The Longest Yard Sale

June is almost over.  The month went by so quickly.  I got behind on my reading list in March, and I am trying so hard to catch up.  I have one book left to read from March and then I can start on the April books that I have not read yet.  Compared to other people's troubles, this is very trivial!  Reading is my escape from reality.  I have always loved books and reading.  They are a way to explore other worlds and countries as well as different time periods.  I have never traveled in real life, but, thanks to books, I have been to London, Paris, Greece, Venice, Australia, Nova Scotia (Anne of Green Gables), and so many other wonderful places.  What would we do without books? 

I just finished The Longest Yard Sale by Sherry Harris.  It is the second book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series (the first book is Tagged for Death which is currently $1.99--do not know how long it will be at this price).  Sarah Winston is up early for New England’s Largest Yard Sale.  She suggested the idea and Nancy Elder, the town manager, ran with it.  Sarah was in charge of organizing the event.  The police department (run by her ex-husband, C.J. Hooker) was against the idea but Nancy slowly overcame their objections.

Things are going well until Sarah hears sirens.  Someone has set four fires in various parts of the town.  The next morning Sarah is awakened by her friend, Carol Carson.  Carol drags Sarah over to her shop Paint and Wine to find Terry McQueen dead in the shop!  A painting that Carol was working on is also missing.  It was a replica of the painting Battled (a picture of the Revolutionary War done by ware hero Patrick West and hangs in the town library).  Carol and Sarah do not know who he is but find out thanks to a little eavesdropping.  C.J. is on the case and Sarah hopes to wheedle some information out of him (C.J. seems to have developed a resistance to Sarah’s charms).  Sarah sets out to prove Carol is innocent of the crime (people will not go into her shop).  The next morning Sarah hears that Battled has been stolen from the library and copy is in its place (guess who painted the copy).

Sarah really has to get to work to prove Carol is innocent and did not know that her painting would be used for nefarious means.  Terry (the dead guy) had started a new investment business with David “Bubbles” Jackson.  Sarah and C.J. know David from the Air Force.  David is getting ready to retire and needed a business venture (he has a lot of clients from the military).  David is also seeing Sarah’s landlady, Stella (who is a singer and gives lessons).  You can always tell when Stella is in a good mood at night because she bursts out in song.  Sarah is hoping David can provide some insight on Terry that will help her solve the case.  Turns out that Terry was receiving threatening notes before his death and now David is getting similar threats.  How did someone get on the base to leave the notes?  Who is behind Terry’s death? 

I enjoyed reading The Longest Yard Sale.  I liked the characters, the town, and the information about garage sales (as well as fixing up items).  The mystery was interesting, but not too complex (and was not easily solved).  I did not understand Sarah’s relationship with her ex-husband or with new beau, Seth.  She divorced her husband based on allegations (there had to be more to it) and now she is seeing Seth.  But she will not let herself enjoy her time with Seth.  Is she still in love with her ex-husband or is it comfortable/familiar?  I think this storyline needs to be wrapped up quickly.  Otherwise, a charming cozy mystery!  I give The Longest Yard Sale 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The Longest Yard Sale will be out on Tuesday, June 30, 2015!

I received a complimentary copy of The Longest Yard Sale from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The review and opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping by! I am currently reading Uncovering Secrets by Barbara Hinske.  Have a great day and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader