Katie Bonner picked up
her life and started over as the owner of Artisans Alley in
Victoria Square in upstate New York. Her marriage had fallen
apart and then Chad, while they were separated, died. She
left a job she hated because her boss was a first-class jerk,
and turned Artisans Alley into a business that was quickly
becoming successful.
After
a day spent sailing on Lake Ontario with her dear friend Seth
Landers, she runs into the jerk of an ex-boss, Josh Kimper,
and publicly lets him know what she thinks of him. The next
day Josh is found dead in the bathtub at the local bed-and-breakfast
which belongs to her good friends Nick and Don. Josh was drowned,
but not in that bathtub. He was placed there when already
dead. But who did it, and why? It seems there are any number
of suspects because Josh was, truly, a first-class jerk to
just about everyone. To help save Nick and Don’s business,
as well as her own, and keep an innocent party (including
herself!) from being arrested, Katie sets out to nose around
and see if she can get people to talk to her and give something
away.
It’s
been quite a while since there was a new book in this series,
and it took me a minute or so to re-familiarize myself with
Katie, Nick, Don and the other characters. Once I remembered
them, I was thrilled to have a new adventure with the gang
and to once again enjoy Victoria Square and Artisans Alley.
I enjoy
Lorraine Bartlett’s writing, and the addition of Laurie
Cass who collaborated on this book made it even better, as
I really love Cass’ “Bookmobile Cat”series,
too.
I found
this to be a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing until
the end. It was layered well and the characters remained true
to who they have been in earlier books, while relationships
continued to grow and develop. I highly recommend this new
Victoria Square mystery to cozy lovers everywhere, especially
those who appreciate a great plot, a few romances, and small
business owners trying to work together while wondering if
there is a killer among their own. Great job Ms. Bartlett
and Ms. Cass! Thank you both!
Reviews
of other titles in this series
The
Walled Flower #2
One
Hot Murder #3
Dead,
Bath and Beyond #4
Yule
Be Dead
#5
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