A Shot in the 80% Dark (Bean to Bar Mysteries, #4), by Amber Royer

 

 

Felicity Koerber doesn't enjoy being thought of as a murder magnet but, dang, she does have a way of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the process, we're learning quite a bit about the various types of chocolate, its potential uses, and how it can be processed. Who knew chocolate could be an art form, too?

Although I have a low tolerance for love triangles, which plays a role in the book, I liked that Felicity is showing a real growth arc since I first "met" her in the previous book set on a cruise ship. She's making a conscious effort to not just be more aware of what is going on with her friends and be supportive but to try new things, too. That's what puts her in scuba gear and, once again, in the wrong place to discover another body....and that's after being on site when the first death occurs. Contracted to create a large chocolate replica of a ship for the local museum, she was there when a tragic accident occurred.

Or, was it an accident? Could it be a coincidence that Felicity's phone is stolen? What could possibly be on the phone? Further investigation uncovers an elaborate murder weapon and ties to the other artists. She can't help herself. She tells herself initially that she isn't investigating but, well, she's asking lots of questions. She even finds herself bird-sitting the museum's cockatoo, Renoir, who keeps spouting interesting comments. Clues? Why does the museum have a cockatoo in the first place? Murder aside, it was interesting to see the various forms of art showcased, not to mention the importance of a cat to one of the artists as a support animal. Don't worry. Felicity's bunny makes an appearance, too.

Besides Felicity's growth, I liked that she's opening up and even making peace with some she's been at odds with in the past. The background on ship wrecks and who has jurisdiction/claims to anything found in them was interesting, too. So, all-in-all, and interesting mystery with art, history, and chocolate involved.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for taking me not just to a museum and diving but for all that tasty chocolate.