Pets, Pens & Murder: A Dickens & Christie Mystery, by Kathy Manos Penn

How would you react if you were accused of murder? Leta finds herself in just that position in this installment of the Dickens and Christie Mystery series. And it all started over a seemingly fun jaunt to a literary festival with boyfriend Dave, newly relocated to England from the US, and friends, aka the self dubbed LOLs (Little Old Ladies).

I love the depth of Kathy Manos Penn's writing. Not only do we have well developed characters, both likable and not, but there is a depth to this cozy mystery series. It left me asking myself why someone would be driven to kill.  And, not only do we have a twisted killer but romance, friends helping friends, tours of Agatha Christie's residences and frequented spots, plus a wicked smart cat and dog that speak to Leta and join with boyfriend Dave to keep her safe. Toss in so many literary references that I lost count, and glimpses of some of Agatha Christie's most frequented places, and I was in heaven. Oh, and as with many discussions that involve Christie, a bit of a tutorial on poisons. Well, it was a gathering of the mystery lovers, so perhaps that is expected. What isn't expected, however, a real murder. 

I won't detail the plot as it's fascinating to try to sort things out along with Leta and her sleuthing friends. Even better, they're not on their home turf. I was delighted to see Dave has not just arrived to stay in England but seems to have fit easily into the group. And, as a cozy mystery fan, it was fun to be able to be a fly on the wall at some of the fictional sessions held at the festival. I've never been to such a festival but imagine it would be fascinating tho' fear my shallow depth of knowledge about the genre and its authors would leave my head spinning. 

Anyway, the plot centers about who killed festival organizer Emily. There are several suspects, none of them Leta. Only later, when a suspect who Leta has mentally and vocally labeled a stalker is killed does Leta, who finds the body, probably predictably, become a potential suspect. Leta will need every bit of her powers of observation and putting together clues to clear herself and find the true killer. Leta being Leta, it probably goes without saying that she will find herself in danger at one point but, well, I didn't see the ending coming. There is a great deal of depth to it as we discover the motivations of the killer and what drove them to kill. In the process, we're introduced to new sights and characters and, quite frankly, I had a blast enjoying my virtual visit with Leta and the very likable friends. 

If you haven't read this series, don't wait another moment. Grab this book and be ready to lose yourself in the story. You'll also want to check out some of the books/suggestions at the end.