Karen S. (BoysMom) - My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great characters and a clever, complex mystery make this my favorite of the Waterwheel Cafe Mysteries to date!
Vanilla Chai and a Vanishing Victim is the third book in author Victoria Tait's wonderful, cozy Waterwheel Cafe Mystery series, a spin-off of her delightful Dotty Sayers Antiques Mysteries, and probably my favorite of the collection to date. With its great characters, recurring and new, and intriguing plot, this one kept me completely engaged from the start.
Keya Varma, the owner of Waterwheel Cafe and Gloucestershire's part-time rural engagement police officer, is engaging, smart, and resourceful as she juggles her hectic work life. Keya has grown so much since her introduction in the first Dotty Sayers Antiques Mystery, and except for a stumble here and a bump there, she hardly resembles the clumsy rookie she was then. Inspector Evans has mellowed, trusting his team members' opinions and abilities, and assigns Keya meatier and more important roles, which she accomplishes with aplomb and an eye for detail. Keya successfully connects the dots in the cases. I enjoyed the longer, more intimate look into Keya's relationship with her family as they prepare for her sister's wedding. I loved all the descriptions of the wedding traditions, which were so vivid I felt as if I were participating firsthand.The plot is clever and complex, with several subplots, making this quite a robust story. Twists and turns abound as Keya, Constable Ryan Jenkins, and Inspector Sue Honeywell work different angles, multiple kidnapper demands for ransom, and a variety of theories and scenarios to solve the mystery of the missing toddler. One clue in particular sent me somewhat in the right direction of the resolution, but I had guessed wrongly in the end. While the book has a great finish and is a very satisfying read, when the dust settled on the case, I sympathized with the perpetrator and was torn over whether justice had really been served. Although the third in the series, this book can easily be read and enjoyed immensely as a standalone.
I recommend VANILLA CHAI AND A VANISHING VICTIM to cozy mystery readers who enjoy intricate plots, engaging characters, and a continual parade of culinary delights throughout the pages.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
