The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis: A Pen & Ink Mystery

Good Day!  It is the last day of November.  My sister (Happy Birthday, Nicole) and my maternal grandmother were both born on this day. Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox along with Steamed Open by Barbara Ross, Valentine Candy Murder by Leslie Meier and Hooks Can Be Deceiving by Betty Hechtman come out on December 18.  Now is the time to hint to your loved ones that you want an Amazon gift card (or one for your favorite book shop) for Christmas.

The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis is the second A Pen & Ink Mystery.  Florrie Fox is the manager of Color Me Read, a bookstore in Georgetown, Washington D.C. She also creates adult coloring books in her spare time.  Dolly Cavanaugh is introducing Florrie to estate sales and how you can sometimes find a diamond in the rough especially at sale run by Percy McAllister.  Florrie leaves Dolly browsing while she hurries off to work.  At the Hues, Brews and Clues Coloring Club later that day, Dolly shows Florrie the wonderful find she uncovered.  Dolly discovered a rare copy of The Florist, the earliest known coloring book which was published in 1760.  As far as Florrie can tell, it is an original.  Dolly left her purse at the store and requested that Florrie drop it off on her way home.  Florrie finds Dolly dead in her apartment clutching a piece of The Florist in her hand and sees someone fleeing out the back.  Dolly posted the news of her find on social media and people are anxious to obtain the rare book which has now disappeared.  When Dolly’s daughter asks Florrie to evaluate her book collection, and Florrie stumbles upon a skeleton hidden behind a bookcase in the attic. Zsazsa Rosca becomes the prime suspect in Dolly’s murder, and Florrie knows someone is setting her up.  Florrie studies the case and digs into Dolly’s past hoping to uncover some clues.  Can Florrie prove Zsazsa’s innocence?  Who is the skeleton in the closet? 

The Coloring Crook can be read alone if you have not had time to pick up Color Me Murder.  There is a colorful cast of characters in this series that aid Florrie in solving the crimes and in running the bookstore.  I like that Florrie creates adult coloring books and that sketching helps her think through the crimes.  The various mysteries in The coloring Crook are woven together into one entertaining cozy mystery.  While the older murder has a complete resolution at the end, I felt the Dolly’s whodunit was not explained completely.  I thought it unrealistic that Dolly’s daughter would be able to dispose of her belonging before the crime had been solved (the will had not been read nor probated).  The Coloring Crook is well-written with steady pacing and developed characters.  There are a number of characters and it can be hard to keep them all straight.  The coloring club for adults is a clever addition and the benefits of coloring is explained (helps stress).  There are many delightful cozy moments in The Coloring Crook.  Florrie’s romance with Eric is progressing nicely and they have something humorous in common.  I am giving The Coloring Crook 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  Krista Davis has infused The Coloring Crook with engaging characters, a charming bookstore, a cute cat, mouthwatering food, coloring, friendship, murder, books, romance and mayhem.  I look forward to returning to Color Me Read and Georgetown in the next A Pen & Ink Mystery.   If you pick up a hardcopy of The Coloring Crook, you can color the front and back cover.  

Thank you for visiting me today.  I hope I have helped you find a new book to read.  I will return tomorrow to review Tiny House in the Trees by Celia Bonaduce.  It is the third A Tiny House Novel.  May you have an enchanting day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

A Dark and Twisting Path by Julia Buckley

Welcome!  An Orphan's Wish by Molly Green is out today.  A Spell of Murder by Clea Simon and Batter Off Dead by Maymee Bell  come out on December 11. I am going back in time with today's review.  I did not have the opportunity to feature A Dark and Twisting Path by Julia Buckley when it came out in August. 

