A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis

A Colorful Scheme

Book Summary

After a wedding guest’s murder, Florrie Fox sees a picture taking shape . . .

Coloring-book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion.  But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.

Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex–FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.

 

When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects . . .

My Thoughts

A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis is the fourth A Pen & Ink Mystery.  Each book can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  Florrie Fox is back.  I like Florrie as well as the rest of the cast in this entertaining series.  This is a very much a character driven series.  Florrie manages Color Me Read a Georgetown bookstore owned by Professor John Maxwell.  She also designs adult coloring books.  Jacquie and Professor Maxwell are getting married again.  They invited five hundred people for a party and surprised them with the wedding.  It is a lovely event with some interesting authors in attendance.  The next morning, Florrie is awakened early by screams and squeals.  Mr. DuBois, the butler, has found the body of Evan McDonald, Arthur Bedlingham’s assistant.  The police find evidence of foul play.  Professor Maxwell is worried that his bride will be a suspect and asks Florrie to don her sleuthing cap once again.  Florrie will need to watch her back because it seems that someone is following her.  

I like Krista Davis’s upbeat writing style.  It makes her stories a delight to read.   We get to meet some interesting characters at the wedding.  There are several known authors in attendance.  I enjoyed meeting Jezebel Fish (what a name).  I hope we have not seen the last of this spunky character.  The mystery was entertaining.  I enjoyed figuring out this whodunit.  There are several good suspects and a red herring or two.  I like how Florrie’s artistic skills are used to provide clues.  While I was able to discern the who early on, but I did not know the why.  I was eager to learn more which had me rapidly turning pages.  There are some great revelations (I love twists) and plenty of action.  As the story concluded, the various storylines all came together. There was a good wrap up where all questions are answered. I enjoyed the ending which has me eager for the next A Pen & Ink Mystery.  A Colorful Scheme has drama, mystery, touching moments, romance, and humor.  A Colorful Scheme is colorful cozy with a sprightly pig, an exasperating sister, an assassinated assistant, a frustrating sergeant, useful sketches, author antics, and a surprising secret.

A Colorful Scheme is available from Amazon*.  The other A Pen & Ink Mysteries are Color Me Murder, The Coloring Crook, and Murder Outside the Lines (all three can be read for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member).  Krista Davis has A Good Dog's Guide to Murder publishing on September 6.  It is 8th A Paws and Claws Mystery (I just love this series). You can find Krista Davis's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Here are some of the other books that came out today:  Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson, Death on the Argyle by Anne Canadeo, The Florence Legacy by Lauraine Snelling, and Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodmsall and Erin Woodsmall.  I hope that you have a fun day.  Take care, stay cool (it is still so hot), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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