It contains spoilers:
This is a well-structured cozy mystery set in a picturesque town called Taylorsford, in Virginia, USA.
It has all the expected elements of the genre. However, I must point out that this is the ninth installment in the series, and it shows. The book assumes that readers are already familiar with the characters and are emotionally invested in them, something new readers may lack.
As a newcomer, the characters and their inner relationships, although understandable, felt a bit challenging to me, although I imagine that fans who’ve followed this series from the start may feel differently.
Amy, the protagonist, is the co-director of the local library, and also a mother of twins and the wife of a professional dancer. When someone dies during the local summer arts festival, the local police officer, Brad, asks Amy for help with some research in the library archives. This eventually pulls her into an investigation that escalates into dangerous situations.
And that’s where I struggled: what drives her to take such risks?
I didn’t fully understand her real motivation. Why is she so committed to finding the truth, even when it puts herself and her loved ones at risk?
The lack of a clear motivation behind Amy’s perseverance makes her decisions feel a bit unreasonable and in need of a stronger justification within her narrative.
I couldn’t help but wonder: do other readers forgive the character’s flaws simply because they’ve known her longer and have a better understanding of her? Perhaps there is some context in previous books that is just assumed in this one?
Additionally, I also found it hard to believe that a police officer would continue involving a civilian in an active investigation, especially after she’s threatened. It didn’t feel plausible—neither as a professional nor as her friend.
That being said, the mystery itself is solid, and the final twists genuinely surprised me, although by too much overexposition that would have been nicer to let Amy uncover by herself.
The presence of cats adds a lovely touch of humor—clearly written by someone who puts up with their attitude on a daily basis.
In summary, it’s a good cozy mystery with a satisfying plot, but I’d recommend starting earlier in the series to build that much-needed emotional connection with the characters.
For more details and Cozy Mystery reviews, visit this area of my blog.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my personal opinion.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3,25/5)
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