Book Review: Death Threads by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

 

Death Threads (Southern Sewing Circle #2). Elizabeth Lynn Casey. Berkely Prime Crime (2010). 280 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line:  "Tori Sinclair had always prided herself on being a relatively calm person - the kind of woman who kept a cool head and a professional demeanor at all times."

Summary:  Local author and husband of one of the members of the Sweet Briar Ladies Society Sewing Circle, Colby Calhoun, has come upon some information that is going to make people angry.  Colby could decide to keep the information to himself, but as a writer he feels it is his duty to get the truth out.  When his article is published in the local paper, not only is Colby ostracized, but so are his wife and children.  

Then Colby disappears and all that is left behind is a note written in crayon and a trail of blood.  The sheriff begins his investigation, but keeps coming up empty handed.  There are plenty of people who had a motive, but he can't seem to find anyone who had opportunity.  As the days pass with no new leads, Tori feels compelled to do something to help her friend.  

My thoughts:  Death Threads picks up just six months after Sew Deadly and is a great follow up.  Tori Sinclair is feeling more a part of Sweet Briar.  Having moved from Chicago, it has taken a while for some of the members of the town to accept her.  

Tori loves her job at the local library and continues to find ways to improve their services for the residents of the area.  This time she has come up with a project the sewing circle can work on that will help members of a local nursing home.  I enjoy the characters who make up the sewing circle.  They each add something to the story and many of them make me chuckle.  Some of them are quick to gossip, others keep them in line.  In the end they all have big hearts that are willing to help others.

The mystery was unique - murder was presumed, but no body was found.  This added an extra element to the investigation that was interesting.  I had an inkling what was going on, but there were some twists that added surprise and kept me guessing.  

I liked the way the mystery wrapped up.  The author set the stage for the next installment, which I look forward to reading soon.  If you enjoy cozy mysteries, southern fiction or sewing, you might like this series.  Some sewing patterns and tips are included at the end of the book.

Quotes:

"'It was despicable,' Rose interrupted firmly, 'because you let your replaced hormones run amuck in favor of your friendship with Victoria.'"

"'Anyone who's spent more than two seconds with your kids knows they're rare - respectful, creative, and loved.'"

Other books in this series:

1. Sew Deadly

Book Review: Deceptive Hearts by Marlene Chase

 

Deceptive Hearts (Amish Inn Mysteries #9). Marlene Chase. Annie's (2017). 201 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line of the Prologue: "He paused at the entrance of the dimly lit cafe and watched the girl seated near the back."

Summary:  Liz Eckardt and The Material Girls sewing group are planning a Valentine's Day party to take place at Olde Mansion Inn.  In the midst of the planning Liz has several guests staying at the Inn.  One frosty morning as Liz heads out for a walk, she discovers the body of one of her guests.  She and the other guests hadn't seen him since he checked in and assumed he was enjoying the privacy of his room.  Very little is known about him as he was traveling alone.  The police discover an old photograph of one of  Pleasant Creek's citizens in the victim's pocket.  Who was this man and why was he in Pleasant Creek.  The authorities have their work cut out for them, but can always count on a little help from Liz and The Material Girls.

My thoughts:  I picked this book up thinking it was the third in the series.  It wasn't until I finished it that I discovered it was actually the ninth.  I have read the first two books in the series so I was familiar with the characters, but I had no problem jumping in here.  I will go back and read the books I missed, however.

This is a series that includes several authors.  I had not read Marlene Chase before, but I really like her writing style.  The book starts with a prologue from the point of view of a man with a woman who seems to be Amish.  We know from his thoughts that he is using her to find someone in a photo.  It was a little creepy, but set a good tone for the book.

Liz has an interesting mix of guests at the inn this time.  There are two sisters and their cousin.  The cousin is an avid birdwatcher who they have not seen for years.  They decided to meet up at the inn and get reacquainted.  The cousin's character was entertaining.  He is always spouting off bird facts and I learned some interesting things.  

One thing I always enjoy about this series is the interaction of the Amish and the English.  Liz's mother was Amish, but left the order before Liz was born.  After her mother's death, Liz returned to Indiana to find out more about her mother's family.  There are always Amish characters in the stories and it is interesting to have their lifestyle included without it being the focus of the story.  

The pacing was just right.  The secondary story lines didn't slow down the flow, but added to the story.  The mystery was complicated especially as the victim was a mystery himself.  Liz is the perfect cozy sleuth - she only gets involved when she can truly help the police.  And if she happens to discover something on her own, she is quick to let the police know.  There were a couple of times when something happened that should have been a red flag, but Liz just explained it away.  Maybe it was a red flag to me because I read so many mysteries.  I did appreciate that the author always gave a good reason for the characters not to be alarmed by something I was pretty sure was a clue.  

I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to going back and reading books two through eight.  If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I think you might like this one.  

Quotes:

"The sky seemed like a designer quilt in a hundred shades of white - lavender-white, blue-white, gray-white.  Like busy crafters, snowflakes sewed a border on a hemlock-covered hill, embroidered a valley and stitched a ruffle on a porch rail."

"Sweet Sarah, for whom faith was a living, everyday reality."

"She was a woman who had learned the secret of aging gracefully.  She enjoyed life and looked for the best in everyone."

Other books in the series:

1. Secrets of the Amish Diary by Rachael Phillips

2.  Plain Deception by Tara Randel

Cruisin' Thru the Cozies 2022 Wrap-Up

 

Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews hosts the Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge.   I participated at Level 2 (Investigator) - reading 20 books of my choice.  Here's what I read:

1. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs. Pollifax #2) by Dorothy Gilman

2. Reserved for Murder (Booklover's B&B #2) by Victoria Gilbert

3. Death at High Tide (Island Sisters Mystery #1) by Hannah Dennison

4. Dead Wrong (Agatha's B & B #1) by Vannetta Chapman

5. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #6) by Alexander McCall Smith

6. The Highland Fling Murders (Murder, She Wrote #8) by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

7. Plain Deception (Amish Inn Mysteries #2) by Tara Randel

8. Clause & Effect (Deadly Edits #2) by Kaitlynn Dunnett

9. Partners in Lime (Seaside Cafe #6) by Bree Baker

10. Danger at the Cove (Island Sisters Mystery #2) by Hannah Dennison

11. Body on the Bayou (Cajun Country Mystery #2) by Ellen Byron

12. Murder with Darjeeling Tea (Daisy's Tea Garden #8) by Karen Rose Smith

13. Murder on the QE2 (Murder, She Wrote #9) by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

14. Blue Shoes and Happiness (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #7) by Alexander McCall Smith

15. Chained (Kate Turner, DVM #3) by Eileen Brady

16. Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lovers #1) by Jenn McKinlay

17. Peg and Rose Solve a Murder (Peg and Rose #1) by Laurien Berenson 

18. Hot and Sour Suspects (Noodle Shop #8) by Vivien Chien

19. A Tourist's Guide to Murder (Mystery Bookshop #6) by V. M. Burns

20. A Christmas Candy Killing (Killer Chocolate #1) by Christina Romeril

Crusin' Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2023

Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews is hosting the 13th annual Crusin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge.  The link to the sign up is here.  I will be participating at Level 2 (Investigator) - reading 20 cozy mysteries of my choice (option A). I will be keeping track of them here.

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Book Review: Castle Deadly, Castle Deep by Veronica Bond

Castle Deadly, Castle Deep (A Dinner and a Murder Mystery #2). Veronica Bond. Berkley Books (2022). 288 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "The candle in my hand shook slightly, the flame flickering in the drafty cavern."

Summary:  Nora Blake has settled into her new life living in a castle and acting in the murder mystery troupe that performs there.  Her boss, Derek, has added an extra level of spookiness to this fall's play.  He has decked out the catacombs of the castle in spooky attire, complete with skeletons and spider webs. The audience will be taken there as part of the murder mystery they are attempting to solve.

Derek and the cast from the castle have also taken on another play at the local community theater.  When a group of actors from the theater wants to see the castle play, Derek arranges a special performance.  Unfortunately, as the actors and audience enter the catacombs, the lights go out.  When they come back on, someone has been murdered.  The entire cast is under suspicion since they were in the room.  

My thoughts:  I enjoyed Death in Castle Dark, the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to reading this book.  Unfortunately, this second book was disappointing.  It felt more like a romance that included a murder.

Nora has been dating Detective John Dashiell, but things between them have been strained.  Nora felt like Dash wasn't giving her enough time of his time.   They had some wonderful months together over the summer, but now, even though she is feeling neglected by Dash, Nora joins a second play so that her time is even more limited.  Many pages are taken up with Nora trying to figure out where their relationship stands.  There is another romance story line involving Derek and Nora's good friend, Connie.  This also takes up many pages.  There is a lot of suggestive talk, as well as closed-door intimacy.  It was just way more romance than necessary in a murder mystery, in my opinion.  

As far as the mystery goes, there really wasn't much sleuthing involved.  There weren't many clues to even consider.  Nora did visit some of the cast members she knew from the community theater and tried to find out how well they knew the victim.  Once the killer was revealed and then caught, the book continued for several more chapters.  I kept wondering when it would end. 

I really like the idea of a dinner and a mystery show that takes place at a castle, but this time, after the murder took place, that story line was non-existent.  I would have liked to see more of that.  The other play that the troupe was performing at the community theater was a version of Ibsen's A Doll's House.  At times, that play was performed line-by-line in the story which was confusing and not very interesting if you were not familiar with the play.  Sometimes the lines would start and I wasn't sure if it was the play or the characters in our story talking.  

Nora's twin brothers make another appearance in this book.  They add some humor to the story.  I also like how Nora's parents are a big part of her life and really interested in her work.  The premise of this series is great and the characters have a lot of potential.  I am hoping the author can get back to focusing on a mystery story line for the next book.

Quotes:

"I opened the door now, enjoying the waxy scent from the polished floor and the lavender scent that emanated from the carpet after cleaning day. Below these aromas was the slightly musty smell of old books."

"The October air had remained calendar-appropriate cold, but the sun had shone for days, and Wood Glen was alive with the scents of autumn - leaves and grasses, pumpkin bread in Zana's kitchen, sweet-smelling hay bales brought to our front porch by the landscaper, woodsmoke from fireplaces up and down Apprehension Road."

Book Review: A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril

A Christmas Candy Killing (Killer Chocolate #1). Christina Romeril. Crooked Lane Books (2022). 304 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "What was an alliterative word that worked with cyanide?"

Summary:  Murder and Mayhem, a bookshop owned by twins Alex and Hanna, has been featuring poison-themed killer chocolates.  They have given the chocolates names like Strychnine Strawberry or Candy Cane Coniine.  Of course, there is no poison in the chocolates.  Just before Christmas, the twins' neighbor Jane confides in Alex that she thinks she spotted a town resident on a true-crime show.  Before Jane can show Alex the show, she is murdered.  Unfortunately, a box of killer chocolates is by her bedside.  

Alex is one of two suspects in the murder.  In order to prove her innocence, Alex begins drafting a list of other potential suspects. Things start to become clear when Alex gets ahold of Jane's journal.  But, will Alex be able to expose the killer before the killer gets her?

My thoughts:  This was a great debut by author Christina Romeril.  It contains several things I like in a cozy mystery: a savvy sleuth, great supporting characters, a solid mystery and lots of daily life details.

Alex and Hanna are well into middle age and have seen their share of difficulties.  They both have failed marriages in their past and are glad to be living and working in the small town of Harriston, Montana.  Hanna learned chocolate making from their mother and has really excelled at it.  Alex worked in banking for twenty years before deciding she needed a change.  The sisters have a great relationship, but we mostly get to know Alex. Hanna's character felt a little shallow and I am hoping that we get to know her a little better in future books.  

The mystery was well-plotted.  Alex approaches solving the murder in a very methodical way.  She and Hanna create a murder board, which is basically a spreadsheet to collect information about suspects This was fun and allowed Alex and Hanna to approach gathering information in an orderly way. There were plenty of solid suspects and it took some time to eliminate them. 

One thing I really liked about this book was that the characters ate sensible meals on a regular basis.  It is a pet peeve of mine when characters constantly skip meals or eat nothing but sweet treats all the time.  This book was delightfully different.  Alex and Hanna often fixed dinner when they got home or pulled something out of the freezer such as individual portions of lasagna they had frozen.  There was even one time when Alex was running short on time but knew she should eat something before heading out so she made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  They definitely did eat sweet treats, but it wasn't constantly.  

Overall this was a delightful mystery that put me in the Christmas spirit.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Quotes:

"Louise wore an expression suggesting she had just bitten into a lemon, her lips pursed together disapprovingly and her skin, the texture of old paper, stretched taut over her face as if there wasn't quite enough of it to cover her skull."

"With a great deal of hard work, she and her identical-twin sister, Hanna, had turned the antiquated home, built in 1926, from an outdated quilt and fabric store into an homage to the Victorian era of the early twentieth century.  The store allowed their customers to escape the modern world for a short time."

Book Review: A Tourist's Guide to Murder by V. M. Burns

A Tourist's Guide to Murder (Mystery Bookshop #6). V. M. Burns. Kensington (2021). 250 pages.  Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Lines: "'Attention.' I clinked my knife against my glass.  'Attention.' Unfortunately, no one listened, and the chatter got louder rather than softer."

Summary:  Sam, Nana Jo and the ladies from the Shady Acres Retirement Center are headed to London on a mystery tour.  Sam is really looking forward to visiting the places some of her favorite mystery authors called home.  But when the head of the mystery tour company is found dead and another member of the tour group dies shortly afterward, Sam is suspicious.  She and her traveling companions set out to discover what is going on before someone else pays with their life. 

My thoughts:  The mystery tour added a unique setting for this well-written mystery.  But it is the characters that make it a lot of fun to read.  Each of them seems to get equal play in the pages of this story.  As usual, I found myself giggling and rolling my eyes at some of their antics.  

Sam continues to write her mystery series and allows us to read what she has written.  This is always really fun and that mystery is just as well written as the main story.  

The author includes some information about some of the sights they visited on the tour, including a Jack the Ripper walking tour, Agatha Christie's home called Greenway, and a view of Buckingham Palace from the windows of the bus.  She also took the time to briefly describe some of the different areas around England, which was great for someone like me who has never been to England. 

The mystery in this book was very well done.  After the owner of the tour company was murdered, we learned that there were plenty of people who would have benefited from him losing his life.  When the second murder happens, things get even more interesting.  I enjoyed the way Sam and the ladies were able to divvy up the suspects in a way that made sense for each of them.  

A Tourist's Guide to Murder was a lot of fun and I look forward to reading the next installment in this great series. 

Quotes:

"This was the last straw.  My nerves were gone, and I had nothing left.  I opened my mouth to ask the flight attendant if there were any other seats available.  However, what came out was a wail and then more tears.  I'm not one of those women who can cry cute.  Nor am I a woman who can have an intelligent conversation while crying."

"The cabby launched through the city.  Red busses, Trafalgar Square, and monuments flashed by at the speed of sound.  Far too quickly, we pulled in front of the hotel."

"I learned from research for this trip that Oxford has produced an abundance of crime writers, including Dorothy L. Sayers and P. D. James.  Its academic ambiance, ancient towers, and hidden quads set the scene for an extensive list of mysteries."

Book Review: Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien

 

Hot and Sour Suspects (Noodle Shop #8). Vivien Chien. St. Martin's Press (2022). 320 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.  

First Line: "'You young folks and your weird dating concepts,' my father, William Lee, said with an amused smirk."

Summary:  Ho-Lee Noodle House is hosting a speed dating event.  This is something new for them and the hope is it will bring new customers.  As manager of the restaurant, Lana Lee is in charge of the event.  The evening goes better than expected.  Just as Lana and her best friend Megan are planning to host another event at the restaurant, Rina Su, fellow Asia village shop owner, calls to let Lana know that the man she was matched with at the speed dating event has been murdered.  Rina is the number one suspect.  

Lana and Megan don't believe Rina is capable of murder, but the facts are pointing to her.  As the two of them begin digging into the murdered man's past, they discover he has left a trail of offended co-workers, angry neighbors and several spurned women.  The line of suspects is long.  Complicating matters is the fact that Lana's boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, has been assigned to the case.  This means that involving herself in the case will not only possibly get her in trouble with law enforcement, but could ultimately mean the end of her relationship.  Even though the stakes are high, Lana can't help but get involved.

My thoughts:  One of the things I like about this series is the relationships Lana has with her friends and family.  She has a great family that is always there for her, but sometimes things don't go smoothly.  One of the secondary storylines involves Lana's sister, Anna May.  Lana and Anna May are complete opposites and Lana views her sister as the perfect Chinese daughter, while she views herself as the rebellious one.  Anna May has been dating a man, who it turns out is not who she thought he was.  Lana is tempted to be snarky with her about it, but instead does her best to be a supportive sister.  This scenario gives the reader a glimpse into the workings of a Chinese family.  News spreads like wildfire amongst the women in the Asian community and if the truth comes out about Anna May's relationship, it will cast a negative glow on the family.  In Lana's attempt to be a supportive sister, she decides to spread a false rumor about her sister's relationship that will be better than the truth.  But that plan backfires and ends up making matters worse.  This added some comic relief from the tension of the main storyline. 

Another thing I appreciate about this series is the author's ability to write a tight mystery.  The mysteries are well thought out and believable.  You don't have to take a leap of faith to go along with the story. There are no loose ends.  There are always plenty of layers to uncover and that is definitely the case in this mystery.  

Dating the detective on the case definitely made it harder for Lana and Megan to dig around.  However, I appreciated the way that Lana and Adam discussed the situation.  Adam is unbelievably understanding of Lana's propensity to have to figure out what happened.  But, Lana also completely understands why Adam doesn't want her to get involved.  

Hot and Sour Suspects is a great addition to this series.  Each book has been equally strong and I hope the series will continue.  

There is an author's note at the beginning of the book letting the reader know about the author's recent struggle with ovarian cancer.  I appreciate author's notes of any kind and this one gave a little perspective to the story.  

Quotes: 

"Naturally, because I felt a sense of urgency, Kikko did not.  She took her sweet time smelling individual blades of grass while I tried to calm my nerves."

"One thing my mother taught us growing up that stuck with me is never to take ourselves too seriously.  She took great care in guiding my sister and me on navigating the differences between joking around and mean-spirited comments."

"I'd been slipping on some self-care items, like perusing a bookstore at my leisure.  It was one of my favorite things to do.  There is no better place to cast out all your worries."

Book Review: Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson

 

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder (Peg and Rose #1). Laurien Berenson. Kensington Publishing (2022). 304 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line:  "Peg Turnbull was standing in the hot sun on a plot of hard-packed grass, staring at a row of Standard Poodles that was lined up along one side of her show ring."

