Murder at the Gardens, by Lisa Cutts

What a page turner. It kept me guessing and thinking about long after I'd laid down to sleep last night. You could cut the tension in my mind as I read the big finale. In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, even if it did keep me from dropping off to sleep for awhile.

I won't detail the plot, that's easy to find elsewhere, but will just say it starts with a trip to the zoo. What could be more fun, right? Animals, kids and parents enjoying the animals, perhaps an ice-cream cone or two while meandering between exhibits, and....murder? Simon said things that upset others, now he's dead. Not to mention the bodies seem to keep piling up. What is the connection between them? Why isn't the zoo's video security camera feed working? Rob seems at wits ends about it. Who is tampering with it or, well, is it really that pathetic? Is Harry regretting accepting his job yet?

So many questions. Will Belinda's head be turned by the return of her former love, Ivan? Why is Ivan there? Could he have something to do with the rash of murders? Who pushed the child into the lion's pen? Why was the lion even there at a time it should have been securely enclosed elsewhere? Should we give Ivan a medal for his role in the rescue? What about the injured giraffe? Who'd do such a thing? Why did Estelle hurl a zoo bandana into the mud and water? Will Harry ever manage to emerge from one of his snooping escapades with Belinda without stepping in mud or, uh, animal excreta? Who cut Drew's shoelaces? Why does Belinda, knowing there is a murderer lurking about, always manage to meander off alone? Wolves? Harry definitely doesn't want to dance with them but maybe offer them....what? What will Belinda have to say to him after all the mayhem at her beloved zoo facility?

See what I mean about questions and more questions? I could go on but one of the biggest in the book was ilwl Belinda and Harry ever admit their mutual attraction? And, maybe, with all these murders happening almost immediately after Harry takes the security position at the zoo, what kind of job recommendation could he ever get? "Murder at the Gardens" will keep you riveted to your seat and turning pages. It's a winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the VIP pass to the zoo and the chance to spend some time with Belinda and Harry.