the rustic Montana of yesterday. When I reached the end of the book, I was reluctant to put it down. A strong five stars!" -Diane Nagatomo, author of The Butterfly Café

"...a beautifully written tale of strong female relationships that draws you in from the beginning and won't let go. Reading this book is like spending the afternoon with comforting friends. Enjoy the experience." -Diane Dickinson, author of Final Transaction

"Reminiscent of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty...a quest for trust and forgiveness amongst four women which tests the limits of their long friendships and marital bonds." -Peter Kiesners, author of Scorpion Grass

"A poignant, realistic story that will tug at your emotions." -Regina Butner, author of Down a Bad Road and Absolution

"...well researched, wonderfully written, and historically accurate, is a testament to the power of women's friendships across generations." -Sara Fraser, author of Just River