A Dark and Twisting Path by Julia Buckley takes us to Blue Lake, Indiana.  Lena London along with her employer, Camilla Graham have returned from England to Graham House.  Lena is thinking about her father’s upcoming visit when she gets a call from her friend, Allison Branch asking her to rush over.  Allison has found mail carrier, Eddie Stack dead at the back of her property with Sam’s letter opener in his chest.  It looks like the killer is trying to set up Sam to take the fall for Eddie’s murder.  When they look at Sam’s surveillance footage to see how the guilty party obtained the letter opener, they see a figure in black break into Sam’s home.  The individual took the unique letter opener along with a piece of paper.  Lena along with Camilla delve into the case.  But then Lena receives threatening notes and someone breaks into Camilla’s home.  Lena is even more determined to identify the killer.   What did Eddie see that got him killed? 

 

A Dark and Twisting Path cannot be read as a standalone.  You need to read the book in A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series in order.  The mystery that has been in all three books is coming to a head in A Dark and Twisting Path. It involves Sam, his ex-wife (Victoria), Victoria’s missing daughter (Athena) and the ruthless Nikon Leandros Lazos.  I was happy that to see that this particular thread is wrapped up.  I thought the mystery was complex and multilayered.  Information is revealed a little at a time as the story progresses.  However, the mystery plays out in the background.  Other issues seem to overshadow it (unfortunately).  The writing is good, but the pace is a little slow.  The pacing does pick up near the end.  Lena is a developed character.  She is smart, engaging, loyal and creative.    Lena, along with the other characters, are relatable and likeable.  There is quite a bit going on in A Dark and Twisting Path.  There is the murder, threatening notes, the kidnapped child, burglary, Lena’s father visiting, Lena and Camilla working on a new book, lunches, romance, dinners, adorable animals, and some man with a beard keeps popping up.  I felt A Dark and Twisting Path was the best book in this series.  At the end of the book, there is a hint at the mystery to come in the next A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery.  I am giving A Dark and Twisting Path 3.5 out of 5 stars.    

The next A Writer's Apprentice Mystery is Death Waits in the Dark which comes out on April 2, 2019.  The first two books in A Writer's Apprentice Mystery series are A Dark and Stormy Murder and Death in Dark Blue.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with my review of The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis.  I hope you have a satisfying day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Amish Midwife's Secret by Rachel J. Good: Review and a Giveaway!

The Amish Midwife’s Secret

by Rachel J. Good

 "A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author

They won’t see eye-to-eye until they meet heart-to-heart…

Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he’s offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return… and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn’t quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her herbal cures and Amish traditions with his modern medicine…

The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences… if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House/Harlequin), Love & Promises (Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and Surprised by Love as well as several anthologies—Springs of Love, Love’s Thankful Heart, Plain Everyday Heroes—and the Amish Quilts Coloring Books.

Guest Post from Rachel

The Amish and Herbal Remedies

As many of you know, my Amish novels are based on real life. I get ideas from hanging around Amish friends, hearing their stories and observing their lives. I’d never invade their privacy by telling their stories exactly as they happen, but the things I learn trigger plot ideas.

I’ve always been fascinated by the way the Amish approach healing. Once thing I’ve learned is that, although they’re usually willing to visit doctors, they don’t always take the medicines that are prescribed. Instead, they often substitute herbal remedies. That, and several visits to one of my favorite Amish natural products stores, gave me an idea for one of the conflicts in The Amish Midwife’s Secret.

Leah, an Amish midwife, prefers herbal remedies. Of course, that puts her in direct conflict with Kyle, the new Englisch doctor in town, who only believes in science and traditional medicine. Put the two together and lots of sparks fly. Of course, some of those sparks are also of a romantic nature.

Leah is not only a midwife, but her family owns a natural products store. She knows the best herbs for healing. Rather than sending a small boy to the hospital for pneumonia, Leah covers the baby’s chest with a warm mixture of onions and other herbs and spices (some Amish friends prefer raw onion for congestion), and she feds the baby fresh pineapple juice for his cough.

As a doctor, Kyle is horrified. He wants to admit the baby to a hospital at once. And he expects the old country doctor he’s replacing to back him up. Instead, Dr. Hess informs Kyle that many of the Amish go to doctors for a diagnosis, but then rely on herbal treatments rather than prescriptions.