Summary:  Out of the blue, Peg's sister-in-law Rose shows up at a dog show Peg is judging.  The two of them have a long history of avoiding one another, so Peg can't imagine what she is doing there.  It turns out Rose wants to get to know Peg better and invites her to join a bridge club.  Peg is suspicious of Rose's motives, but decides to join the club.  Things do not go smoothly.  It is hard to change habits that have been in place for many years.  However, both Peg and Rose seem willing to make an effort.  Further complicating matters, Peg has not played bridge for many years.  During the first club meeting, Peg notices some of the players signaling one another under the table and witnesses a man discreetly hand money to another player.  Peg and Rose try to play smarter and do a little better at the second meeting.  But the next day, one of the club members is found shot to death in his home. Peg and Rose try to put the pieces together and figure out what happened.

My thoughts:  I have to admit, I liked Peg from page one.  She is a no-nonsense, practical woman who loves Poodles and knows a lot about them.  While she is initially suspicious of Rose and her intentions, she quickly pushes her suspicion away and gives Rose the benefit of the doubt.  There were times Peg was being unreasonable.  While she may have taken some time to realize it herself, she eventually did and apologized.  I appreciated this about her. 

I also appreciated Rose and her willingness to try and repair their relationship.  Rose was Peg's husband's sister.  Peg's husband died about ten years ago and the two of them have had very little contact since then.  Rose was a nun in her younger days, but after thirty years in a convent, she met a priest and fell in love.  Rose and Peter have been married for ten years.  Peter was a great character.  He has a sense of humor and encourages Rose to do the right thing.  

This book is full of information about dogs, especially Poodles.  Peg is a show judge and we learn about what she looks for when judging.  She also owns three Standard Poodles, one who competes in shows.  I loved the descriptions of her house and the ways it had been planned to include the dogs and their care.  There is also a story line dealing with a rescue dog that was really interesting. 

As far as the mystery goes, there were many layers to uncover.  At first, no one seems to know anything, but soon bits of information begin to surface that help Peg and Rose figure out what is going on.  Peg and Rose did not work with the police - in fact they ignored the detective's request to stay out of the investigation.  While that is a common trope in many cozy mysteries, this one really felt like Peg and Rose were completely investigating on their own.  For me, that was a negative, but only a minor one. 

Laurien Berenson has also written the long standing cozy mystery series about Melanie Travis.  Peg is Melanie's aunt.  I have not read that series, but Peg and Rose have both made appearances in it.  Melanie and her family are mentioned in this series as well.  I never felt like I was missing anything by not having read that series.  In fact, I liked the writing so well in this series that I just might want to pick that one up while I wait for the next installment of Peg and Rose.  

Quotes:

"Aware that she'd be on her feet for most of the day, she had dressed that morning with comfort in mind.  A cotton shirtwaist dress swirled around her legs.  A broad brimmed straw hat shaded her face and neck.  Her feet wore rubber-soled sneakers, size ten."

"'You're telling me that those Poodles understand what you say?'

'Of course they do,' Peg replied.  'That part's not even up for debate.  Otherwise what would be the point of talking to them?'"

"'You had a cookie yesterday.'

'That was different.  It was oatmeal and had raisins.'

'I see,' said Peg.  'So almost like eating a salad then.'

'Precisely.' A smile played around Rose's lips."

"Melanie often called Peg nosy, but she was wrong about that.  What Peg actually felt was a driving need to keep thinking, to keep moving.  She wanted to be a busy person.  She wanted to get up every morning with a sense of purpose and a long list of things to do."

Book Review: Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay

 

Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover's Mystery #1). Jenn McKinlay. Berkley Books (2011). 282 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'Oh, I just love that Maxim de Winter,' Violet La Rue said, her knitting needles clicking together as if to emphasize her words."

Summary:  Lindsey Norris is settling in to her new job as library director.  It helps that her best friend, Beth, is also a library employee.  Beth has been working on a children's book for years, so when a New York editor visits town, Lindsey encourages Beth to approach her.  When Beth and Lindsey meet with the editor, they find her to be rather cold and off-putting.  They discover that Beth's boyfriend is the reason for the editor's lack of interest.  When they go to his home to confront him, Beth finds him murdered.  Because of the circumstances, Beth is the prime suspect.  Lindsey is convinced her friend didn't murder her boyfriend, but will she be able to discover the real culprit before its too late?

My thoughts:  This series has been on my TBR for quite some time.  I am so glad I finally got around to reading it.  

Lindsey is a likeable character that I could relate to.  She never intended to work as a library director.  She was working as an archivist at Yale, but the university had to make budget cuts and Lindsey was let go.  Beth encouraged her to apply for the director position at Briar Creek Library.  Lindsey is so glad she did.  She has found that she thrives in the small town and with a work schedule that is very predictable.  She is embracing the fact that she likes her slower paced life surrounded by familiar people. Lindsey has a way with people as well.  She is able to manage the cantankerous Ms. Cole with ease, while diffusing arguments before they start amongst the library employees. 

As children's librarian, Beth is not afraid to put on a silly costume and crawl around on the floor with the kids.  She and Lindsey are the best of friends and look out for one another.  There is a great cast of supporting characters as well that I hope to see more of in future books. 

Briar Creek, Connecticut sounds like a lovely town.  The book takes place in the fall and I got a real sense of the weather changing as well as the beauty of the surrounding countryside.  

The mystery wasn't overly complicated, but there was a lot to sort through before getting to the killer.  

And there were plenty of twists and turns along the way. 

This was my first Jenn McKinlay book, but it won't be my last.  I look forward to reading book two in the Library Lover's Mystery series. 

Quotes: 

"With its thick stone walls and welcoming glass front doors, she always felt as if she were going home when she walked into the Briar Creek Library.  Instead of the smell of her mother's rosemary chicken, however, the library greeted her with the perfumed scent of old paper pressed between the hard covers of books on wooden shelves dusted faintly with lemon furniture polish."

"But then, having worked at the university most of her life and now with the public at large, she had discovered common sense wasn't as common as you'd think."

"Lydia was pushing seventy, had silver hair and reading glasses and dressed in what Lindsey thought of as Connecticut genteel; in other words, she looked like Kate Hepburn in her later years in tailored slacks and turtlenecks with a sweater tied over her shoulders."

Book Review: Chained by Eileen Brady

 

Chained (Kate Turner, DVM #3). Eileen Brady. Poisoned Pen Press (2018). 270 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery. 

First Line: "I must be out of my mind."

