Publication Jan. 9, 2024
Do you know what a mushroom log is? You will after reading this book. It's actually rather intriguing, gotta admit, as was the latte art machine. Being a former Floridian, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, happy that I didn't live in quite as quaint and quirky and area. In this case, Lana is living the good life on Devil's Island, It seems to be a cross between a mecca for hippy types and those wanting to start a new life. The gardens overseen by the community seem to bring them together although it isn't always in peace. Even worse, Lana stumbles across a body in the community garden. Her coffee related plans will have to wait.
Who killed cranky Jack Daggett? Unfortunately for Lana, she has no time to play sleuth. Boyfriend Noah's mother and sister are due to arrive in a few days and Lana desperately wants to make a great impression on them. So why can't she even seem to find the time to go shopping for dinner ingredients? Why are community residents arguing over....monkeys? Will Lana be able to withstand the pleading of suspect Darla to help her clear her name? Even with the help of her best friend and barista Erica, she's definitely feeling stressed. Her forever hippy father isn't exactly helpful. Amazingly enough, her boyfriend, Police Chief Noah, ultimately doesn't even try to stop her sleuthing behind his back. He simply asks her to do it safely, it via online and such, not in-person snooping, er, questioning. That's rather a pleasant twist of the ol' trope of the romantic partner being strongly discouraging. I do give kudos to Lana for not being TSTL, ie too stupid to live, too. I liked that her character didn't go rushing blindly into danger as many cozy mystery amateur sleuths do. In other words, this book offers up some refreshing twists in addition to an intriguing plot full of quirky characters.
Even better, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting these characters again (having read the previous book). Lana is a former crime reporter, so delving into crimes isn't exactly new to her. She'd hoped to have left all that behind her when she left Miami but, well, life (or death?) happens. Erica is a hoot. She seems far more into the sleuthing than Lana, to be honest, but isn't exactly subtle in her questioning. Read the room, Erica! And don't make Erica mad, either. Lana's father Peter, the once-and-forever hippy, is an odd mix of ol' hippy and techno pop, oddly enough. Ol' timer with a modern twist. He definitely enjoys the sleuthing. And, Noah? Well, he sounds like a saint. A good looking saint with patience to spare. So, why is Lana so anxious about meeting his mother and sister? They're....oh, enough teasers. Their meeting is....no, no, no more hints. Let's just say there is a lot going on when they meet.
It's a fun read, full of likable, interesting characters, soft/sly humor that will make you smile, a cute dog, and a setting with some bizarre critters and townspeople Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me down to spend some time in Florida. It's always an adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment