Critters and Crimes - A Review

 Review

 

CRITTERS AND CRIMES by Elizabeth Pantley
Book 11 of the Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club Series

It's a very special day for the book club and Frank is especially excited to enter a book world where animals appear to play a major role in the story. Upon their arrival in Rivershade the gang is delighted by the picturesque town.They soon discover they're part of a book club in the story and are surprised that they are already known to the characters. Lillian is the wonderful hostess, but Frank soon discovers he's just a "regular" cat. The book characters can't understand him! Not only that, though Lillian shares her house with lots of animals, she doesn't care for them, they are her husband's, and they aren't speaking either! This has Frank giving the book they're in Zero stars!!! On their second day they go to visit Lillian and discover her standing over her husband's dead body. This must be the murder the gang is here to solve, but it's being treated a natural death. Will the gang discover it's truly murder? If so, who among the characters they just met could have done the dead? Paige, Atticus, Frank, and the rest of the crew will look for clues, enjoy the charming setting, eat lots of snacks, and hopefully solve a murder so that they can return home.

I always enjoy going with the Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club into a new book. The mystery in CRITTERS AND CRIMES is more slow paced than usual. They aren't even sure the body at the start is a murder they're supposed to solve. Most of the characters act guilty and make good suspects, even if they can't figure out a motive at first. Lillian's behavior is decidedly suspicious and as they learn more about Harold, multiple motives start piling up.

Frank had me in stitches when he gave the book zero stars! From the highest expectations to reality. The good news is that Harold's animals grew to trust the book club and...but no spoilers from me. I loved how they finally got involved and helped solve the crime. I think my favorite character in Rivershade was the smallest. It's interesting how the relationship between Paige and Atticus is evolving. Will they become more than friends?

With a slower pace and characters who really care about each other CRITTERS AND CRIMES is a wonderful escape that will make you laugh, then smile, as you enjoy a good puzzle.