Looking for a good mystery?
Each book finds someone in the small Maine town dead as one would expect with a mystery book. What is clever is the way that the characters of Sarah, Rose, Liz and Charlotte work together to solve the case. They are not part of the police force in the community but take it upon themselves to find out "who done it". In the case of the first book, they become involved because another friend, Maddie, has been arrested for the dirty deed. Now, the ladies know in their hearts that she could not have possibly harmed the deceased man and they do not feel that the local law enforcement is doing a good enough job in finding the real killer. Maddie, an avid gardener, will not even kill the insects that invade her garden so the women know that if she won't harm a bug, she certainly won't harm a human. The way the women look for clues and find out information is funny at times and really cleverly written. I do not want to spoil the story so I will just tell you that the ending surprised me. The killer was not someone that I suspected at all. It was refreshing to read a mystery that was not predictable.
I mentioned Elvis the cat earlier. Now, one can not really say that he helps the ladies solve the crime but his interactions with the humans are just a wonderful addition to each of the books. Elvis is one smart kitty cat and I love that Sarah talks to him and it seems that he not only understands her but tries to answer her back with specific meows. Ms. Ryan has definitely shared her life with at least one cat because she describes the antics of Elvis so very well. I love my cat but I have to admit that I would really love to have a cat like Elvis. Wait until you find out what his favorite television show is! Oh yes, this cat watches tv and when riding in the car with Sarah appears to be watching the traffic and gives Sarah a stern meow when she runs a yellow light. The stories in all three books could be told without Elvis the cat but the addition of him just makes the stories more endearing and enjoyable to read.
The other two books that have been published as of the date that I am writing this review are:
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Well, Beverly, you have touched me in 3 areas with this delightful review -- I love mysteries, love cats, and love to read. I am most definitely going to acquire and read Ms. Sofie Ryan's books in the very near future. (PS) My black cat's name was 'Spooky'.
ReplyDeleteOh if you had a black cat, I think you will fall in love with Elvis! His antics are both hysterical and endearing.
DeleteThis sounds like such an entertaining book and series! Mystery is not my favorite genre, but your review makes me want to start reading about the highly intelligent cat and his pet. I love that he critiques her driving! It really does sound like a lot of fun even if murder is involved.
ReplyDeleteEven though these are murder mysteries, there is really no violence or gore to them. There are some really funny parts in the stories and these ladies are so like women that I am sure you have known. A real small town flavor to all of them.
DeleteI have owned a black cat and have been regularly visited by more than one. My favorite cat mystery series, the Midnight Louie series, also star a couple of black cats. I'm sure I'd enjoy reading the Second Chance Series -- and especially meeting Elvis.
ReplyDeleteAdded to my "to read" list!
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