Publication July 18, 2023
Great start to a new series. I'm hooked.
Bailey Briggs, a successful mystery writer, answers her grandmother's plea for help after hurting her leg. It doesn't take Bailey (or basically anyone) long to notice that the leg/ankle brace occasionally moves from one leg to the other and that Granny Bee sometimes seems to forget to limp. She also fails to tell Bailey that Sawyer, Bailey's old flame, is back in town. Heck, even long time best friend Evie Espanosa doesn't tell her. It sure had to be fun to see Bailey all "atwitter", as Evie describes it, when she sees the adult Sawyer.
It doesn't take long before things get serious, however. Not only do Bailey and daughter Daisy arrive at the ranch (on a tractor, no less) to not only find her grandmother running the mayor out of her home, but threatening to kill him. Unfortunately, everyone hears the threat, including Sawyer. Bailey doesn't know it yet, but Sawyer is town sheriff. She finds out in an unusual way. In any case, the next day the mayor is found dead. Needless to say, Granny Bee is at the top of the suspect list.
The story is a great deal of fun with some hilarious scenes -- how does one manage to get their foot stuck there? -- and the supporting cast is already distinct and likable. Heck, even the town doctor/coroner is a hoot with some real groaners. Even the suspects Bailey talks to are largely likable, even more so as Werner’s real self begins to be revealed. Let's just say shady and sleazy. In other words, the suspect list is long.
How long will now Sheriff Sawyer tolerate Bailey's interference? What does Bailey observe Werner's nephew stealing while the body is still on the floor? Will the book club, The Hive, be helpful or get them all tossed in jail? What does Daisy see that is worrisome? What clue does.... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. The book is fun, a relatively quick read, and has characters I'm looking forward to getting to know better. Even Bailey has her secrets.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLane for introducing me to Bailey and her family and friends. I'm looking forward to hearing more of that tractor story and Evie's creative profanity substitutes, not to mention watching how Bailey deals with being "atwitter" around Sawyer.
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