A Dickens of a Murder

November 3 is Housewife's Day!  It recognizes all those women  (I am sure there is a house husband day) who stay at home and work very hard!  It is not easy taking care of a home.  It is a full time job. (I should know).   

A Dickens of a Murder by Jim and Joyce Lavene is a humorous and enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery.  Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are opening a book shop together in Simon’s beautiful old home in the Olde Towne section of Portsmouth, Virginia.  It is two weeks until Thanksgiving and they are hoping to open the day after Thanksgiving.  They had encountered some resistance from Ebenezer Hart (he took them to court), but they were both still expecting the shop to open on time.  Until they discover a body on their roof.

The officer that responds to the scene is Deputy Chief Daniel Fairhaven.  Daniel was actually married to Lisa twelve years ago (for about six months).  Unfortunately, Simon seems to be the prime suspect in the murder because his alibi is Lisa (they were out walking).  The victim turns out to be none other than Ebenezer Hart (you had to know that was coming).  Lisa is determined to clear Simon’s name.  Lisa has known Simon for years and knows he did not commit the crime.  Lisa will get some help from unexpected source (who needs a favor).  Who wanted Ebenezer Hart dead and why was he left on the roof of The Canterville Book Shop?

A Dickens of a Murder an enjoyable novel to read.  I liked the characters, the beautiful setting, the animals with their literary names, and the paranormal element.  I did find the mystery to be a little too easy to solve (I figured it out very early in the book), but it did not detract from my reading pleasure.  What could be more wonderful that a bookshop in a beautiful old home!  I give A Dickens of a Murder 4.5 out of 5 stars (I deducted a little because I was able to solve the murder mystery).  I look forward to learning more about Lisa, Simon, and Daniel in the next book in the Canterville Book Shop Mystery series.

A Dickens of a Murder is available on Kindle Unlimited (if you are a member or you can enjoy a thirty day free trial).  I received a complimentary copy of A Dickens of a Murder from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being sick I still have to go to the grocery store (I am the only person in the house who can drive).  This flu is really bringing me down (and I do not know how I caught it).  But I think the dogs and cats would like food!  So I will get just what we need and then climb back in my bed!  I hope everyone has a great Tuesday (it is book release day).  Take care, stay well, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader