Publication Sept. 5, 2023
First, before I say anything else, I want to declare that Shirley can be my grandmother any time. What a delight to see her sort of break out as a supporting character in this book. But, anyway, back to the mystery....
If there's one thing main character Rarity has learned, it's that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. After her bout with cancer, she's tried to live by that creed, taking chances today, not waiting for life to simply happen to her. That said, she surely didn't expect life to throw her in the path of so many murder investigations. This time it's the murder of her just hired employee Janey. Even worse, her best friend's brother, Marcus, is the primary suspect. This is further complicated as Drew, Sam's boyfriend, is the lead investigator of the crime. Poor Sam. She's having trouble being supportive of Marcus while dealing with the fact its her boyfriend who could put him in jail for the rest of his life. Even Rarity faces the problem of not quite knowing whether he did it, making things tense. Toss in a severed finger, fortunately found to be a fake, being sent to Rarity and issues with her other hire, Caleb, and she has her hands full.
I've really come to enjoy and look forward to each new installment of this series. Author Lynn Cahoon has faced down cancer, so she knows the impact of that fear well and it shows. Rarity has made friends, close friends who circle around her when needed (and occasionally when she'd just as rather they don't). Her relationship with Archer, who operates a hiking tour business, is flourishing although I had to smile when it was noted that he was sleeping on the couch when his guard duty session (nope, not explaining) rolled around. With that subtle clue, Cahoon has revealed much of the characters' character, I felt. He seems the dream boyfriend....he cooks, he cleans, he loves her dog and vice versa, so it'll be interesting to see where this seemingly dream relationship goes. As for Shirley, I felt connected to her early in the series as I, too, have dealt with a family member with dementia. Rather than shrink into the background, she is finding her way. More impressive, her step into the spotlight, so to speak, is winning not just her but Rarity's bookstore some wonderfully positive attention. And, oh, shh, don't tell but Drew's ex-cop father is writing a book.
So, who killed Janey? Could it be Janey's college stalker? Who had the most to gain? Or, maybe who had the most to lose? Why did someone break into Rarity's bookstore? Heck, why did someone knock her out in the back room of Sam's shop? Was Rarity the target or Sam? Speaking of Sam, will this be the end of her blossoming relationship with Drew? Why... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Go read the book. You'll like Rarity and her friends, not to mention Killer the dog. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop into Sedona and check out Rarity's bookstore again. Already looking forward to my next visit.
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