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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated A Quiet Undertaking in Books

Jan 27, 2022 (Updated Jan 27, 2022)

Scandal in Flat Skunk

Deaf reporter Connor Westphal is hot on the trail of another scandal in her small Gold Country town for her weekly newspaper. A storage locker full of human ashes has been found near the town of Flat Skunk, California. The ashes were supposed to be scattered at sea by Jasper Coyne, but before anyone can question Jasper, he is found dead near his houseboat. With the scandal impacting Connor’s friend, Del Rey, Connor has an extra motive to investigate. But with Del Rey hiding secrets of her own, will Connor ever figure out what really happened?

This was an inventive mystery that kept me guessing until the end. There were plenty of surprises on the way to the logical climax. Unfortunately, Connor did make some pretty stupid moves as she was investigating, which is a bummer since I like her overall. She leads a strong cast of fun characters. I love how her deafness is worked into the book and how it makes certain scenes even more suspenseful. There are more four letter words than usual in a cozy mystery, so know that going in. The book was first released over 20 years ago, so some of the technology is dated, but keep that in mind as you read it, and you’ll be fine. Overall, this was another fun, confusing mystery. I’m glad I’m finally reading this series.

Kudos

Abide With Me : A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery

Jane Willan

9.0 (1 Ratings) Rate It

Book

The season of Epiphany is in full swing at Gwenafwy Abbey when ten new nuns from a convent in Los...

Cozy amateur sleuth women's fiction

Mrs. Claus and the Evil Elves

Liz Ireland

10.0 (1 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Jessica Fletcher meets Tim Burton in this creative and witty cozy mystery series from Liz Ireland,...

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated A Very Woodsy Murder in Books

Jul 25, 2024 (Updated Jul 25, 2024)

A Sitcom Writer’s Death Isn’t a Laughing Matter

Dee Stern is looking for something new after her career as a sitcom writer declines. When she spots the Golden Motel outside of Majestic National Park, she buys it with her best friend, Jeff Cornetta. Their first guest is Michael Adam Baker, a former co-worker from Dee’s sitcom writing days. She’s less than happy to see him again. But then he’s murdered. With Dee and Jeff both on the suspect list and all reservations cancelling because of the news, Dee has to figure out what happened to save her livelihood. Can she do it?

While the motel and the areas where the action takes place are all fictional, anyone familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountains will pick up on the inspiration for the setting. Between that and the motel itself, I was completely charmed and wanted to go visit in real life. The characters we meet are a bit eccentric even for a cozy but also just as delightful. Dee’s background as a sitcom writer provides some good laughs and adds to how Dee views the events. The mystery sets itself up well so it can really get going once Michael is killed. I was hooked and surprised by the logical conclusion. While not a full-blown culinary cozy, there are a couple of recipes at the end. I was utterly charmed by this debut and am already booking my return visit.

Kudos

Stipulations and Complications (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 3)

Becki Willis

(0 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Life comes with stipulations. If you want to fit into last year’s swimsuit, you can’t eat ice...

cozy mystery mystery Texas adult fiction series

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated A Second Chance at Murder (A Love Or Money Mystery #2) in Books

Mar 9, 2018

Georgia and Scott are back to compete on a second reality show, this one a race across Europe with challenges along the way. But the night before the race even begins, Scott disappears and a woman is murdered. With the police certain that Scott is a killer, Georgia must find him and prove his innocence. Can she do it?

This was a wonderfully creative cozy. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and the disappearance added a nice element to the story. The characters were strong as well. The race aspect was kept as a sub-plot, and the location in Spain was brought to life so much that I now want to visit.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-second-chance-at-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.