Publication May23,2023
This book does something I've never noticed being done in other cozy mysteries I've read, it addresses the emotional and psychological impact of an amateur sleuth undertaking a murder investigation. In this case, add in the turmoil of not just finding a body but it being a friend who you very well could have been with at the time of the murder. Daisy Swanson isn't new to looking into murders but the combination of events left her feeling cold inside. All the tea in the world couldn't erase the horror from her mind, even as former detective boyfriend Jonas and her family and friends circle about her.
Quite frankly, given how slowly the story developed for me, I didn't expect to ultimately enjoy the book as much as I did. Heck, I started and stopped several times, starting and finishing other books in-between before I finally knuckled down and restarted and read the entire book. Once the murder had happened, however, things began to pick up pace and the depth of the book emerged. In other words, give this book a chance. It has thought provoking ingredients and the supporting cast was likable. True, sorting out the differences between the non-Amish, like Daisy, not to mention the difference between the stricter, more traditional Amish and those with fewer restrictions can be puzzling. That said, all are human whether we agree with their beliefs or not.
As for the murder, even aside from Daisy's involvement and close call, it's an intriguing one. Let's just say, I had two what I thought were strong suspects. Neither one was guilty. In other words, it kept me guessing until the end. In the process, Daisy is busy doing what a friend called fixing broken wings, even her own. Lots of changes going on in her life, comings and goings, and trying to find the time to finalize plans for her wedding to Jonas. She's finding little time for self-care but working on it will preparing herself for daughter Jazzi eventually heading off to college....all while trying to help find a murderer.
Bottom line, I enjoyed the book and will be looking forward to the next installment. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks- #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to hang out at Daisy's Tea Garden in Amish territory. It's fascinating to learn more about not just the Amish but how even they differ in belief and acceptance/interaction with the outside world.
No comments:
Post a Comment