Helpful Score: 4
The fourth installment in the Lorna Barrett Booktown Mystery series. Very good read - one of the best cozy mysteries that is currently being published. Each book leaves you wanting more. This book goes deeper into developing a number of characters, while introducing a few more. The next installment will be published in February 2011, entitled "A Crafty Killing"
Trisha, owner of the Haven't Got a Clue bookstore,(being the main character) becomes involved in the detective work surrounding a murder victim, much to the dissatisfaction of the local police Captain - who is also a quesi-suitor of Trishas'. Lurking in the background - and apparently stalking Trisha - is a past boyfriend - this small towns' newspaper editor. This unsolved murder takes you right up to the very last pages of the book as it wraps up all the unraveled ends and solves the crime.
Trisha, owner of the Haven't Got a Clue bookstore,(being the main character) becomes involved in the detective work surrounding a murder victim, much to the dissatisfaction of the local police Captain - who is also a quesi-suitor of Trishas'. Lurking in the background - and apparently stalking Trisha - is a past boyfriend - this small towns' newspaper editor. This unsolved murder takes you right up to the very last pages of the book as it wraps up all the unraveled ends and solves the crime.
Helpful Score: 4
First Line: The poster on the Cookery's display window had advertised the book signing for at least a month.
Tricia Miles's sister is embarking on a book signing tour for her just-published cookbook when a gas explosion demolishes Stoneham's history bookshop, killing the owner and injuring Bob Kelly, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Angelica's boyfriend. Tricia's never been all that fond of Bob, but when she finds out that he's keeping a very low profile after the tragedy, she knows it's time to do something.
This series continues to get better and better. No longer weighted down by the Wicked Witch of Stoneham, Sheriff Wendy, other characters have become strong and sassy. Tricia's sister, Angelica, has mellowed and isn't the parasite she was at the beginning. And even a dog lover like me can like Tricia's cat, Miss Marple, because she's just a cat. She doesn't talk, she doesn't spell help in the mashed potatoes, she doesn't cough up hairballs, and she doesn't twine around ankles to trip people up.
Tricia is stronger and no longer the complete doormat she was in the first two books. This is a series that can easily become a reading staple-- just like that favorite pair of jeans or that faded sweatshirt-- because the characters are known, loved, and constantly evolving.
Characters that feel like friends combined with interesting plots? The perfect way to spend an afternoon for just as long as Ms. Barrett wants to continue this series.
Tricia Miles's sister is embarking on a book signing tour for her just-published cookbook when a gas explosion demolishes Stoneham's history bookshop, killing the owner and injuring Bob Kelly, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Angelica's boyfriend. Tricia's never been all that fond of Bob, but when she finds out that he's keeping a very low profile after the tragedy, she knows it's time to do something.
This series continues to get better and better. No longer weighted down by the Wicked Witch of Stoneham, Sheriff Wendy, other characters have become strong and sassy. Tricia's sister, Angelica, has mellowed and isn't the parasite she was at the beginning. And even a dog lover like me can like Tricia's cat, Miss Marple, because she's just a cat. She doesn't talk, she doesn't spell help in the mashed potatoes, she doesn't cough up hairballs, and she doesn't twine around ankles to trip people up.
Tricia is stronger and no longer the complete doormat she was in the first two books. This is a series that can easily become a reading staple-- just like that favorite pair of jeans or that faded sweatshirt-- because the characters are known, loved, and constantly evolving.
Characters that feel like friends combined with interesting plots? The perfect way to spend an afternoon for just as long as Ms. Barrett wants to continue this series.
Helpful Score: 2
Great cozy mystery story, thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend this series!