Summary:  Kate Turner and her assistant, Mari, are making a house call to a very rural area outside of town.  The patient is a Malamute who has a bad cut on his back.  The house call goes well until Kate and Mari are ready to leave.  The Malamute's owner mentions that her dog often brings back treasures from his explorations outside.  His latest find is a large bone from a deer.  The minute Kate sees the bone, she realizes it is not from a deer, but is a human bone. 

The forensics team discovers the rest of the body buried in the hills behind the property.  The remains belong to a man who was thought to have moved to California ten years ago.  And it appears that he was murdered. With very little evidence to go on, the police seem to be at a stand still.  The man's family asks Kate to find out what happened to their son.  As Kate begins to ask questions, she finds that the man was well liked and successful.  So, who would want to kill him and why?

My thoughts:  I always enjoy returning to this series.  Not only is the setting beautiful, but the characters are well drawn and interesting.

Kate Turner is a veterinarian who is filling in at Oak Falls Animal Hospital while the owner is away on an around the world cruise. In each book the author introduces us to the many patients Kate sees each day.  I love meeting the variety of animals and learning about different ailments and how they are treated.  Some of the patients she sees on house calls and others come to the clinic.  

Kate has been Skyping with a former boyfriend who is working at an archeology dig in Africa.  It has been fun to reconnect with Jeremy, but she is not sure where the relationship is headed.  She has become good friends with Oak Falls Police Officer, Luke Gianetti.  At least they keep saying they are just friends, but Kate feels like their friendship could develop into something more.  That is until Luke gets back together with his old girlfriend.  When Jeremy surprises Kate by telling her he is coming for a visit, she is not sure what to think.  Her relationship situation takes up more space in this mystery than it has in previous books.

As Kate begins asking questions about the murdered man, she discovers there was more to him than meets the eye.  He seems to have been well liked, but rumors are circulating that he was a ladies' man and that he abandoned his friends when he left town.  This leads to several possible suspects.  Added to that is a rumor that he was involved in drugs, which leads to even more suspects.  Eileen Brady has a knack for created interesting characters.  She is really good at creating characters who seem very rough on the outside, but end up being very soft and kind on the inside.  There are a few of those in the suspect line up.

Eventually everything gets sorted out.  The killer was a complete surprise to me.  This is a unique series that I always enjoy reading.  I would recommend that you start with the first book in the series, Muzzled, so you don't miss out on the great character development.

Quotes:

"Flashes of russet and gold foliage punctuated the stands of trees lining the road.  Few people ventured out this early on a Saturday morning.  Even though Halloween was around the corner, today's weather prediction called for sunshine and a high of sixty degrees - a glorious Indian summer day to be enjoyed to the fullest before winter hit."

"A massive bundled-up mound of black leather stood directly behind me.  The only human parts showing were two eyes behind round goggles and slices of wind-chapped cheeks.  Luckily, I recognized my client's voice."

"The next moment a plump load of furry feline landed full-force on my lap.  As soon as I stroked him, his purr motor began to rumble.  Mr. Katt was a 'hit and run' artist, famous for his sneak attacks on the staff."

Book Review: Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith

Blue Shoes and Happiness (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #7). Alexander McCall Smith. Anchor Publishing (2007). 227 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "When you are just the right age, as Mma Romotswe was, and when you have seen a bit of life, as Mma Romotswe certainly had, then there are some things that you just know."

Summary:  Precious Romotswe is settling in to married life on Zebra Drive.  Her assistant, Grace Makutsi, has a newly acquired fiance.  Life is good.  However, there are still some things that need to be addressed.  For example, something is not right in Mokolodi.  People are acting strangely and Mma Romotswe thinks it might have something to do with superstitions.  Then there is the case of the nurse and the changing blood pressure numbers.  To top it off, Mma Romotswe is beginning to think that being traditionally built is not ideal.  Just when things feel like they are becoming too much, Mma Romotswe and Mma Makutsi take some time to do some window shopping and drink some tea.

My thoughts:  These books always remind me to slow down.  When I am feeling overwhelmed, it is always a good idea to sit and think for a while.  Or maybe have a cup of tea (or coffee).  Even, do a little shopping.  

I found the cases and problems Mma Romotswe and Mma Makutsi were working on this time very interesting.  Dealing with superstition and a situation based more on feeling than fact made for fun detective work.  

Most of all I love the characters, especially Mma Romotswe and her ability to understand the right ways to act, even if she can't always carry them out.  I enjoy entering into her thoughts while she sits and thinks.  I also enjoy hearing her thought process when she is tempted to say one thing, but doesn't because that would not be "the Botswana way".  And I enjoy getting a glimpse into a place I will probably never visit in person.  

This was an entertaining, relaxing and comfort read. 

Quotes:

"None of us knows how we will cope with snakes until the moment arises, and then most of us find out that we do not do it very well.  Snakes were one of the tests which life sent for us, and there was no telling how we might respond until the moment arrived."

"Mma Romotswe was not a prude.  She knew what went on between people, but she believed that there was a part of life that should be private.  She believed that what one felt about another was largely a personal matter, and that one should not talk about the mysteries of the soul."

"Everybody, she felt, could do evil, so easily; could be weak, so easily; could be selfish, so easily."

Book Review: Murder on the QE2 by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain

Murder on the QE2 (Murder, She Wrote #9). Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain. Signet (1997). 304 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "The older I get, the harder it is to surprise me."

Summary:  Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher is invited to sail on the Queen Elizabeth II as one of seven guest lecturers.  She's also been asked to write a mystery play to be conducted one act per day during the crossing.  She has sailed on the QE2 before.  She and her husband took the crossing just months before he died.  While she is looking forward to making the crossing again, she misses her husband.  

Once aboard the ship she is introduced to the other lecturers and the cast of the play she wrote.  She is also introduced to Mary Ward, a woman who solved a murder mystery to win a trip on the QE2.  Jessica and Mary become fast friends.  One morning the two of them are taking a walk on the deck when Mary spots a bare foot sticking out of a life boat.  They soon discover the body of Marla Tralaine, famous actress and lecturer on the crossing.  Working with head of security, Jessica and Mary attempt to uncover secrets and discover the murderer. 

My thoughts:  A murder aboard a ship is always interesting as the murderer has to be someone on board.  The other passengers often feel afraid for their own safety and this can often take the fun out of the experience.  In this case, the captain and crew wanted to avoid letting passengers on the ship know that a murder had been committed.  They were able to keep it under wraps for several hours, but it wasn't long before rumors started circulating.