Kyle, who’s been debating about whether to stay in Amish country or move to a big-city hospital, decides to remain in Lancaster and make it his mission to prevent the Amish midwife from harming newborns and their mothers. He certainly doesn’t expect to have his eyes opened to other ways to handle illnesses. But he has to admit, Leah’s methods do seem to work. When a crisis comes, they soon discover that it takes both of them to save a baby.

A extra little secret: Those of you who get my newsletter already know this, but Kyle in The Amish Midwife’s Secret appeared in two earlier books. The Midwife story stands alone, but if you want to know more about Kyle and Emma’s past, you can find it in the Sisters & Friends series, Book 1, Change of Heart, and Book 2, Buried Secrets.

My Thoughts

The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel Good takes us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Dr. Kyle Miller is surprised when he receives a call from Dr. Martin Hess who is the local physician in his hometown.  Dr. Hess is ready to retire, and he is offering his practice to Kyle.  After what happened, Kyle is not sure he can face returning home.  Leah Stolzfus is a midwife in training plus she is knowledgeable about herbal remedies from working in her families’ herbal shop.  Kyle agrees to shadow Dr. Hess for three days, but he did not expect to butt heads to pretty Leah.  Dealing with the past is overwhelming and Kyle is going to turn down Dr. Hess’ offer.  But when Dr. Hess has a heart attack and needs someone to cover his practice, Kyle cannot say no.  Leah fills in for Esther Hess as nurse/receptionist.  She thrives in her new role in the doctor’s office and begins falling for handsome doctor.  Leah is not willing to give up her family and faith for love until she falls in love with abandoned baby and Kyle is not willing to become Amish.  Can Kyle and Leah compromise for the sake of the child?

The Amish Midwife’s Secret can be read alone if you have not read The Amish Teacher’s Gift.  Kyle Miller is reluctant to return home because of an incident that changed his life.  We learn what happened with Kyle as the story progresses.  It is a sad story that is dealt with delicately.  It is a wonderful opportunity for him, though, to obtain a doctor’s established practice plus a home.  Leah Stolzfus is Amish, takes care of her sick mother, works in the family herbal supply store, and is training to be a midwife.  However, Leah cannot become certified as a midwife because the Amish do not allow it (I do not understand the concept).    There is drama in the Stolzfus family courtesy of Leah’s brother who jumped the fence and the father has been unable to forgive him.  We see how this has affected the family and how they deal with the situation.  Leah also has a secret and is afraid to share it with Kyle.  I thought The Amish Midwife’s Secret was well-written and engaging.  It has steady pacing which makes the story easy to read and enjoy.  I like the characters, the setting and the issues addressed.  We see how modern medicine can be balanced with herbal medicines if people are willing to work together for the good of their patients.  I appreciated that the characters developed over the course of the story.  Christian elements include forgiveness of others as well as yourself (harder to accomplish), prayer, having faith, and God’s will.  I thought the Christian aspects were nicely incorporated into the story.  Everything flowed together into one lovely story.  It was interesting to learn about the different herbs and the symptoms/illnesses they can treat.  The pair also visit the Clinic for Special Children that has been established (it is a real place) to research, prevent and treat the inherited diseases by Amish and Mennonite.  The Amish Midwife’s Secret combines romance, mystery, drama, and faith into one engaging tale. 

