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From the publisher

Certain she’s seen more than enough death for one lifetime, literary agent Allie Cobb is ready to close the book on her amateur sleuthing, even when she learns that an unidentified body has been unearthed in a local state park. But when a worn and haunted-looking woman shows up on her doorstep with a grim story about her young daughter’s disappearance twenty years ago—and the police confirm that the recently discovered body is hers—Allie can’t bear to turn the poor woman away.

Determined to uncover the truth about the young woman’s murder, Allie begins delving into the circumstances of her life and those she knew so many years before. And when she meets powerful resistance from those she questions—many of whom are now trusted leaders in her small, tight-knit community—she’s sure she’s on the right track. But as she narrows down the list of suspects, Allie realizes too late that a cold-blooded killer is dead-set on keeping the secrets of the past buried, and it will take all her wit and cunning to avoid becoming the second young woman to meet an untimely end …

My review of A Deadly Discovery

Never having read the Allie Cobb Mysteries, I was immediately interested in A Deadly Discovery based on a quick read of the first few pages, during which I took an immediate liking to the main character. In the beginning, the writing felt tight and the plot moved quickly. With the character actions described clearly and good dialogue, it felt like we were off to a great start.

The story did slow down, however, near the middle, primarily because the author fell into what I call the cozy-mystery trap—summarizing what’s about to happen in a paragraph before getting into the action or dialogue. A certain amount of this writing style is perfectly normal, and almost unavoidable, but it just became too much of a regular occurrence for my taste. While this won’t bother many cozy fans, who gobble up this style freely, I found it an impediment to moving the story forward.

Overall, the story will appeal to traditional mystery fans thanks to it’s plot, likable protagonist, and smooth dialogue, but the cozy fans are going to love Ursi (the cat), who sometimes steals the show.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

From the publisher of Artistic License to Kill

Artist Amanda Trent, accompanied by her beloved golden retriever Laddie and her persnickety calico cat Mona Lisa, is determined to start a new life after her husband divorces her to marry a younger woman, but it isn’t easy.

After a disastrous interview at the prestigious Roadrunner Gallery in Lonesome Valley, Arizona, far away from her previous home in Kansas City, Amanda’s afraid that she’ll fail at her new career. But her prospects begin to improve when she’s accepted as the newest member of the cooperative gallery.

Then, on her very first day, she discovers Janice, the stern director, has been murdered right in the art gallery, and the Roadrunner’s members, including Amanda herself, become suspects. Which gallery member murdered the unpopular director? Or was the killer an outsider with an ax to grind?

My review

This craft-centric mystery focuses more on the world of crafts than the mystery. If that’s your thing, this is a good fit. Amanda is a likable protagonist. She’s just getting settled in a new place—both personally and professionally. As a result, there’s plenty going on. The story moves quickly, partially because of the writing style and partially because it’s short. At just over 200 pages, Artistic License to Kill is a fast read with little to slow it down.

The dialogue is realistic and descriptions are concise, which made it easy to stay involved in the story. While Amanda was never overly pushy about her sleuthing, she did turn up clues that ultimately led to the killer. I found it a bit difficult to suspend disbelief when Amanda had to escape the killer’s trap, but this fun read moved quickly and kept me entertained until the end.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

Learn more about Paula Darnell at pauladarnellauthor.com.. Do you like author interviews? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.