Author: Lorraine Bartlett
Genre: Cozy
Reviewed by: Ginger
Status: Completed
Cats?: Yes! Two!
Ginger Says:
A Crafty Killing, the first book in Lorraine Bartlett’s Victoria Square Mystery series, dangles all the right strings for this little kitty. It’s set in a small town, inside a quaint old structure that’s been converted into Artisans Alley—a destination for lovers of arts and crafts. This book's got artists and artisans. It’s got murder.
What else does a cozy mystery need?
Well, CATS, obviously!
And this book’s got not one, but TWO. The main character, Katie, has a cat that never appears “on-screen” but Katie very often thinks to herself that she has no food in the house except kibble for Mason. To me, this suggests Katie cares more for her cat than she does for herself. Now, I’m not saying humans shouldn’t care about their own health and dietary requirements… I’m just saying it’s only right for them to care more about ours.
In addition to this off-screen feline, there’s also a cat who is orphaned when the first murder victim (owner of Artisans Alley) is killed. Katie takes it upon herself to care for poor grieving Della, and I don’t think I’m giving too much away when I say there’s a real payoff to her good nature.
Della is the true star of this book, if you ask me. She shows some true heroics when Katie’s in danger. That said, Katie’s more than worth saving and her modest adventures in this cozy mystery are highly enjoyable. If you love a good cozy—especially one that’s set in a small town and involves artists, baked goods and saving a business on the brink of bankruptcy—I highly recommend A Crafty Killing.
Find A Crafty Killing at Amazon.
Evidence puts Lawson at the scene of the crime. There's a witness. And when the killer calls again, he wants Lawson to play a dangerous game of dares. If he doesn't, incriminating phone records will be sent to the NYPD.