April 1, 2012
Thirtysomething reading specialist Lizzie Turner is thrilled to be coordinating a new book group at the home of her beloved older friend Molly. But things go topsy when a strange man wanders inside uninvited, asks to use the phone, and then leaves. He doesn't get far because he has been shot dead in Molly's front yard. The small Alabama town of Ashton Corners is not normally such a hotbed of crime, and the police chief isn't above getting advice from his former high school classmate Lizzie. Meanwhile, someone is stuffing anonymously written chapters of a mystery novel-in-progress in Lizzie's mailbox. She gleans that the manuscript ties in with the recent shooting. Her late father was a journalist, and her own investigative instincts make Lizzie determined to find answers. Danger follows. VERDICT This debut Southern cozy featuring a literacy teacher with an unorthodox book group has an intriguing subplot because of Lizzie's passion for her at-risk students. The historical twist ties in with Lizzie's personal insecurities and makes for an effective sequel lead-in.
Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.