Setting - The small town of Starport Cove,
a suburb of the town called Bluffington Hills
Independently Published
Publication Date: December 15, 2023
Paperback page count: 151 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8872006169 / Digital ASIN: B0CQGQG2PH
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4 stars!
After the first book in author Maryann Shanesy’s Pet Momma Cozy Mystery series proved so delightful, I jumped at the chance to read A Ghostly Clue, and I wasn’t disappointed. Familiar faces abound, including Silver the cat, as murder, mayhem, and the presence of a ghostly Civil War-era soldier usher in the holidays in Starport Cove.
When Teresa “Tarsey” Quinston and her best friend, consignment store owner Amanda Worthshire, discover the body of the antique store owner, Milton Cenford, it sets off an odd chain of events all seemingly related to a famous “lost” diary written during the Civil War by one of Starport Cove’s favorite daughters who’d gone on to marry a future president. Rumored to be worth a mint if found, many had searched unsuccessfully for it through the years, including Milton, as it was strongly suspected to have been hidden in the historic old building that had housed his shop. With his death and his antique business soon to go out of business, the vultures were circling. With Detective Joist curiously taking a very low-key role in investigating this murder, Tarsey feels it is up to her to find Milton’s killer and help the ghostly soldier find peace and move on.
I enjoyed the increased emphasis on Tarsey’s empathic ability in this second book and that Silver was consistently featured. Silver’s actions to help rescue a kidnap victim in the previous book are brought back up, and the animal shelter decides to recognize his heroics, much to the chagrin of all involved, when the planned ceremony doesn’t quite come off as planned. There are a couple of very unpleasant outsiders in town, all on hand because of a connection to Milton’s business, and as each stands to profit from his death, they become possible suspects. However, I had no clue (not even a GHOSTLY one) who the responsible party was until the exciting, action-filled reveal.
The author continues to develop the little town of Starport Cove with fun holiday decorations and activities, recurring characters, and vivid descriptions of Main Street and its charming and quaint small businesses. We even learn a little bit more about the civic organizations in town. Thankfully, the local HOA keeps to themselves this go-round.
I recommend A GHOSTLY CLUE to cozy mystery readers who enjoy
smart, engaging cat sidekicks and a touch of the paranormal in their stories.
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