Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

This was a fun, twisty start to a new cozy mystery series, and I devoured it pretty fast.

About the Book

While assisting with a routine house clearance, Tanya Bowe, a recently divorced, former investigative journalist, encounters her long absent schoolmate, Melanie Conrad. Not long afterwards, Mel is discovered lifeless at the foot of the stairs in the same house. The police are quick to deem it an accident, but Tanya’s instincts scream murder.

Determined to discover the truth, she uses her skills to investigate Mel’s background. As she peels back the layers, Tanya uncovers a web of lies and blackmail at the heart of the Conrad family. The closer she gets, the more intricate and treacherous the puzzle becomes. With each revelation, Tanya’s resolve strengthens, but so does the danger.

Can she unravel the secrets shrouding Mel’s untimely demise before the killer strikes again?

In this captivating cozy mystery, Tanya walks the fine line between discovery and danger, guided by her unwavering determination to expose the truth and find justice for her friend.

My Thoughts

Cozy crime/mystery is my favorite genre. When I need a good escape, take me to a small town with an “accidental”/amateur detective and it’s fantastic. I think it’s because cozy mysteries tend to mix so many other genres – crime fiction, mystery/suspense, thrillers, and romance – all in one neat, little package. And it’s a story where there’s definitely murder, it’s the central plot, but somehow it’s also kind of beside the point. The brilliant writer P.J. Skinner has laid the foundation for a lovely series of cozy mysteries that will take up an honored place alongside your favorites – whoever that might be.

I really enjoyed how Skinner took some of the cozy mystery cliches/tropes and flipped them on their head. I won’t say which ones, because that would be spoiling the fun. But if you’re a regular reader of cozies you will absolutely recognize the flirting and dancing around tropes. I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters introduced, and look forward to getting to know more of them. I especially enjoyed her ex-stepson, Mouse, and her new will-they, won’t-they love interest.

The author developed a lovely assortment of friends and acquaintances, but also managed to cast a pall on them that was incredibly appropriate for a main character recovering from a bout of major depression. I really appreciated the positive mental health representation and look forward to seeing how this is handled in the future. We need more of this in our media, and this is a great example. I was less pleased by the “Fat Fighters” group, but unfortunately it is a reality, especially among middle aged women. And it was actually handled quite well. While there was some implied fatphobia, it wasn’t excessively blatant, but of the sort our society as a whole needs to work on.

I hadn’t yet read a P.J. Skinner book, but I’d heard great things, and I wasn’t dissapointed. I’ll definitely check out more of her books, and will certainly follow up with this series.. I’m excited that the author and Love Books Tours included me on the tour, and that I had the opportunity to read this book, especially since it’s in my favorite genre.

Who’s It For

If you’re a cozy lover, this is a great addition to your TBR list. It has all the beloved elements of a typical cozy, with pretty great writing. It was a bit expository in parts, but that is pretty common in first books and first-person books. It’s also a great first cozy for those looking to dabble in the genre.

Content Warning: Depression, Suicide, Murder, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Implied Incest, Cancer

About the Author

PJ Skinner is a geologist who has spent thirty years roaming the planet and collecting tall tales and real-life experiences. Most of her postings were in remote and dangerous sites which provide background settings for her novels. She now writes fact-based novels from the relative safety of London. She still travels worldwide collecting material for the series and having her own adventures.

Books

The complete Sam Harris Adventure series of seven books covers the career of a female geologist, from rookie adventures in remote sites in Africa and South America, to forays in the the concrete jungle.PJ also writes under the pen names Kate Foley and Pip Skinner. The Green Family Saga (Kate Foley) starts with Rebel Green, set in Ireland at the beginning of the Troubles in the North. The second book in the series follows the fortunes of Isabella Green, and the third book, which is out in February 2023 is about Liz Green and Sean O’Connor.

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Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram

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