Vivian and her other assistant, Gracie, set out to help clear Jenna's name, using their wit and a bit of criminology know-how Vivian picked up from her late attorney husband. Detective Messina is on board, but he's starting to develop feelings for his number one suspect. Puzzling questions persist--chief among them, whose clothes was Dean wearing when he landed on the rocky shore?
In Hot Water by Kate Kingsbury is
the beginning of A Misty Bay Tearoom Mysteries.
Vivian Wainwright owns Willow Pattern Tearoom in Misty Bay, Oregon. Jenna and Gracie are her two employees. When Jenna’s ex-husband, Dean is found dead
on the cliffs under the Blue Surf Hotel, Jenna becomes Detective Lieutenant
Tony Messina’s prime suspect. Vivian,
Jenna, and Gracie work to clear Jenna and find the guilty party. I thought In Hot Water was easy to read with
good characters. The characters suited
the story. I liked Vivian Wainwright who
is an older protagonist (in her 60s). I
like that we are seeing more mature characters in cozy mysteries. Normally in the first book in a series, we
are introduced to our characters and given their background. I found that lacking in this book. We are given some background information, but
I wanted more. The point-of-view
alternates between Vivian and Messina. I
am not sure how I like this format. It
is unique and it does allow readers to see how the police investigation is
progressing (which was slow). The
mystery is straightforward. It can be
solved early in the book. I wish it had
been more of a challenge to solve. I was
easily able to discern the who and why.
There was a detail that came out later that was a surprise. The three ladies kept busy asking
questions. They were able to obtain some
helpful details. They do receive threats
which, of course, they ignore. The
mystery is wrapped up at the end. I like
the humor in the story. I also like how
well Jenna, Vivian, and Gracie get along.
I enjoy the friendship between Hal and Vivian as well. In Hot Water is a lighthearted cozy mystery
that provides a nice diversion from real life.
In Hot Water is a cute cozy mystery with teatime treats, a pink
negligee, a nosedive death, a direct detective, hotel happenings, bothersome
reporters, and three snoopy amateur sleuths.
Kris
The
Avid Reader
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