This has quickly become a favorite series. Peg and Rose are gradually finding common ground after decades of, at best, indifference. At worst? Dislike is a polite way of describing it. Oh, don't get me wrong. They are still finding their way as family. Peg is direct, opinionated, and loves her standard poodles. Rose, a former nun, is more easy going and easily likable but doesn't even like dogs....or didn't. There are signs that might be changing, not to mention Rose has come to adore the kitten Peg gave her in the last book.
So, Peg is thawing. Then Rose tries to help. Happy in her marriage to a former priest and running a shelter for women in need, Rose signs Peg us for a mature dating service. Peg didn't throttle her, giving Rose hope that Peg might find the same loving relationship she currently has and that Peg had with her late husband, Rose's brother. Her intentions are good. Amazingly enough, after a few miserable dates/meetings, Peg finds a man who interests her. Nolan seems wonderful. But, is he? Before Peg really gets to really know him, however, Nolan is killed in an accident. Or, was it an accident? Turns out Mr. Wonderful may not have been as wonderful as he appeared on the surface.
You know the ol' saying about when something seems too good to be true? Seems Nolan has left a string of disgruntled women behind. Why are they disgruntled? Well, you're just going to have to read the book to find that out. Can Peg and Rose join forces once again without wanting to strangle each other? There is no shortage of suspects, unfortunately, so bet you spend as much time guessing as I did.
And, you'll enjoy every moment of it. Even niece Melanie Travis (main character of the series this one springs from) pops in, asking for Peg's assistance. The characters are nicely fleshed out and the side-stories let us see another side of not just Peg and Rose but the shelter assistant/maid/cook, Maura, and Peter, Rose's husband. Rose's confidence as a senior sleuth may be growing but she has her hands in several other things. It's been fascinating to watch the shelter story evolve and grow at the same time Rose and Peg are growing as family. It all comes together as a standalone.
Bottom line, if you like a wonderfully written, interesting mystery with people you might know -- even when at times rolling your eyes at their behavior -- give this one a read. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me visit Peg and Rose again, not to mention spend some time with Marmalade the cat and all those gorgeous poodles.
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