Jessica was really looking forward to taking this crossing.  She envisioned herself relaxing for hours with a good book, sitting on the deck wrapped in blankets and enjoying some of the entertainment provided by the ship.  Unfortunately, once the body of actress Marla Tralaine is found, Jessica's time is not her own.  Head of security on the ship asks for Jessica's help.  I enjoyed the addition of Mary Ward as a companion for Jessica in this story.  She is a woman who loves to read mysteries and do crossword puzzles.  She adds a new angle to Jessica's thoughts.  The two of them often dine together and sometimes take walks on the deck.  They are able to bounce ideas off one another and it is ultimately Mary who identifies the killer.

The list of suspects is long and many of them are actors, which complicates matters further.  Actors are often good at pretending to be someone they are not.  There are lots of secrets to uncover, some helpful and some not.  The killer was identified in a very unique way that was a lot of fun.

I enjoyed taking this crossing with Jessica and look forward to her next adventure. 

Quotes:

"My cabin was especially inviting at the moment. Two lamps cast a warm glow over the room, and the gentle rocking of the ship almost make it feel as though I were in a cradle. The thought of climbing into bed and reading a good book until falling asleep was compelling."

"'But isn't that what's enjoyable about being alive? Something new every day.'"

"She seemed always to see the good in people, to find a reasonable explanation for bad behavior."

Book Review: Murder with Darjeeling Tea by Karen Rose Smith

Murder with Darjeeling Tea (Daisy Tea Garden Mystery #8). Kensington (2022). 352 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "Daisy Swanson and her son-in-law, Foster Cranshaw, stood on a rural road outside the more bustling tourist area of Willow Creek, Pennsylvania."

Summary:  Daisy is on the hunt for the perfect birthday present for her boyfriend, Jonas.  She is visiting Rumple's Statuary Shop with hopes of finding a Golden Retriever statue.  While there Mr. Rumple suggests that Daisy might want something more special and insists on showing her some expensive miniatures that he keeps in a safe.  That is not exactly what Daisy has in mind, so they head back outside to look at the stone statues.  While Daisy is browsing, she hears an angry yell from the front gate.  After a heated argument, the customer tears off in his car.

A few days later Mr. Rumple is found dead at the Four Paws Animal Shelter where he volunteers.  He appears to have been hit over the head, but the murder weapon is missing.  Since Daisy has helped the police solve a few murders, the residents of the town seem to come to her with information.  When she becomes a target, the race is on to discover who wanted Mr. Rumple dead.

My thoughts:  I always look forward to a new installment at Daisy's Tea Garden.  The characters are like old friends and the mysteries always keep me guessing.

Besides dealing with another murder in town, Daisy is struggling to come to grips with the idea that her youngest daughter will be going off to college soon.  She is happy and excited for her, but is also dreading an empty house.  Her oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson live in an apartment over her garage.  However, she agreed that they could live there rent free for one year and that time is coming to an end.  Vi and Foster are thinking about moving out.  I appreciated her very real feelings about all of this.  She knows these things will be good for her kids, but she wants to keep them close.  

Daisy's Amish friend, Rachel, plays a larger role in this story.  I enjoyed getting a glimpse into her life.  Daisy has known Rachel since they were children and has a deep understanding of the Amish lifestyle. I like the way Rachel and Daisy help one another while being respectful of their different lifestyles.  

Mr. Rumple was not a likeable man and was involved in some shady dealings.  His only redeeming quality seems to be his love of dogs.  There are several suspects, but Daisy doesn't know any of them well.  She just keeps following leads until the culprit is revealed.  

I always enjoy lovely descriptions of the location and we definitely get that here.  The story takes place in the fall and the author has done a good job of giving the reader a feel for the Pennsylvania countryside during this season of change. 

After the mystery is wrapped up, Daisy has a few things to sort out in her life.  It looks like she has some exciting things coming up in the future.  I look forward to reading all about it in the next installment.

Quotes: 

"She liked having her family around her and nearby."

"This Sunday evening, Rose had made her famous chicken potpie.  Daisy's aunt had brought a broccoli casserole.  Daisy baked the cheese biscuits that were going over so well at the tea garden, while Vi had put together an apple-walnut salad.  Jazzi had brought a snack mix that they would eat while sitting around and talking.  The meal wasn't really about the food.  It was about connecting with each other, catching up, and understanding what was happening in each person's life.  It was about spreading love around."

"The sky looked like a steel-gray cover overhead.  Clouds swirled, and she wondered if rain would fall before she finished her ride.  She followed her usual route as leaves rustled about her.  Trees were dropping them swiftly, readying for the new season.  Dampness soaked the air, not quite a mist."

   

Book Review: Body on the Bayou by Ellen Byron

Body on the Bayou (Cajun Country Mystery #2). Ellen Byron. Crooked Lane Books (2016). 312 pages. Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "It was midafternoon and Maggie Crozat had already led five large tour groups through Louisiana's Doucet Plantation, a historic state landmark once owned by her ancestors."

Summary:  Maggie's co-worker, Vanessa, has asked Maggie to be Maid-of-Honor in her upcoming wedding to Police Chief Rufus Durand.  Vanessa is the epitome of a Bridezilla.  She has given Maggie a to-do list a mile long.  When Vanessa's cousin Ginger shows up unexpectedly, Vanessa assumes Maggie's family will find room for her at their Bed and Breakfast.  Maggie has heard Vanessa and other family members complain about Ginger, so Maggie is expecting a terrible experience.  However, when Ginger shows up she is very polite and generous.  Maggie is relieved that she has one less thing to worry about.  

Her sense of well-being comes to an abrupt end when Ginger's body is found at the edge of the Bayou.  Suspects abound as the truth about Ginger's life comes to light.  The Pelican Police Department is on the case, but Vanessa begs Maggie to find Ginger's killer.  Maggie tries to tell Vanessa that finding a killer is outside of her Maid-of-Honor duties, but Vanessa won't let it go.  As Maggie begins looking into Ginger's life, she finds herself compelled to solve the mystery.

My thoughts:  One of the things I love most about this series is the strong relationship Maggie has with members of her family.  That definitely comes through in this book.  Since we already know the characters, we are able to jump right into the story. I was drawn in immediately.

