THE MUSCLE CAR MURDER by Diane Kelly
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Female Garage Owners
5*****
Blurb: When widowed mechanic Russell Griese decides to retire, he hands the keys to his garage over to his three daughters, Daytona, Shelby, and Catalina (all named after historic car models, of course). Together, they make a formidable team, building a reputation for expert workmanship and classic car restorations. Things don’t remain peaceful for long, though. While working on a classic 1967 Camaro, Daytona overhears a heated exchange between the owner and a mysterious man. While under the car, the bang of a bullet keeps her hiding in place, and all she can see is the bloody body of the seller as he falls dead. As Daytona pursues purchasing the Camaro from the dead man’s estate, someone likewise pursues her. As if the sisters don’t have enough to deal with, the misogynistic men at Wheeler & Sons, their high-tech competitor across the highway, are intent on putting the sisters out of business. Could the odd occurrences be nothing more than pranks pulled by the Wheeler boys? Or could they be the work of the seller’s murderer? Despite their best efforts, the sisters seem to be spinning their wheels, gaining no traction in their investigation. But when their restoration work reveals a series of clues starting with evidence hidden in the Camaro, all roads lead to the killer and justice.
THOUGHTS: This is the first book in a new series – and I will definitely be reading more about the three women, their garage, and their adventures. Daytona, Shelby, and Catalina grew up in their father’s garage/salvage yard. Their passion is restoring vintage vehicles, especially the ones they were named for. But they do face prejudices – after all what woman knows anything about cars (HAH!)? I loved all the references to older cars. When Daytona hears about an old Camaro for sale, she goes to see it and talk to the owner. While underneath, checking it out, the owner is accosted and shot. Keeping hidden, she doesn’t see enough to help the police out other than fancy clothes, big feet, and a car with brakes that squeak. Another garage in the area – but just over the state line in S. Carolina – is trying to run them out of business. When odd things start happening to them, they have to figure out if it’s the work of the other garage–or the killer found them? Daytona and her sisters get to know the detective very well as they help dig into who the killer might be. And the ending is perfect!
I love the girls and their “gumption” and sense of family. And the back-and-forth with the brothers from the other garage. Especially the budding relationship between Lincoln and Daytona. I look forward to reading more of this new series. Oh, and even though this isn’t a “bakery” cozy, there are some great recipes included at the end.
Definitely recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC
