Dollycas's Thoughts
The wedding of bookstore manager and coloring creator Florrie Fox's boss John Maxwell and a famous romance author Jacqueline Liebhaber brings some interesting people together including author Arthur Bedlingham, romance author Gabriella Archambeau, thriller author Buzz Powers, Arthur's assistant Evan McDowell, artist Mia Woodham, literary agent Sloan Rogers, book reviewer Margarite Herbert-Grant, and aspiring reporter Cara Melton. When Arthur's assistant, an aspiring writer himself, is found dead at the bottom of the swimming pool several guests are questioned and some are high on the police's suspect list. Florrie knows it's time to get out her sketchbook and try to determine why Evan McDowell was murdered and who did the deed.
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Ms. Davis has created a wonderful cast of characters for this story/series. Florrie has become quite an amateur sleuth with her unique ability to sketch suspects and victims in a way that makes clues come together or strike recollection of something that had initially seemed unimportant but was very important. Her relationship with Sergeant Eric Jonquille continues to grow. Her sister, Veronica took on the job of wedding planner for a surprise wedding and Florrie was happy to help every step of the way. Her boss, John Maxwell has a huge heart but a tragedy of the past always lingers. Mr. DuBois, the Maxwell's butler always grabs my heart. He strives to do everything for everybody and most of the time succeeds at just that. He knows where he is needed before you even need him. He is a huge fan of Eric and his police friends but not a fan of Florrie's cat Peaches. We also meet a delightful new character in Jezebel Fish. She is a hoot and a half and I immediately wanted to be her friend.Â
Ms. Davis blends the murder mystery and subplots seamlessly keeping her readers totally entertained. Twists, turns, and surprises kept everyone on their toes including me. I did figure out one minor mystery quicker than Florrie. Another character ended up getting her just desserts. The main mystery was complicated with a lot of moving elements. Florrie's worries were spot on regarding a situation. After that key observations were made, clues started to fall into place, and a curious group led the way for an excellent rescue, reveal, and satisfying takedown.
Ms. Davis is a marvelous storyteller. Her stories are filled with intriguing mysteries, dynamic characters, touching moments, and tons of humor in all the right places. A Colorful Scheme has all that in abundance. I was captivated from beginning to end. Sadly, this is the final book in this series.
The wedding of bookstore manager and coloring creator Florrie Fox's boss John Maxwell and a famous romance author Jacqueline Liebhaber brings some interesting people together including author Arthur Bedlingham, romance author Gabriella Archambeau, thriller author Buzz Powers, Arthur's assistant Evan McDowell, artist Mia Woodham, literary agent Sloan Rogers, book reviewer Margarite Herbert-Grant, and aspiring reporter Cara Melton. When Arthur's assistant, an aspiring writer himself, is found dead at the bottom of the swimming pool several guests are questioned and some are high on the police's suspect list. Florrie knows it's time to get out her sketchbook and try to determine why Evan McDowell was murdered and who did the deed.
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Ms. Davis has created a wonderful cast of characters for this story/series. Florrie has become quite an amateur sleuth with her unique ability to sketch suspects and victims in a way that makes clues come together or strike recollection of something that had initially seemed unimportant but was very important. Her relationship with Sergeant Eric Jonquille continues to grow. Her sister, Veronica took on the job of wedding planner for a surprise wedding and Florrie was happy to help every step of the way. Her boss, John Maxwell has a huge heart but a tragedy of the past always lingers. Mr. DuBois, the Maxwell's butler always grabs my heart. He strives to do everything for everybody and most of the time succeeds at just that. He knows where he is needed before you even need him. He is a huge fan of Eric and his police friends but not a fan of Florrie's cat Peaches. We also meet a delightful new character in Jezebel Fish. She is a hoot and a half and I immediately wanted to be her friend.Â
Ms. Davis blends the murder mystery and subplots seamlessly keeping her readers totally entertained. Twists, turns, and surprises kept everyone on their toes including me. I did figure out one minor mystery quicker than Florrie. Another character ended up getting her just desserts. The main mystery was complicated with a lot of moving elements. Florrie's worries were spot on regarding a situation. After that key observations were made, clues started to fall into place, and a curious group led the way for an excellent rescue, reveal, and satisfying takedown.
Ms. Davis is a marvelous storyteller. Her stories are filled with intriguing mysteries, dynamic characters, touching moments, and tons of humor in all the right places. A Colorful Scheme has all that in abundance. I was captivated from beginning to end. Sadly, this is the final book in this series.
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.
