J.B. Abbott has a winner on their debut cozy mystery. Katie’s a great protagonist. She’s just getting over the death of her Mom when her Dad becomes the prime suspect in a murder that shocks the Pacific Northwest hamlet of Cedar Bay. Having assumed her mother’s old job at the local jigsaw puzzle company, Katie and her crew are the perfect group to solve the murder. Much to the ire of the local police detective, whose son is Katie’s old flame.
For a cozy, there is plenty of drama, and the action only adds to the mystery as the story winds among the colorful local townspeople, Katie’s colleagues and adversaries who may or may not have grudges against the victim. There are motives aplenty and more than enough close calls to give the crew a reason to leave this puzzle unfinished. But Katie’s stubborn and out to prove her Dad’s innocence. It’s a combination that might just prove unstoppable, if the killer doesn’t find a way to stop her before that can happen. Great characters, a terrific setting and winding storyline make for an extremely enjoyable read.