A Fabulous Cozy Mystery
Dollycas's Thoughts
In this first Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery, we meet Mackenzie ââ?¬Å"Macââ?¬Â? Almeida, owner of Mac's Bikes in Westham, Massachusetts. Coming home from a meeting of her Cozy Capers Book Group in the heavy miss she trips over something . . . a body . . . handyman Jake Lacey. She couldn't see any wounds or blood, but when the police arrive she sees the knife stuck in his neck. A knife that looks very familiar.
As soon as the Cozy Capers get word about Jake Lacey's murder they decide they can solve it just like the characters in all the books they read. With Mac on the list of suspects along with her brother who is not answering texts or calls she and the Cozy Caper start their investigation. She just hopes they solve it quickly and there is a lot less drama than in the books they read.
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I have wanted to start this series for a long time and am so happy to have finally done so.
Mac runs a bike shop and lives in a tiny house with her African Gray parrot, Belle. Her half-brother, Derrick lives in a lighthouse and works for her. He has a 4-year-old daughter named Cokey. Their dad is a minister and very easygoing. His wife is not the typical pastor's wife, she has her own business as an astrologer. They both help out with Cokey whenever necessary. Gin Malloy is Mac's bestie. She owns Salty Taffy's candy store. They meet up every morning to take a walk and usually listen to the latest book choice for their cozy mystery group, but now all they talk about is the murder. Mac's boyfriend Tim, a retired professor, now owns Greta Grains bakery. Victoria Laitinen is the newly promoted Chief of Police. She and Mac were high school classmates but were not friends. We also meet the rest of the Cozy Capers Book Group, other residents of Westham, and visitors to the town throughout the story. Ms. Day did an excellent job introducing all the characters and they are all unique. Many quickly worked their way into my heart.
The mystery of Jake's death was complex. A lot of people either pass by or come into Mac's Bikes and she was suspicious of many of them. I really enjoyed the way the Cozy Capers pulled their investigative tips, ideas, and techniques from the many cozy mysteries they have read. The author through in plenty of twists and turns and sets up a great showdown. I loved it and was quietly cheering as it ended.
Entangled with, through, and around the main mystery were some emotional, interesting, and entertaining subplots. Some were wrapped up but others will continue into at least the next book and maybe beyond.
The setting of Westham, Massachusetts, a seaside town where tourists flock is a wonderful setting for a cozy mystery series. The author's descriptive writing style certainly brought the community to life.
Murder on Cape Cod is a marvelous debut for this series. With a terrific theme, genuine characters, a delightful setting, and a fabulous mystery it was A Perfect Escape. I can't wait to escape into Book 2, Murder at the Taffy Shop!