Maggie helps her parents run Crozat Plantation Bed and Breakfast, a home that has been in her family for generations.  She has a close relationship with both of her parents, although their roles are minor in this story.  Grand-mere Crozat shares a house on the plantation with Maggie.  She helps out around the B & B, is always immaculately dressed and is often found with a cocktail in hand after 5 pm. She is always quick to encourage Maggie and remind her that she believes in her.   Maggie's cousin Lia also lives in town and runs a bakery.  She and Maggie are the best of friends.

Vanessa was a secondary character in the first book and we definitely learn more about her.  Maggie realizes that she was chosen as Maid of Honor because no one else would accept the position.  But, Maggie takes her responsibilities seriously and does the best she can with the unreasonable requests of the bride. 

Two of my favorite characters in this series are Detective Bo Durand and his autistic son, Xander.  Maggie and Xander have connected through art and I really enjoy how that is progressing.

The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects. As Maggie learns more about Ginger's life, she finds more people who had reason to kill her.  The suspects all have secrets too, which leads to more possibilities.  I was beginning to despair it would ever be worked out.  I shouldn't have worried.  It all came together perfectly and at just the right time.  I was completely taken by surprise when the culprit was revealed.  

There were a few surprises at the end which set up the next book.  I am glad to be behind in this series so I won't have to wait for the next book to come out.  

Quotes:

"Gran sighed and shook her head. 'Oh, my darling girl.  Someday you will have children.  And your life will revolve around them to the point where you have only vague memories of what it was like before they entered the world.  And then you will have to let them go.  You won't know what to do with yourself at first.  But eventually you'll find the life you had before, or even a better one, if such a thing is possible.  And your children will always be part of that in some way.  You will not lose them.'"

Book Review: Danger at the Cove by Hannah Dennison

Danger at the Cove (Island Sisters Mystery #2). Hannah Dennison. Minotaur Books (2021). 304 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'Do you mind moving those plants into the potting shed before you run my errand, Ollie?'"

Summary:  Sisters Evie and Margot are making some progress on the renovations they have undertaken to Tregarrick Rock Hotel.  The hotel is located in the Isles of Scilly and can only be reached by boat. The grand reopening is approaching and the sisters are working hard to get everything ready.  When an old friend of Margot's announces she is on her way, Margot doesn't tell her they aren't ready yet.  Margot and Evie do their best to clear out one guest room and prepare it for their guest. To make matters more complicated, the time between tides is even shorter than normal due to a supermoon.  When one of the hotel employees doesn't return in time to beat the tide, Evie begins to worry.  Another unexpected guest, a power outage and a sunken ship add more complications. Will Evie be able to unravel the mystery before it is too late?

My thoughts:  There is a lot going on in this story.  Unexpected guests, power outages, construction workers staying on site, the supermoon, a shipwreck and cleaning out a bedroom that contains a secret door.  All of these lend an eerie quality to the story.  

Evie is still grieving the loss of her husband.  Some days are better than others, but she is doing her best to move on.  She has thrown herself into the work at the hotel.  Margot has as well.  She left her life in Hollywood and really feels it was for the best.  But when an old Hollywood friend drops in for a visit, Margot begins missing the old lifestyle.  But, Evie is able to remind her why she made the choice she did and encourage her to stick with it.  I like the relationship the two of them have. 

Margot's friend, Louise, is a different story.  She seems to forget that she recently became a widow and has become infatuated with a new man.  She is overly impressed by money and prestige.  She takes a pill for everything and anything.  She was not a likeable character.  However, there are several other secondary characters that are well developed and add to the story.

The mystery was complicated and multifaceted.  Several people seem suspicious and some don't seem suspicious that maybe should. There is a lot to sort out.  D.S. Patricia Williamson is on the case and she is quite capable.  She is blunt and cunning and very good at her job.  I can't say that I particularly like her, but she gets the case solved. 

The supermoon that will cause the tide to go out further than normal was fascinating. On one particular day, the tide will stay far enough out that a shipwreck will be visible.  The hotel staff has plans to take a trek to the location.  It was interesting to learn something about the many shipwrecks off the Isles of Scilly.  

This was a satisfying mystery and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the sisters.

Book Review: Partners in Lime by Bree Baker

Partners in Lime (Seaside Cafe Mystery #6). Bree Baker. Poisoned Pen Press (2021). 336 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "I smiled at the sound of seashell wind chimes jangling over my front door."

Summary: Charm, North Carolina is the location of some fun summer events.  Surf competitions are often held nearby and this summer Charm will be hosting the eighty-fourth season of The Lost Colony, a historical outdoor drama.  Some of the local residents have secured positions in the play.  As opening day draws nearer, tensions are running high.  

Matt Darning, EMT and friend of Everly Swan, has a leading role in the play.  It turns out he is excellent with the longbow.  One evening after rehearsal, Everly notices Matt arguing with a surfer.  The next morning the surfer is found dead, shot with an arrow.  The evidence points to Matt.  Everly is convinced Matt isn't capable of murder.  He is an EMT after all.  He is in the busines of saving lives, not taking them.  As the evidence continues to mount, Everly has to work fast to prove her friend's innocence.  

My thoughts:  While Charm is not as popular a town as Manteo or Corolla, just a few miles away, there is always something interesting going on.  Everly's Aunt Fran has become mayor of Charm and is working hard to bring events back to the island.  Manteo hosts a surf competition and some of the surfers have made their way to Charm to explore.  That combined with the upcoming production of The Lost Colony, have caused the population of Charm to swell, bringing in lots of new faces. 

Everly and Detective Grady Hayes have begun dating.  Their relationship is proceeding smoothly until the murder happens.  Everly can't help herself from becoming involved.  Granted, the main suspect is a good friend of hers and she desperately wants to prove his innocence.  But, she causes Grady unnecessary stress by putting herself in danger.  This time it did seem like the threats came out of no where.  But, she has developed a reputation in town for investigating crimes.  So, the killer seems to assume that she will get involved.  I admit that I was annoyed by Everly's behavior.  Grady asked her specifically to not do something and she would turn around and do exactly that.  Then she would lie about it.  What stopped me from abandoning the book was the inner dialogue Everly had with herself.  She recognized where she was wrong and determined to do better.  She admitted to herself and Grady that she didn't like being deceptive.  It turns out that it wasn't just me, her behavior was over-the-top.  However, it ended up be an important part of the plot.