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of two faceless Amish dolls and an autographed copy of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Plain Everyday Heroes.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops  (schedule below) for nine extra entries.  Click here to enter.   Thank you so much for visiting today.  I will see you tomorrow when I return to review another book that I have read recently.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, November 27

Christian Bookaholic, November 27

KarenSueHadley, November 27

The Avid Reader, November 28

A Baker’s Perspective, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 29

cherylbbookblog, November 29

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, November 30

Bigreadersite, November 30

Quiet Quilter, December 1

Blossoms and Blessings, December 1

Wonders of Anomalies Book Reviews, December 1

Bibliophile Reviews, December 2

Britt Reads Fiction, December 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Captive Dreams Window, December 3

Cafinated Reads, December 4

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, December 4

Carpe Diem, December 4

Maureen’s Musings, December 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 5

Christian Centered book Reviews, December 6

Janices book reviews, December 6

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 8

Moments, December 9

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Miss Tinas Amish Book Review, December 10

The Becca Files, December 10

Vicky Sluiter, December 10

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams

Happy Book Release Day!  Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith, The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams, The Body in the Attic by Judi Lynn, The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis, Eggs on Ice by Laura Childs, How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum and Violet Tendencies by Kate Dyer-Seeley are some of the new books out today.  I will be sharing my review of each book soon.

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is the second A Secret, Book and Scone Society Novel.  Nora Pennington owns Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina.  A thin young woman with a hospital bracelet on her wrist, bruises on her body and in ill-fitting clothes was found hiding in the store after closing, and she later falls asleep on a mound of bubble wrap in the back room. Abilene (doubt it is her real name) is keeping her secrets to herself.  Nora, Hester, Estella and June offer Abilene a place to live, work and assure her that they are willing to listen.  The four women are making and delivering kindness tote bags to those in need and their first stop is Amanda Frye.  Unfortunately, Amanda is no longer in need because they find her floating in the algae filled pond near her home.  It appears to be a suicide, but Nora has her doubts.  Virtual Genie is the new shop in town run by Griffin Kinsley and his associate, Tamara Beacham.  They buy peoples belongings for cash which is just what some people need during the current economic downturn.  When rumors begin to circulate about Virtual Genie, Nora finds herself looking into their business practices.  Nora soon finds clues that link her three mysteries.  Nora needs Abilene to open up so she can fill in the missing blanks.  When a second person is found dead, Nora and her friends must work quickly to identify the killer before he strikes again.

The Whispered Word can be read as a standalone if you have not picked up The Secret, Book and Scone Society.  Everything a reader needs to know about Nora and her friends is included (but you are missing out on a good cozy mystery).  I thought The Whispered Word was well-written.  My attention was captured right away and was held throughout the book.  The pacing is gentle as the story unfolds and picks up near the ends. The story is rich in details that allowed me to visualize the scenes.  I like Nora who operates Miracle Books in an old train station and lives in a tiny home constructed from a train caboose.  I like how the four women have grown since The Secret, Book and Scone Society.  They have shared their secrets and it has drawn them closer together.  Their friendship will be tested, though, in The Whispered Word when Nora pressures Abilene for answers and one of the ladies feels protective.  The mystery is complex and multilayered.  It is woven masterfully throughout the story with twists that will surprise readers (I always love a good twist).  I like how Nora’s one finger tingles at just the right moment.  The Whispered Word is not a light cozy mystery.  It deals with some disturbing issues, but the author addresses them carefully and respectfully.  I was surprised at how Nora approached Abilene with her questions.  Knowing that Abilene has suffered, I thought she could have handled it differently (a gentler approach).  There is also some foul language.  Nora’s romance with Jedediah Craig is progressing nicely.  He cares for her and wants to protect her.  While I do not feel that Jedediah is the right man for Nora, it is a step forward for her.  I would like to see Nora end up with Sheriff Grant McCabe.  I am giving The Whispered Word 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  The Whispered Word contains humor, romance, secrets, good characters, a charming small town, mysteries, book recommendations, and delectable baked goods. 

Thank you for visiting today.  I am featuring The Amish Midwife's Secret by Rachel J. Good tomorrow. It is the second book in the Love & Promises series. I hope you have a fulfilling day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Lover Come Hack by Diane Vallere

Good Day!  An Orphan's Wish by Molly Green comes out on November 29.  New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke releases on December 4 along with The Secret by Jennifer Wells.  A variety of books for those who love historical fiction.  

