I accidentally started with book two in this series, and once I realized what I’d done, I was already hooked and didn’t want to stop and go back to book one (though you should start there to get acquainted with the cast). It was a pleasure to get the essence of the cozy mystery—an amateur sleuth allied with law enforcement: no onstage violence; a tight-knit community; natural, unforced humor; and strong interpersonal relationships—without cliches or cuteness. The setting at a campground is a change of pace for the genre, with great potential for variety in the series.
The plot is tight and full of surprises. I could only figure out half of whodunnit until a twist near the end revealed the rest. And I loved the characters. They are the lifeblood of the series. The relationships among Corrie and Rick and JD carry a thread of romantic rivalry and competition, and yet the two men with an interest in Corrie respect each other and work well together. There are lighter scenes, such as Corrie’s attempt to aid the investigation by going out to dinner with yet another law enforcement officer. (They dine at a real place that I recognized, the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, which added to the fun.) Overall, though, this is not a comedic type of cozy, but a slice of life, an empathic portrayal of loss, healing, and friendship as well as crime in a small New Mexico town.
*****
Next week, I’ll post my interview with the author. That gives you time to start reading the series! https://www.amymbennettbooks.com/books
Amber Foxx Mysteries 