A new tea shop has opened in town and Everly sees it as competition. Sun, Sand and Tea is casual and serves iced tea, while the new shop is more of a formal tea house.  This adds a fun new element to the stories.  Also, Everly's best friend is having a birthday and her boyfriend wants to throw her a surprise party.  Of course he asks Everly for help.  

The suspect list was plentiful.  It was just a matter of figuring out who had opportunity.  I was glad Detective Hays was on the case, because I was clueless who the culprit was. 

While the current case is solved, we are left with a cliff hanger at the end of the book.  Even though I was annoyed with Everly and hope she tones down her annoying behavior, I can't wait to read the next installment.  

Book Review: Clause & Effect by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Clause & Effect (Deadly Edits Mystery #2). Kaitlyn Dunnett.  Kensington (2019). 288 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'Oh, no.  You're not roping me into this.'"

Summary:  Mikki Lincoln is settling into her life in Lenape Hollow.  She has a few clients, she has connected with old friends and she is getting to know her neighbors.  The board of directors of the historical society are planning a quasquibicentennial celebration including the reenactment of a historical pageant that was written and performed for the town's bicentennial.  The board would like Mikki to take a look at the script and update it.  She is reluctant because of the time it would take away from her own work, but finally agrees.

The only copy of the pageant is kept at the historical society, so Mikki must do her work on it there.  The historical society building is having some construction work done which makes it difficult to concentrate.  Part of a wall collapses and out rolls what appears to be human remains.  Since Mikki was an eyewitness to the accident, she is questioned by Detective Hazlett.  She also feels a connection to the unknown person who ended up in the wall.  Her work on the pageant gives her an excuse to begin asking some questions.  

My thoughts:  I really enjoy Kaitlyn Dunnett's writing style.  It is clever and crisp.  She includes the right balance of dialogue and description.  With this series she has created some very likeable characters.  

Mikki Lincoln has returned to the town she grew up in.  She left after high school and has only recently returned.  She is now in her seventies and was recently widowed.  She is realistic, funny and caring.  It has been fun to watch her renewed relationship with her best friend from high school grow and flourish.  Darlene Uberman and her husband, Frank, have welcomed Mikki into their lives.  Another friend from high school days that Mikki connects with is Ronnie North.  Here's how Mikki describes her relationship with Ronnie:

"In high school, when Ronnie was the bane of my existence, I had a tendency to shrink into myself or scuttle away rather than stand up to her bullying."

Keeping that in mind, it was great to see them interact so many years later.  Some things never change, but maturity allows Mikki to not only tolerate Ronnie, but actually begin to feel some camaraderie with her.  

The mystery of the body in the wall is not easy to make progress on.  After all, it is difficult to extract DNA from an old corpse.  But, small clues come up here and there as Mikki begins talking with people.  Detective Hazlett is a good detective and Mikki always fills him in on anything she learns.  In fact, he is okay with her asking questions because of the unique position she is in.  Once the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together the pace really picks up.  The culprit was a surprise and I loved the way it all wrapped up.

I really enjoyed the descriptions and bits of history about the Catskill region of New York.  The author lives in the area and that knowledge comes through in her writing.  An added bonus at the end of the story is a section titled, "A Random Selection from 'The Write Right Wright's Language and Grammar Tips' by Mikki Lincoln".  It includes some clever sentences using words often confused.  

I look forward to catching up with Mikki again in the next book.

Quotes: 

"'From your mouth to God's ear.' I was in a much better mood when I left the hospital room, in part because of Audrey's choice of words.  I hadn't heard that expression since I was a teenager.  It brought back a lot of good memories."

"My grandfather - not the one with an interest in family history, the other one - had always snacked on the same thing before he went to bed.  He crumbled a handful of saltines into a glass of milk and ate the result with a spoon."

Book Review: Plain Deception by Tara Randel

Plain Deception (Amish Inn Mysteries #2). Tara Randel. Annie's (2016). 204 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "Liz Eckardt paused in her gleaming modern kitchen, the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee in the air and the happy sound of her bed-and-breakfast guests erupting in shared laughter."

Summary: Liz is settling into her new life as Innkeeper.  Her rooms are booked most weekends, she finds a lot of fulfillment in her duties at the Inn and she has made some new friends. When she has a few spare minutes, she likes to sit on a bench near the lilac bush.  On this particular morning, her time there is not so pleasant.  Her dog, Beans, has dug a giant hole near the bush.  Upon further inspection, Liz discovers he has uncovered what appears to be the remains of a human. Nearby, she discovers a plastic bag containing a old letter and photo.   The Inn is full of guests Liz does not want to alarm.  She does her best to be discreet in notifying the police. 

The letter is written by a woman named Emma, who is professing her undying love to an unknown man.  Liz can't stop thinking about the woman.  She gets permission from the Chief of police to take possession of the letter and photo.  In her quest to discover who Emma is, she enlists the help of a local historian.  Unfortunately, things are never as easy as we hope.  Liz only ends up with more questions and very few answers.  She does not give up easily.  While the police are investigating the identity of the bones, Liz digs deeper into the mystery of the lady in the picture. 

My thoughts: One of the things I like about this series is the way the Amish are incorporated into the story.  After discovering she has Amish heritage, Liz is eager to learn more about their way of life.  The Olde Mansion Inn is located in the heart of Amish country in Indiana.  Liz has made several Amish friends and I enjoy the role these characters play in the story.

Liz previously worked as a lawyer and finds many of the skills she learned in that field helpful in her new life as innkeeper. She is confident, kind and eager to make new friends. I appreciated how her investigations did not interfere with the police investigations. She does work closely with the Chief as she wants to clear up the mystery of the bones found on her property, but she doesn't attempt to take the investigation into her own hands. 

She has a great group of friends in the Material Girls, the quilting group that meets at the Inn.  They are a diverse group that really cares about Liz and each one contributes to the story.  Most of them are older than Liz and have lived in the area for many years.  They often are fonts of information and sometimes gossip. 

On her quest to solve the mystery of the woman in the photo, Liz is introduced to some new people in town.  One is a local expert in the field of genealogy, another specializes in history.  It was interesting to learn how each field contributed to finding the kind of information Liz was looking for. There was a lot to uncover to get to the bottom of the mysteries.  I had an idea who the culprit was in one case, but was completely taken by surprise in the other. 

Liz is developing a friendship (or maybe more) with mayor Jackson Cross.  I look forward to seeing how this develops in the future. It won't be long until I visit Pleasant Creek again to catch up with Liz and her friends.