Murder in a Basket (an India Hayes Mystery) by Amanda Flower
Publisher:Â Five Star (February 8 2012)Â
Source:Â Author
Formats Available:Â Hardcover
Format Read:Â ARC
Synopsis from Goodreads: College librarian India Hayes thought the worst thing about the Stripling Founders’ Festival was her pink gingham pioneer dress until she discovered the body of a free-spirited basket weaver on the festival grounds. The basket weaver leaves behind an angry blacksmith husband, a confused adopted son, greedy siblings, a dysfunctional artists’ co-op, and a labradoodle with a two-million-dollar trust in his name. Despite the wrath of her college’s provost and protests by handsome police detective Rick Mains, India finds herself playing sleuth as well as foster-owner to the two-million-dollar dog. With her own eccentric family commenting from the sidelines and her Irish-centric landlady as volunteer sidekick, India must discover the truth before she has a permanent canine houseguest or ends up the next victim in the basket weaver’s murder.
My thoughts:Â Lately I’ve been craving lighter reads. I am rapidly becoming a fan of the cozy mystery. They are light enough to have the entertainment value that one craves from chick lit, yet they engage the mind as you try to determine who the culprit is.
As the second India Hayes book there were a few references made to the first one. Since I hadn’t read it I had to infer certain things, but I don’t think that affected my overall enjoyment of this installment. I do want to go back and read it.
India Hayes is a quirky yet lovable character. She’s working as a librarian but really would like to be an artist. Like many of our favorite sleuths, India finds herself in some rather precarious positions. Based on the title, you knew who was going to be the victim. Flower manages to weave a fantastic tale around the back story of all of the players. Only two of which India knows prior to the murder.
In addition to India there are several other characters that you could almost consider her sidekicks which make the story that much more humorous. My favorite of course is her landlady who helps her investigate the “case”.
If you are looking for a new cozy author to investigate, give Amanda Flower a try.
© 2012, Teresa. All rights reserved.
I too have loved reading cozies this past month. They provide quick and light entertainment, but I also like the little bit of romance. Some have a little more than others. Another cozy mystery author to add to my list. Thanks!