A MID-SUMMER MURDER by Geri Krotow
Fiction, Cozy Mystery
4****
Blurb: This small Pennsylvania town once again becomes a hotbed of secrets. Only Angel Warren, a retired Navy Pilot and owner of Shop ‘Round the World, can turn a summer day at the river into a murder investigation. But when her brother Bryce’s unicorn float snags on a corpse’s hand, suddenly Angel and Bryce are suspects. It doesn’t help that Angel knows the victim and was one of the last people to see Hank Price alive, or that Angel witnessed a disturbing argument between Hank and his wife. Plus, she and Bryce may have heard the shot that killed Hank. Once more, Angel inserts herself into the middle of the investigation, this time with her best friend Detective Trinity Colson’s tacit approval. Who could have wanted Hank dead? Angel soon discovers Hank had a secret life that included sketchy business dealings and a gambling addiction. The question isn’t how Angel will juggle her sleuthing alongside managing her gift store during the height of tourist season, family drama, and a burgeoning romance. It’s how will Angel solve the crime without stumbling into the killer’s sights?
Thoughts: This was a fun read. I loved getting to know the characters – they are realistic and believable, as is the scenery. I felt like I was really in Stonebridge and getting to know the shopkeepers. I’d love to stop in and grab a latte from Nate’s shop, or look around Angel’s store. The mystery part of the story is also well-done (though I will admit, I kind of knew who the perp was pretty early on, but not the motive). And the mixture of pets was fun—especially Nate’s dog and Angel’s parrot. They both add a bit of levity to the story.
All in all, a good cozy that I do recommend.
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