Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Death by the Finish Line is the fifth installment in the An Abby McCree Mystery series set in Snowberry Creek, Washington. Connie Pohler, the Mayor's assistant, has once again roped Abby into chairing a committee - this time it's the 5k Charity Run for Founder's Day. Connie has also selected a co-chair in Gil Pratt, veteran, biker and motorcycle repairman. Surprisingly, the unlikely duo work well together and the Salmon Scoot goes off without a hitch - until the end. A last tour of the race circuit to check for stragglers yet to cross the finish line leads to the discovery of a dead runner in a roadside ravine. The body is identified as City Councilman James DiSalvo.
Unfortunately, Gil's younger brother Gary was seen having a loud fight with the victim shortly before the start of the race so, it's really no surprise when Gage Logan, Chief of Police arrests Gary for murder. Despite the rough biker exterior and a reputation to match, Gil knows in his heart that his brother is not a killer and together with Abby and her tenant Tripp sets out to clear Gary's name.
A fast paced plot, the return of many series regulars and Zeke the Mastiff make for a quick afternoon read. I only got half of the whodunit correct - lol. While I'm enjoying the growing relationship between Tripp and Abby - I was almost rooting for her to connect with Gil as they seem to make a better pair. And, it would have been nice to actually "meet" Gary.
Unfortunately, Gil's younger brother Gary was seen having a loud fight with the victim shortly before the start of the race so, it's really no surprise when Gage Logan, Chief of Police arrests Gary for murder. Despite the rough biker exterior and a reputation to match, Gil knows in his heart that his brother is not a killer and together with Abby and her tenant Tripp sets out to clear Gary's name.
A fast paced plot, the return of many series regulars and Zeke the Mastiff make for a quick afternoon read. I only got half of the whodunit correct - lol. While I'm enjoying the growing relationship between Tripp and Abby - I was almost rooting for her to connect with Gil as they seem to make a better pair. And, it would have been nice to actually "meet" Gary.
