Illegal Harvest: An Up-cycling Mystery Reviewed
(Roni Rainer Mysteries Book 2)
A few months back, I was delighted to review Death Takes A Spin: An Up-cycling Mystery which is the first book in the series. Today I want to introduce you to the second book in this fabulous series by Beverly Owens.
If you have read Death Takes A Spin, you will already be familiar with the main characters in these books. However, if you have not read that book, please allow me to give you a quick list and description of them.
The Characters of Illegal Harvest: An Up-cycling Mystery
Roni Rainer inherited her grandmother's antique store, Revived. In an attempt to keep the store profitable, Roni has started up-cycling (renewing) old decor in order to make it have new appeal. After all, the current generation does not embrace antiques just because they are "antiques".
Her employees definitely help to make the store, and the book, a success. Clay is most often the first employee you would meet if you entered the shop. He is delightfully animated and fun, especially when he encounters a spider. In spite of his fear of spiders, he genuinely cares for his co-worker, Charlotte, his favorite "little spider". Charlotte has an artistic eye for up-cycling, which makes her an invaluable employee. She can simply look at a piece and her mind is flooded with ideas for creating a unique work of art in furnishings and home decor. Her work is extremely popular with customers. There seems to be a touch of romance in the air between Charlotte and CC, a temporary employee who appears to be making a permanent place for himself at the shop.
Valerie is Roni's best friend and divorce attorney. Together they head the committee responsible for the planning and development of the new Beaver Falls skate park. The two friends were appointed by the city benefactor, Willie Smythe, who was murdered in the first book, Death Takes A Spin.
Kitchi is also a very important character in the book. He is Roni's dear friend and "adopted" grandfather who has taught her the ways of his American Indian ancestors. This will prove to be a valuable resource for Roni in the Illegal Harvest plot.
Last, but by no means least, you will also get to know Mitch, a deputy sheriff who recently returned to Beaver Falls. Mitch has long been in love with Roni, but is patiently waiting for her and the right time.
The Illegal Harvest: An Up-cycling Mystery Plot
Illegal Harvest: An Up-cycling Mystery
(Roni Rainer Mysteries)Check PriceStill recovering from the last murder in their small town, Beaver Falls is once again shocked when the body of Mateo Hernandez is discovered. No one can fathom why this young man would be killed. He has certainly never been the cause of any trouble. When a nearly starved and terrified woman shows up in town, she is able to shed light on why Mateo is dead and why she fears for her own life.
Roni finds herself in grave danger when she crosses the path of the murderers. She knows just enough to be suspicious, perhaps even frightened, but not enough to know anything for certain. However, the murderers know she is watching and they warn her to back off. Between her deceptive husband, the warnings from the killers, and her deepest concern for her two daughters, Roni finds little peace. Her normally safe environment has definitely been disrupted.
My Recommendation
The Roni Rainer series is an easy enough read that I won't hesitate to recommend that you read both books in order. The first book in the series does a thorough introduction and develops each character to such a degree that you feel you know them personally. I believe knowing them beforehand will help tremendously when reading the second book, Illegal Harvest.
Both books are spellbinding mysteries that you will definitely want to read! Both books are available in paperback and for Kindles.
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Congratulations to Bev Owens on the publishing of her second book in this fun mystery series. And to Sylvestermouse for this wonderful book review. I look forward to reading both, as I have not yet gotten to the first one. Love reading series in a row - beginning with the first book where one gets to meet the characters. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThese two books will be a perfect add to my reading list. I do love mysteries. Thanks Cynthia, for yet another amazing book review. And, congratulation to Bev Owens for her second book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cynthia, for such an engaging review, and congrats to Bev on her second book!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this review Cynthia! Gosh, your review made me want to read it and I wrote it. Your review also makes me want to get back to working on Book 3. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Bev, that's fantastic. I'll have to add it to my mother's reading list, it sounds like books she'd enjoy. Again, congrats Bev!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Beverly! And thank you for the review Cynthia.
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