A Charming Cozy Mystery
Dollycas's Thoughts
We return to Charm and things are really happening. Aunt Fran is in the mayor's seat and she is trying to bring more tourists to Charm. There is a surfer competition coming to town and a local drama group is rehearsing a play that will be opening soon. It is after one of these rehearsals that tragedy occurs. A surf pro is found murdered on the beach near the outdoor theatre. It appears the murder weapon is a prop that is used by Everly's friend and hunky EMT Matt in the play. Everly soon learns the two men have a bit of a past and Everly has a hard time after another secret connection is revealed. Evidence aside Everly trusts Matt and knows he had no part in the man's death. This puts her at odds with her new boyfriend Detective Grady Hays who is just following the evidence. Everly receives a few blatant warnings to back off but she is determined to prove Matt's innocence. Having the town's gossip blog weighing in with rumors and innuendo doesn't help. The new fancy teashop down the beach is also a huge distraction for Everly. Can she stay two steps ahead of the killer? Or is she about to make a charming exit from the Sun, the Sand, and the Tea?
You know the characters are strong when you look forward impatiently for the next book in the series and worry about them when you read the new synopsis. That is how I feel about Everly, Clara, Fran, Grady, Denver, Denise, Matt, and even Lou and Maggie. The author has created well-developed characters that continue to surprise me. I am thrilled Grady and Everly are dating, but what about that blasted curse? It is great that Fran is the Mayor but Clara seems a little lonely after the two of them being attached at the hip for years. Matt being wrapped up in a murder when he truly is the sweetest guy. These characters are grown over the course of this series and are some of my cozy favorites. I know from page one that I am going to enjoy whatever adventure they take me on.
The adventure this time was very enticing this time because I wanted answers just as much as Everly. I was concerned by some of the risks she took but that is just who she is. She continually puts the needs of others in front of her own. There were some incredible twists and a surprising secret revealed. I was on the wrong track for most of the book but when we got to the showdown/reveal I swear my heart stopped for a good few beats. To say what happened is shocking is an understatement and I don't want to spoil anything so I'll stop there. Okay, one more thing, there is a cliffhanger, Oh Bree Baker, you are testing me!!
So my virtual vacay to Charm was one heck of a roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it, yes, even the cliffhanger. The beach was delightful, the tea was tasty and as always the residents of Charm, North Carolina made me feel right at home. Oh! and the gift Fran gave Everly was so cool!!
Note- I have heard the next book in this series is scheduled to be the last. I hope the powers that be change their minds because this series is absolutely divine. I recommend reading every book in order to really get to know the people of Charm. The mysteries are awesome too!
