Death in a Difficult Position
A Mantra for Murder Mystery, No 4
Diana Killian

Berkley Prime Crime
September 2011/ 978-0-425-24381-7
Mystery / Cozy
Amazon

Reviewed by Laura Hinds

Yoga is a peaceful practice, and combined with meditation it leads to a calm existence. Unless, of course, you not only own a yoga studio, but you also happen to be a magnet for murder.

A.J. Alexander loves running Sacred Balance, a yoga studio she inherited from her aunt. When her ex-employee, Lily, is charged with the murder of a charismatic reverend, she knows her aunt Di would want her to help.

With a cast of characters with the usual life problems, it’s up to A.J. to find out what really happened to Reverend David Goode (who was not good at all), and why. Could it have been the Jersey Devil, or maybe a woman scorned? On the other hand, could something from his past have come back to haunt him?

I have loved this series from the beginning, and Killian has brought her A-game to this novel. The characters are down-to earth, true-to-life, and smart. A.J.’s cop boyfriend and TV-actress mother could easily have become cliché, but they aren't.

The reality-based clues and logic behind the means, motive, and opportunity lull the reader into a firmly rational theory about the killer. Yet there is always that looming threat of the Jersey Devil.

Anyone who loves a mystery -- and especially those who practice yoga or are intrigued by it -- would be sure to enjoy this book. There are even exercises after the story ends.
While it is the fourth book in the series, and the previous three do give a good back setting for this one, it is fine as a stand-alone as well.

I loved it; I read it in two sittings and recommend it to cozy mystery lovers and those who might be interested in learning a few yoga exercises at home, while pondering the mystery of the Jersey Devil. Five sunrise salutations for this book!