Travelling to Arizona in the search of the next suspect in the death of their good friend Rose, they find Dakota Longbone, a Native American guide and interpreter from Sedona. Perhaps Dakota is also the culprit who has been trying to thwart the investigation and will stop at nothing to force Emma and Kelly off the trail. Only time will tell.
Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
It was an alright book. At this point in the series, I feel like the books are just chapters in a whole. I know the last book will bill the one with the killer. I am getting annoyed with how much Kelly's eating and Emma's running are discussed. Okay, we get it. They each have a certain character trait. Repeating the same detail does not flesh the character out any further. Move on and tell me something else or, just stop mentioning it. Its not mentioned once each book to remind the reader. It's mentioned through out the book. It's always Kelly that gets hungry and wants to have lunch at lunch time. Crazy Kelly. Emma always runs to clear her head and think things through. Really a work out can help calm you down and settle your nerves? Tell me again when Emma goes for her next run in case I forget.
This was one of the better books in the series. The author included some historic facts wound into the story which I found fascinating. It was set in the southwest and involved a stolen artifact ring as well as other frauds. The owners of Cotton and Grace quilt shop got the DNA evidence early on so the bulk of the book was not about that-thank goodness ! It progressed rather rapidly which I liked, too. I hate it when a book drags on and on and then in the last few pages, the killer is discovered with no hint throughout the book as to who it might be! I may finish this series yet.
So far, this is one of my favorites in this series. The Southerstern culture is a big part of this book and includes some of the Native American traditions and stories. Plus, I liked Aunt Dottie better in this one too. An added murder besides the ongoing one that the girls are trying to solve throughout this series is an added bonus. And I'm still enjoying keeping up with the mystery quilt blocks at the end.
I did not know when I bought this at a secondhand book store in Pflugerville that it was the 7th book in a series, but nevertheless I persevered. Maybe I’ll read 8 and 9 just out of curiosity one day. I kinda wanted there to be a “whaaaat” moment and there wasn’t, but it was cute and cozy and it introduced me to the idea of chicken chili (which I can’t wait to try)