This one managed to have my non-fiction, niche writer self contemplating if I could write a cozy mystery. Don't get me wrong, the mystery here is top notch but the bits of writing and plotting hints that just flowed naturally in the setting, a writer's conference, were tantalizing. So, if you're a budding writer, grab a pen and note pad and be prepared to take lots of note on writing, not to mention your ideas of whodunit. There are lots of suspects, including, gasp, Dave, Leta's soon to be husband. The victim, Trevor Tarkington, known for his snarky reviews, not only insulted Dave but Leta in front of the audience of writers during a talk on contrasting review types. As luck would have it, Dave goes on a bit of a drinking binge after, okay, more than a "bit", and has no alibi for when the murder occurred. Then, as luck would have it, he's also the one who discovered the body.
I won't detail the plot but, as usual, author Kathy Manos Penn has created a solid plot that will hold your attention from beginning to end. That she does it while weaving in lovely descriptions of the setting and those temping, tantalizing writing hints, makes it all the better. It's probably obvious this is one of my favorite series. Why? Well, of course there are the personable Christie and Dickens, Leta's cat and dog who talk to her. That's just a given in the story, nothing magical about i, so it's simply stated as a fact and the story moves along to human characters doing and saying things. They're fully fleshed out yet retain the ability to surprise us, a real human touch. Heck, even Christie and Dickens have that ability, so it's no fluke. I expected this one to be Leta and Dave focused but was delighted to have Belle and Wendy show up at the conference, too, not to mention DI Jake, another regular. Leta's faced with the dilemma of how to share info discovered via one of her furry companion sleuths, too, which leads to an interesting discussion, that's for sure. Nope, not telling. You'll just have to read the book. Grin. The new to the series characters, such as Issa, are also a delight despite her Parkinson's diagnosis. I'm sort of hoping Penn is able to work her into future books, too, as I genuinely liked her although, oops, she'll be on the other side of an ocean. Well, so was Dave, so anything is possible.
In any case, lots of twists and turns and red herrings to hold your interest. Leta and Dave's upcoming wedding, site undecided, even manages to get some space. The day trips the participating authors take are good scouting missions for possible locations but I got the impression none had been decided on as the book closed. Ah, a personal mystery to look forward to learning about. The author and literary name dropping is fun and I learned a few things this go-round, that's for sure, besides writing hints. Heck, even a popular movie I enjoy got a mention. Let's hear if the "The Three Amigos". Grin. Thanks to author Kathy Manos Penn for this early peek into how life is progressing for Leta and Dave. And, I'm definitely curious to find out where that long-awaited wedding will take place, not to mention the roles Christie and Dickens will have in it.
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