Not exactly the way Mackenzie "Mac" Almeida wanted to start her work day. She knew it couldn't be good when the head cook and manager of a nearby shop, Yvonne, practically stumbled out to stop her, barely able to get out a word. Inside, a dead body. In fact, the body of one of Mac's former teachers and, well, not a very well liked one at that...by anyone. Although at first rather determined not to get involved with the investigation, Mac finds herself drawn in by both her own natural curiosity and the fact a friend and member of the Cozy Capers Book Club may be a suspect. Mac's also dealing with surprise news from her mother as well as personal concerns. Nope, not telling. You'll have to read to find out what's going on in Mac's head.
I will say that I've found this series enjoyable and always look forward to the next book. This one was no disappointment. Recently married, Mac and Tim, a baker, seem to have settled into married life, albeit Mac is pretty willing to admit that she's never going to be much of a cook. Good thing Tim's not only an excellent baker but cook, too, huh? Needless to say, after reading of Mac's cooking woes, I chuckled when I reached the delicious sounding recipes at the end. Mac may not be much of a cook but Mac is a fun, caring person, one who takes her bicycle shop business serious and has found a strong circle of friends, most of them more than happy to step up and help investigate. I mean, these people are serious organized with a multitude of skill sets that make them the perfect bunch to have behind you if you're am amateur sleuth. Interestingly enough, they seem a bit, oh, scattered this go-round, you know, real life happens, but still managed to collect valuable info. I definitely liked that Mac shared information found with the police and has an excellent working relationship with them. Don't get me wrong. They still strongly suggest she (and the Cozy Capers group don't investigate but, well, they've also come to know Mac well enough to understand that Mac and her circle of backup sleuths operate by the rule of staying safe and not doing the sort of thing that would earn them the TSTL (too stupid to live) label. They care about and work well together, sharing info as it is obtained rather than stubbornly refusing to share with the police as many other book sleuths do. That is refreshing and, yes, smart. And, oh, I can't forget Belle, the fun and quite feisty and talkative parrot who gets some great scenes in the book. Are there really buddy chats for parrots online?
Anyway, who killed Bruce Byrne, the not-so-popular teacher? Seems there are countless suspects, many going back years. Even Mac had a run-in with him when in his class albeit her father quickly came to her defense and somewhat soothed the situation. Didn't make Bryne any easier for Mac or all the others who went through that class but it does serve to show how widespread the possible list of suspects might be. But, who holds a grudge for decades? And what was he doing in the Rusty Anchor bar anyway? Why is Mac's friend Flo being so closed-lips about her issues with Byrne? And, oh, enough teasers. You'll like Mac and her easy, trusting relationship with Tim. Toss in some memorable characters from the book club as well as Mac's family and you'll find quite a bit to enjoy her and, shh, probably make you want to go back and read the first five books, too. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to drop by Mac's Bikes again to catch up. I'm already looking forward to the next book to see what's new in Mac's life.
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