Lover Come Hack by Diane Vallere is the sixth novel in A Madison Night Mystery series (also called A Mad for Mod Mystery series).  Madison Night has teamed up with Jane Strong for the Very Important Projects competition sponsored by the Design in Dallas Initiative.  On the last day for entries, Madison is shocked when she receives an email from Jane canceling their partnership.  Madison rushes to the Republic Tower where DIDI has their offices to talk to Jane, but Jane is adamant about entering on her own.  Jane hunkers down in the building’s coffee shop to create a new entry before the deadline in five hours.  After turning in her submission, Madison discovers Jane sick in the ladies’ room.  She rushes to get assistance and returns to find blood on the floor.  Jane dies from blunt force trauma and Madison finds herself at the top of the suspect list.  Later that day after opening an email, Madison finds her computer hacked and must turn to Donna Nast for assistance.  It seems that Madison is not the only person hacked recently and they all link back to one person.  Madison must track down the killer before she ends up wearing an orange jumpsuit for twenty-five to life (I have a feeling they do not have one from the 50s).

Lover Come Hack is an entertaining cozy mystery.  While Lover Come Hack is the sixth A Madison Night Mystery, it can be read alone.  Madison’s history is included in the story and I like that she is a mature main character.  Madison is mad for mid-century modern design and has based her design business around this aesthetic (along with her wardrobe).  While her professional life is doing well, Madison’s love life is in turmoil.  The six months of alone time she had requested from her two beaus is about to end, and she needs to make a decision.  Tex Allen has been patient, and after six months, he is ready for Madison to make a decision (I can understand his viewpoint).  There is a small dustup between the pair that I felt was inappropriate.  Madison acted like an irrational person instead of a mature woman (lack of communication).  I could have done without this nonsense (I do not want to spoil it for you), but I was happy that Madison made the right choice in the end.  The mystery was complex with misdirection and twists.    We follow Madison on her investigation as she talks to various suspects and investigates the hacking. Donna Nast returns in Lover Come Hack and plays a pivotal role.  The computer virus and hacking made the mystery relevant to today’s society where this is an ever present problem (unfortunately).   I actually liked the first person narrative (I have never said this about a book).  Madison has a unique voice and it comes through in this series.  We experience life through Madison’s eyes and some of her comments are amusing.  I love the descriptions of the vintage clothes and furniture.  I am giving Lover Come Hack 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I wonder what trouble Madison Night will get into next time.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be featuring The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams on Tuesday, November 27.  It is the second novel in A Secret, Book and Scone Society series.  May you have a pleasant day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Plain Discovery by Susan Lantz Simpson

Good Day!  The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen comes out on December 4.  It is the third book in Tales from Ivy Hill series.  A Bad, Bad Thing by Elena Forbes publishes on December 1.  It is the first book in The Eve West Mystery series.  

Plain Discovery by Susan Lantz Simpson is the second book in Plainly Maryland series.  Esther Stauffer lives in St. Mary’s County, Maryland where she is worried about her niece and nephew.  David and Ella have been diagnosed with Celiac disease and, on the right diet, they do well.  However, they have been losing weight, tired and listless recently and Dr. Kramer, who is substituting for Dr. Nelson, has been unable to find a cause for their decline.  Andrew Fisher has returned to town and he is not someone Esther wishes to encounter.  He teased her terribly when they were in school and Esther cannot get past how her tormented her to see that Andrew has grown up.  To make matters worse, family members keep pushing Andrew and Esther together.  Esther learns that other members of the community have been ill and are not getting better despite the medication prescribed by Dr. Kramer.  She does not know what is going on, but Esther intends to get answers.  Despite her misgivings, Esther teams up with Andrew to investigate their substitute physician.

Plain Discovery may be the second installment in the Plainly Maryland series, but it can be read alone.  I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing.  The characters are likeable and relatable.  Esther is an intelligent young woman who enjoys working with plants (it is her gift).  She loves her family and community.  When she sees that sick people in her community are not getting better, she knows that something is off.  Andrew has returned to St. Mary’s County and he would like to get to know Esther.  However, Esther has a hard time overcoming how he treated her when they were children.  She has yet to learn the difference between teasing and cruelty (bullying).  I enjoyed the authors casual writing style that made Plain Discovery easy to get into and read.  I preferred Plain Discovery to Plain Haven (first book in this series).  The Christian elements are woven into the story (forgiveness, faith, prayer, God’s will) and enhance the story.  I appreciated that Plain Discovery was not just a predictable romance.  There is a mystery to solve and it helps bring our two main characters together.  I am giving Plain Discovery 4 out of 5 stars. 

Thank you for checking in today and reading my review.  I hope you have a sparkling day.  I am going to share my thoughts on Lover Come Hack by Diane Vallere tomorrow.  It is the sixth A Madison Night Mystery.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

OverKilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett: A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery

Welcome!  Violet Tendencies by Kate Dyer-Seeley comes out on November 27 along with Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith and The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams (it is a good book).  I hope you will find some new books to add to your ever growing TBR pile.

Overkilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the twelfth tale in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series.  Amaryllis “Liss” MacCrimmon Ruskin lives in Moosetookalook, Maine with her husband, Dan.  Liss is enjoying a quiet dinner with Dan at Spruce Lodge when she notices her father-in-law, Joe Ruskin talking with an oddly dressed man and two women in old fashioned lavender dresses.  They are New Age Pilgrims and object to Joe’s new promotion to bring in tourists during his slow period.  The promotion appeals to childless couples who would like to get away for Thanksgiving.  The New Age Pilgrims leader, Hadley Spencer states the special is affront to family values and organizes a protest in the town square.  All the Ruskin family businesses are targeted by the group and threatening messages left on their doors.  Thanks to Hadley’s social media campaign, hundreds arrive for the demonstration preventing the scheduled bus of tourists from enjoying their day in Moosetookalook.  Late in the day, Hadley is discovered by the merry-go-round with a knife sticking out of his back.  With several of Liss’s family members on the suspect list, Liss dons her sleuthing cap and sets out to bag a killer.  Violet, Liss’s mother, insists on helping her with the investigation.  Liss is going to need the patience of Job to resolve this whodunit.

While Overkilt can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order.  Liss has grown since we first met her in Kilt Dead.  Liss is married to Dan Ruskin and manages the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium.   Liss is not her usual self in Overkilt which can be attributed to her mother, Violet returning to town.  Liss and her mother do not get along which can be attributed to Violet’s high-handed manor.  An example would be that Liss does not like big parties nor does she want a birthday party.  Violet, despite being told by Dan not to have one, organizes a surprise birthday party (she creates problems for Thanksgiving too).  It seems to be Violet’s way or Violet’s way which is frustrating and unwanted in a cozy mystery.  I thought Overkilt was easy to read thanks to the author relaxed writing style and steady pacing.  I like the small town of Moosetookalook with its quaint shops and friendly townspeople (for the most part).  There are also some adorable cats and dogs added into the mix.  The mystery is straightforward.  You can tell right away which person will die because of his behavior and attitude.  There are multiple suspects and misdirection.  The police tell Liss to quit meddling in the case (of course) multiple times.  Liss has no intention of letting anyone in her family go down for a crime they did not commit. The situation with Hadley and the demonstration was realistic.  It is easily a situation that could happen in our society (and probably has somewhere).  I was surprised to see foul language in Overkilt.  I like to read cozy mysteries because the do not have course language, extreme violence or intimate scenes.  I am giving Overkilt 3.5 out of 5 stars. While Overkilt is not my favorite book in this series, I did enjoy my visit to Moosetookalook.

By the way, my favorite book in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series is A Wee Christmas Homicide.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you have a lovely, relaxing day.  I will feature Plain Discovery by Susan Lantz Simpson next time.  It is the second book in the Plainly Maryland series.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader