Chameleons of Codington by Linda Chamley Johnson follows the lives of the Nolan family. Thom Nolan was a sleek but corrupt business owner. He abused his wife and two children but presented a united and refined exterior to the public. When his wife died in a hit-and-run, he remarried Johanna, who was like him. Johanna was manipulative and after Thom’s wealth. The children, Estelle and Arliss, also became subjects of sexual molestation by Thom and his friend Sonny. Unfortunately, something happened that shook Codington and changed their lives forever. Johanna was divorcing Thom, and his business partner was splitting the company because of Thom’s corrupt practices. But Thom’s lifeless body was found in his kitchen. Who killed him? The greedy wife or his angry business partner? A jealous and hateful Sonny, a vengeful mistress, or the daughters who hated him?

Chameleons of Codington by Linda Chamley Johnson is a whodunit story filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue. This book will entertain amateur sleuths and lovers of investigation and crime stories. Still waters indeed run deep, and readers should expect the unexpected. The story opened with a typical neighborhood over-the-fence gossip setting that made me relax and pay attention. Linda is a fantastic writer. Sylvan's, Johanna's, Estelle's, and Arliss’ characters were unforgettable. One could use them as case studies on how the human mind works. The depth of Arliss’ mind shocked me. She hid this with an aloof, naïve, dramatic, and self-absorbed exterior. Chris’s character reflected the struggles of many people dealing with their pronouns, and I felt for them. When Estelle broke down, I understood the mental and emotional weight she carried. I also believed her feelings about her sister were valid. Linda took me through shocking twists and turns, making me see how everyone is a chameleon.

In Linda Chamley Johnson's psychological murder mystery, Chameleons of Codington, Celeste, Thom Nolan's first wife, had perished in a hit-and-run a few years prior, and Detective Grace Greyson was in charge of the investigation. Johanna, Thom's second wife, had no desire to have children, and Estelle and Arliss became used to living in a cold and unloving house. Estelle and Arliss were taught to uphold the family name at all costs, and their reputation was crucial. Although Estelle never discussed anything about her home life, Chris, her transgender friend, was aware that something was wrong at the Nolans. Given that the Nolan family had experienced a second violent death, Detective Grace Greyson had to determine the motive to solve the crime.

Linda Chamley Johnson's Chameleons of Codington is a page-turner and was difficult to put down. There was never a boring moment in this murder, mystery, and action-packed story. The writing style was descriptive, and immersing myself in the story was easy. There were several possible murder suspects with motives and opportunities, and the characters were captivating. The Codington residents changed colors like chameleons, making it difficult to see the true nature of each individual. Chris decided to stop being a passive participant in their lifestyle because of being tired of having to defend their decisions and way of living. The plot was masterfully crafted, and the psychological implications piqued my interest. The conclusion was shocking beyond belief. I was unprepared for it and did not see it coming.