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Monday, October 3, 2022

Antagonizing Antiques (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 26), by Mildred Abbott

 

Book 26! How time flies when you're having fun, and fun and suspense is what you get from the Cozy Corgi Mystery series. I won't detail the plot other than to say that once again (Wini)Fred's life is turned upside-down by the past. In this case, it's her ex and his new wife, both of whom were involved in Fred losing her business and livelihood prior to moving to Estes. It's why they are there that is both troubling and mysterious. Quite frankly, I think I'd dislike the ex-husband thoroughly as a person whether he had any connection to Fred or not. 

In any case, it will come as no surprise to longtime readers that once again Fred finds a body....sorta. Maybe. That her ex-husband is hovering over it holding the supposed murder weapon is a complication. Could he be the murderer? Why would he kill Colin? What is his connection to Colin and, even weirder, why was he opening walking back and forth past the Cozy Corgi just before? Why does he seem glad Fred caught him there? Toss in an elderly English gentleman who cares his late husband's urn of ashes everywhere with him and you've only begun to touch the oddities of this story. It's to author Abbott's credit that the scenario flows smoothly along, confusion and red herrings none-the-less, and Fred and company never lose sight of who they really are and what is important. Heck, Fred even wears something besides her tried-and-true pencil skirt out with Leo for Valentine's Day. Do I need to tell you that date ran into complications, one after the other? 

Seriously, this book, indeed the entire series, is a winner. Although I've grown a bit weary of the Irons Family thread, it does add an element of, oh, what? An overhanging threat? The sense of always being watched? The idea that no one is ever safe? Yet, the characters sparkle and live their lives. Abbott has a winner here. Give it a read. The fact grumpy corgi Watson is the consistent, whether shunning unwanted attention or continuing to amaze even Fred with his sensitivity to those needing comfort, adds a fun element. My corgi mix gives this one four paws up and a tail wag.

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