loribonesscaswell

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Abby and Marco Salvare are getting all moved in to their new Brandywine home. The neighbors is the subdivision show up at their door with food and invitations to join their book clubs, Their next door neighbor, Theda, has been quite helpful since they started construction. Theda is 60ish and seems to know all about the area and the neighbors. While taking Abby, Marco and of course their dog Seedy on a stroll through the neighborhood they find themselves near the pond that backs up to their lots. Seedy’s snifter is working overtime and he tugs them right over to body floating in the mossy water. Not again! At least the police and the Salvares have worked together before. The problem is the police think their helpful neighbor is the murderer, seems she has a history with the dead man. But Abby’s gut is telling her they are barking up the wrong tree. She is out to dig up the real killer and learn a lot more about her new neighbors.

I love this series. A trip to Bloomers or Down the Hatch is like meeting up with old friends. Abby, Lottie, Grace and Rosa will pull together a fabulous floral arrangement all while you enjoy a cup of tea and a scone. Need something a little harder to drink and a bigger bite to eat, head down the street to Down the Hatch and Marco, Rafe and Gert will serve you up the perfect meal.

Of course, we also have to check in on Abby’s parents, her mom is working on a new project. Marco’s mom is giving him fits because she has a new gentleman friend and Marco just doesn’t like the man. Abby even asks Jillian for help decorating their new home.

Then we meet the new characters. The residents of the Brandywine subdivision and the construction workers and land developer or as I like to call them “the suspects”.

Kate Collins never disappoints. Each new story is as good or better than the last. After 18 books this series is still as fresh as a daisy and going strong. The characters are always genuine, the have flaws and strengths. Some are a little quirkier than others. They all blend together nicely to draw us in to their stories. She gave us another strong mystery to follow which leads to a very exciting ending. Even Marco was doubting Abby’s gut, but she stuck to her convictions.

Awesome characters, a beautiful setting, and a fantastic and well written plot make this a must read!