Although this is only Jane Tesh’s third book in this series, I feel as though I’ve known the main characters for ages.  Jane has a way of writing that instantly makes the reader feel comfortable and at home with the small town of Celosia, NC.

Madeline Maclin is newly married to her long time best friend, sometime scam artist Jerry Fairweather.  Madeline is trying to get her own private investigation business to flourish a bit more in this tiny town, and she’s hoping for something other than murder cases such as she has encountered in the past.  Trying to keep Jerry on the up and up is a challenge too; he has given up most of his alternative activities, but still holds fake séances and that con game may come home to roost on their doorstep sooner than he thinks.

Madeline is also working towards establishing herself as a local artist, and is soon recruited to visit the local elementary school and offer the children some pointers.  While she is there, a most disagreeable teacher dies, seemingly of a heart attack. Or is it murder?   Madeline is suspicious enough to start nosing around and soon finds that this case intersects with what she thought was a completely unrelated matter.  The matter is that of a riddle to be solved in order for one of several people to inherit a fortune.

As usual, there are multiple mysteries involved, and author Tesh does a marvelous job of bringing all the pieces together in a unique and fun-to-read manner.  The characters are eccentric and quirky, yet written so they feel "normal" to the reader.  With a good emphasis on art and on music as well as small town living, this book is sure to delight any lover of cozy mysteries.  I can’t wait for the next installment!