The Trouble with Murder:

Salutations! Better Dead by Pamela Kopfler will be published on December 26.  It is the first installment in A B&B Spirits Mystery series.  

The Trouble with Murder by Kathy Krevat is the first book in A Gourmet Cat Mystery series.  Colbie Summers, along with her son and cat, have moved back home to Sunnyside to assist her father, Hank.  Her father has been ill with pneumonia and needs her assistance.  Colbie owns Meowio Batali Gourmet Cat Food which was inspired by her cat, Trouble and his digestive issues.  She makes organic, human grade food for cats.  Colbie is at a trade show of the Sunnyside Power Moms (SPMs) when she gets a call from her son, Elliott regarding her dad.  Colbie must rush home and Twila agrees to clean up her booth for her.  Later that night, Colbie and her father return to the event space and find Twila Jenkins dead with one of Colbie’s knives in her chest.  The police have Colbie at the top of the suspect list. Someone is trying to frame Colbie for murder.   Lani, Colbie’s best friend, suggests that Colbie find the killer to clear her name.  Colbie questions the Sunnyside Power Moms while dealing with her son who wishes to reach out to his biological father, writing a business proposal, her ill father, her cat who is aptly named Trouble, a bald guy stalking Elliott, a romantic prospect and a doorbell ringing chicken.  What happens, though, when Colbie uncovers the culprit who has no intention of going to jail?

The Trouble with Murder is easy to read and has a nice pace.  I wish, though, that the author had provided more background on Colbie.  We are given some details, but her character is not well established.  The author never provides the last name of Lani, Colbie’s best friend.  Not many details are provided on the town either.  The author needed to devote time to establishing the foundation.  We have the obligatory romantic love interest with the next-door neighbor.  There are several “hunky” references (seems to be a trend in books I have read lately).  The mystery is interesting and there are several suspects.  Those who love to solve mysteries will have no trouble identifying the guilty party (along with the reason the crime was committed).  I did not appreciate the aggressive Detective Little (I found him cliché).  The majority of the book deals with Colbie’s business, her son and his musical prowess, her father’s illness, Elliott’s desire to connect with his biological father, the doorbell ringing chicken who has to be returned to the handsome neighbor, Trouble (the cat) being troublesome yet helpful (if his owner would just pay attention), and Colbie talking to Lani.  The only action is towards the end of the story.  The investigation consists of Colbie talking (i.e. questioning) the SPMs and then repeating everything for her friend, Lani. I am giving The Trouble with Murder 3 out of 5 stars.  I wish the book had been more compelling.  The Trouble with Murder failed to capture and hold my attention.

I appreciate you reading my latest review.  I will return tomorrow with my evaluation of A Case of Syrah, Syrah by Nancy J. Parra.  By the way--Where did Frosty the Snowman meet his wife?  At the Snow Ball.  During this busy time of year, make sure to take time for yourself.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader