A Composition in Murder

A Cherry Tucker Mystery #6

by Larissa Reinhart

“Cherry Tucker is a strong, sassy, Southern sleuth who keeps you on the edge of your seat.” – Tonya Kappes, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Anyone who likes humorous mysteries will also enjoy local author Larissa Reinhart, who captures small town Georgia in the laugh-out-loud escapades of struggling artist Cherry Tucker.” – Fayette Woman Magazine

“The tone of this marvelously cracked book is not unlike Sophie Littlefield’s brilliant A Bad Day for Sorry, as author Reinhart dishes out shovelfuls of ribald humor and mayhem.” – Mystery Scene Magazine (on Portrait of a Dead Guy)

“The hilariously droll Larissa Reinhart cooks up a quirky and entertaining page-turner! This charming mystery is delightfully Southern, surprisingly edgy, and deliciously unpredictable.” – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha Award-Winning Author of Truth Be Told (on Still Life in Brunswick Stew)

“Artist and accidental detective Cherry Tucker goes back to high school and finds plenty of trouble and skeletons…Reinhart's charming, sweet-tea flavored series keeps getting better!” – Gretchen Archer, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Davis Way Crime Caper Series (on Death in Perspective)

At Halo House, Cherry Tucker finds the tea deadly sweet…

With a new art teaching gig at Halo House—Halo, Georgia’s posh independent living home—and Halo society scrutinizing her family and her love life, Cherry Tucker needs to stay out of trouble. However, her sleuthing skills are sought out by Halo House’s most famous resident: Belvia Brakeman, the ninety-year-old, blind CEO and founder of Meemaw’s Tea. Belvia confides in Cherry that the family tea empire is in jeopardy. The CEO suspects her daughter, the COO, has been murdered and she might be next. Her offer is hard to refuse, but will have Cherry treading on Forks County Sheriff toes, namely her personal Deputy Heartache, Luke Harper.

Amid her town troubles, can Cherry put her reputation, romance, and life on the line for the final request of a sweet tea tycoon? While she juggles senior citizen shenanigans, small-town politics, and corporate family scandals, Cherry finds the sweet tea business cutthroat in more ways than one.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Cozy, Whodunit, Southern, Murder Mystery

293 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2016

About the author

A Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author, Larissa loves to tell funny, sweet stories about sassy Southern women looking for love (and sometimes dead bodies) in all the wrong places, like in her award-winning Cherry Tucker Mystery, Maizie Albright Star Detective, and/or Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. You might have seen Larissa and her family with their little dog, Biscuit, on HGTV's House Hunters International "Living for the Weekend in Nagoya" episode. They’re back in Georgia where Biscuit has a bigger yard but now has to live with thunderstorms.
Check out LarissaReinhart.com to learn more and get a free story while you're visiting.

Her books have been chosen as book club picks by Woman's World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews. They've also been finalists for Georgia Author of the Year, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, The Emily Award, and Dixie Kane Memorial. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.

Cherry Tucker Mysteries (in order):

A CHRISTMAS QUICK SKETCH (prequel)
PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY
STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW
HIJACK IN ABSTRACT
DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE
THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE
THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE
A COMPOSITION IN MURDER
A VIEW TO A CHILL
A MOTHERLODE OF TROUBLE

Maizie Albright Star Detective series in order:

15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS (coming soon!)
20 CARATS

Finley Goodhart Crime Capers in order:

PIG’N A POKE (prequel short story for Larissa's subscribers)
THE CUPID CAPER

Reviews

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A Composition in Murder is a cute, light read. I picked up the story in the middle of the series which put me at a disadvantage because I didn’t have the backstory on the characters. This matters more in some series than in others; it did seem to matter here - I had a harder time figuring out the relationships, etc.

I enjoyed the main character Cherry Tucker, and the scrapes she puts and finds herself in. I don’t think I am the target audience for this type of mystery, but it was entertaining to read. Thanks to Henery Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Cherry Tucker series. She is such a quirky character. She is always finding herself in trouble somehow, someway. I can't believe her marriage to Todd lasted one whole day. And her never ending feud with Shawna Branson (daughter to the wealthiest man in the county) that has lasted since the fourth grade is always HIlarious.

However, the best part, by far is the fact that I won a contest to be a character in this book. Yes, I am the manager of the Halo House Retirement Home. HA!! My friends who are all younger than me are getting a great big kick out of that one. As they already call my house, which I live with a male roommate who is nine years older, Shady Pines. So, Larissa, you couldn't have picked a better character for me.

As far as this book goes, yes Cherry goes out of her way to stay out of trouble which can only mean one thing. Trouble is left, safe is right. Cherry goes left. This has one has her trying to figure out a triple murder and also why this gang banger looking grandson of a super wealthy woman from the retirement home is harassing the residents. The triple murders all include family members of Belvia Brakeman who owns Meemaw's Tea Company which is worth megabucks. So there's lots of reasons and lots of suspects to kill these poor elderly women. And Cherry with her big heart is not giving up no matter what the Sheriff says until she finds the killer. No matter how many bullets or cars she has to dodge.

The characters (throat clearing) are very well developed. Seriously, the Cherry Tucker series is easily one of the most entertaining series I've read. She's a country girl with a big ole heart, loves to embellish her wardrobe and I secretly think she only shops at Walmart. Very entertaining and an enjoyable read.

Huge thanks to Henery Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for an honest review. These are my words and I was not paid or coerced. I may have gone a little overboard about winning the contest, but it's not everyday you see your name as a character in a book, but I have been a Cherry Tucker fan since Book #1.

[Terri Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of A Composition in Murder. First of all, I love the Cherry Tucker series. Not only is she a nosy painter with money problems and a unique fashion sense, she's a character with humor and depth.

Cherry Tucker is in love with a Sheriff's deputy and a member of town's shiniest families, the Bransons. Cherry's family has a more checkered history, and since Cherry gets into all sorts of trouble on the daily, the Bransons aren't looking to add Cherry to their family tree. So Cherry does what she does best--delves into a mystery. This time, it's a nursing home with a whole slew of senior suspects. As Cherry hunts down clues, she must finally face the fears that plague her personal life.

Witty, clever, and full of delightful characters that kept me entertained until the last page.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Composition In Murder is the sixth book in the entertaining Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. Written in the first person narrative, the reader is transported back to Halo, Georgia, for the latest investigative adventure of struggling artist Cherry Tucker.

Cherry Tucker sure has a knack for getting into trouble, and in this latest installment of her quirky adventures, Cherry is teaching art classes at Halo House, an upscale independent living center, when ninety-year-old resident Belvia Brakeman, CEO and founder of Meemaw's Tea, requests that Cherry
investigate the murder of her daughter Della. Cherry delves into the investigation, which leads to a series of murders, small town politics, family scandals, and danger lurking around every corner! And if that isn't enough, Cherry's love life is a mess because her amateur sleuthing is stepping on her boyfriend, Forks County Sheriffs Deputy Luke Harper's toes! Can Cherry and her motley crew solve the sweet tea murders?

This was such a fun whodunit to read, it had a great mixture of mystery, romance and humor. I easily found myself entertained by Cherry's craziness and her madcap investigative adventures. From Cherry's dysfunctional family, to her ongoing romantic issues, to her amateur sleuthing skills, this sassy southern lady's antics kept me entertained and laughing as I followed her quest to solve the latest murder case.

With a zany cast of characters (many who return from the previous books in the series) who keep the reader in stitches with their witty dialogue and hilarious interactions; a storyline filled with enough drama, suspense and twist and turns that keeps the reader guessing; and a richly detailed setting that transports the reader to a quirky Southern small town; A Composition In Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery interwoven with Southern charm and humor that leaves you wanting to go on more crazy adventures with sassy Cherry Tucker!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Angie Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I received this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. (I actually stalked Netgalley waiting for it) Ok, now that that is finished, I can say WOW!!!!! I believe this is my favorite Cherry book yet!!! I really enjoyed this book, it was full of humor, action, and suspense. You don't have to have read any of the books in this series, but I highly recommend it just because they are freaking awesome!! Composition left me feeling extremely inpatient for the next book. As usual, poor Cherry just cannot escape her wrong place, wrong time persona. She has this dead body magnet, that makes me wonder if she is destined to go crazy in a lock her up in a padded room way. It starts out where Cherry is at her new job teaching art at a Retirement/5 star hotel. I instantly fell in love with her new group of friends. She gets requested to join a filthy rich resident in her room to witness the signing of an updated will. This ends up with her finding the body of said resident which starts a ball rolling of murder and mayhem. All in all the book was hilarious. I have to put my two cents in about a certain ex/roommate/bestie. I am super disappointed in Todd!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to reach into the book, and thump him in the head!!!! Luke, is baffling to me, as I feel he has a hidden agenda, or is going to break Cherry's heart. However, the ending of this book left open some exciting possibilities for book 7. I hope there are 100 books to come in this series, I can't wait!! I did really miss Max in this book, and hope he returns, while also including Cherry's new hijinks buddies from the retirement home. I think everyone should have Cherry in their lives!!!!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star review A Composition in Murder (A Cherry Tucker Mystery #7) by Larissa Reinhart

Audio Review:

This is book seven in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series but can easily be listened to as a standalone. Cherry is an artist is now teaching art at Halo House in Georgia.

When Belvia Brakeman, the blind CEO and founder of Meemaw’s Tea comes to Cherry for help believing that her daughter has been murdered, Cherry knows that life is about to get complicated again. Cherry knows that investigation will not be a popular decision with
Deputy Luke Harper.

The characters are quirky and the situations they find themselves in make for some dangerous and at times amusing moments. There were numerous twists and turns and I was surprised on occasions.

Joan Dukore’s narration brought this story to life for me. She did justice to the characters and her southern drawl is well suited to the characters and the story.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. Why? It had a lot of action, intrigue, mystery, easy to read and was a page turner. I loved this book so much I think I may be hooked on the series.
I liked how Cherry Tucker used her sleuthing skills no matter how dangerous and crazy they might be.
I highly recommend this book and will read again.

[Elizabeth Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the Cherry Tucker books, and this latest is no exception, not least because I love Cherry herself. She is a tiny, blonde Southern gal with an art degree, a wardrobe that would belie that fact, and a very vocal tummy that, when empty, startles animals and people alike. Her family are just as colorful, although they seem better able to stay out of trouble. Cherry has a special talent for recognizing when a crime has been committed and the ability to ferret out the clues to solve it. In this case, her skills are requested by the wealthy, blind founder and CEO of a local, very successful tea company who lives in the posh retirement center where Cherry teaches art, and who is expecting to name her successor, when her daughter dies what she believes to be a suspicious death. The mystery Cherry takes on is satisfyingly complex with many layers, and the action is genuinely scary. The books in this series are always truly funny ("My life was like goose-slicked grass . . ."), the mysteries are never facile, the characters are colorful but real, and the steam between Cherry and her policeman boyfriend is also quite real (without getting smarmy). I love them all, and this one definitely is one of the very best.

I received this book free in the Kindle format from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the characters in A Composition in Murder. Cherry is so awesome in the way she faces adversity and stands up for others. Part of her tendency to get involved in situation that cause her problems is from curiosity, but for the most part she is trying to help someone else or to stand for her personal sense of justice. Life has never been fair to her and she doesn't expect that to change but she sees no reason to just accept that bad things happen. She will probably be battling someone to her last breath. Luke is afraid that if she doesn't learn to think with her head more than with her heart that her last day may come much sooner that he is prepared for.

Since her life long nemesis has force her to close her art studio in her home, Cherry is teaching art lessons at am upscale independent and assisted living facility. One of the big names in town asks for her help and offers the one thing that Cherry can not refuse shortly before dying. Even though the older woman can no longer fulfill her part of the deal, the artist takes the woman's request to heart and determines to find the person who may have already murdered twice.
The residence of the facility are so fun and Cherry falls for many of them. That caring leads her into another mystery that may or may not connect to the murders. It is a good thing her teaching schedule is light!

I requested an advanced reader's copy of this book from NetGalley. I reviewed this book voluntarily as I do all books that I love.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book]

"Everyone and everything I held dear seemed to be slipping away. "

Cherry Tucker is teaching drawing at the high end senior living community. Witnessing a new will for Belvia Brakeman who ran Meemaw's Sweet Tea from her apartment in the complex. However, Belvia wants more than Cherry's signature. She wants her to vett the rest of those who sit on the board. There are those on the expanded board who want to take the company public. However, 90 year old Belvia wants the family to hold control.

Belvia's oldest daughter was killed jogging. Question is, was it an accident? As it is, a domino effect begins and Cherry feels obligated to finish what she was hired to do on top of her usual teaching duties. It is to her credit, as well as her detriment that  some of her students at the Home minor in gossip, and help her fill in the blanks, as do her usual crew of ex husband Todd  and "secret boyfriend" Deputy Luke.

Leave it to Cherry to have a secondary situation with her brother and a misunderstanding that exploded into a jail sentence that might cost her home.

I love the series. However those new to them might get lost until you sort out the cast of characters. Leave it to Larissa to weave today's headlines into this mixture of sweet tea and murder that entertains and informs in a funky tribute to family. A laugh out loud series continues to evolve as we wonder what'll be her next adventure.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amusing cozy is an outstanding read. This fast moving story will keep you enthralled. Cherry Tucker life is still in chaos and it hard to believe her life can get any worse. To please her Uncle Will, Cherry has taken a job as an art instructor in Halo House, a retirement home. At the home, she is a witnessed to Belvia Brakeman's new will. Belvia asked Cherry to find out her murder her daughter and promised she would help with Cody's problems. Belvia is a ninety-year-old COE of a family-owned Sweet Tea Company. In exploring this mystery Cherry will find politics, greed, toy husbands, jealousy, and drugs. The twists and turns will have Cherry running for her life. Will Cherry solved the difficulty before the drug gang takes her life. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinion stated is my own. Disclosed in accordance with FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255.
What a great series. Each book can be read as a standalone but it is so much more fun to read them all.
In this book Cherry is an art instructor at Halo House, a retirement center where the residents are more interested in gossip than painting.
Cherry is asked to witness the signing of Belvia Brakeman's will, shortly after her daughter's mysterious death. Soon, Belvia is discovered dead, and Cherry feels compelled to find the killer.
Along with the regular crew, Luke, her deputy boyfriend and Todd, her ex-husband and roommate, Cherry delves into the murders.
Well-written, witty and engaging, with a super plot, this book will keep you turning pages till the end and hoping for a new installment soon.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry Tucker, art teacher at a senior living facility, finds herself working quid pro quo to find out who ran over Della Brakeman. Della is the daughter of senior resident Belvia Brakemam who is a wealthy CEO of the family's tea business. Did Della's death have anything to do with the fact she was about to take over as CEO of Meemaw's Tea Factory or was it because there was a rival company that wanted to buy out the shareholders? Cherry needs to figure it out quickly so that Belvia will supply financial support so her brother can clear himself from false kidnapping charges.

This well developed story is full of mystery and humor. It is the 6th book in A Cherry Tucker Mystery series but could be read as a stand alone.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just because you are white trash doesn't mean you have no value. Being suspicious and nosy can often be admirable qualities. I would prefer to have Cherry Tucker on my side rather than against me.

Fast paced and full of outrageous southern expressionism this is one mystery that will take you in many directions. Talk about dysfunctional families, add in a few distant relations and some good for nothing spouses... and then there is the greed factor.

This senior living facility sees more action and cover-ups than most college dorms.
This is one series I suggest you pay full attention to while watching your back as you read.
This book is full fledged adventure and mystery as a stand alone.

I did accept this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Martha Countryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. A Composition in Murder is another hit for Larissa Reinhart! Her Cherry Tucker character makes friends this time with residents at Halo House, an upscale senior living facility where she is teaching art classes. Her involvement with Belvia Brakeman, the CEO of Meemaw's Tea, gets her involved with one murder after another along with conflicts in her love life and taking on drug dealers on the side. Plenty of hijinks to keep your attention! Couldn't put it down-finished in a little over a day!I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, but my opinions are my own. I love Cherry Tucker more with each book. I can so picture the happenings in this book. She can certainly get herself in some situations, sometimes without even trying. In this book she is in the company of the older generation. Oh my gosh, they are a hoot at times! Art or Yoga, what a way to make a decision as to which class to attend! I love how her reputation preceeds her with people she has never met before. Hmmm, is this good or bad? These stories have mystery, romance and comic relief in them. I think you will enjoy the good and bad people of Halo, Georgia. I hope you give them a read!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Southern Cozy!

Cherry Tucker is a great character. She's strong & sassy. Boyfriend Luke describes her best: "Your judgment's sometimes misguided & your quest for justice stronger than your common sense, but you always do the right thing." This time around poor Cherry gets herself mixed up in multiple murders, drugs, & lots of family secrets. There's lots of laughs, & enough twists & turns to keep the story really interesting. Larissa Reinhart never fails to entertain!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry is a fun, interesting character with developed characters throughout. The plot is interesting and made sense at the end. Best of all the author's voice is fabulous. Every character individual and Cherry's southern sensibilities (including speech pattern) authentic. Looking forward to her next adventure

[Brooke Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it’s just me, but as a series progresses, especially cozies, I start to worry. Often the characters fall into a rut based on what worked before and what was once loved becomes stagnate. Do I really need 18+ books with a 30 something woman playing hot potato with two men? Nooooooope.

The great news is Cherry doesn’t follow in other more famous footsteps that jumped off a cliff over a shark and wound up in La-La Land. There’s resolution! Progress! Holy shit, I can’t wait for the next one!

Mainly, it’s in regards to the romance. Todd starts dating someone, Cherry struggles but deals with it so it’s not drawn out stupidity. Her and Luke actually talk about their problems head on and come to an understanding. It’s not all wrapped up in a bow and there’s more to smooth out but I am fucking ecstatic right now, ya’ll have no idea. I was getting worried and frustrated around 50% - 75% of the way through, but if you can make it, the payoff is worth it.

Mysteries are great, but characters are the bedrock. I’ll put up with a disappointing mystery for the characters, not (usually) the other way around.

The good news is this mystery is a lot of fun with many players and pieces to put together. I did think at times it was stretched and Cherry was over the top. How did she not immediately get identified and in trouble of breaking that window? And she was surprised that it hurt?!?

I did call out the culprit about 75% through and Cherry’s stubborn denial at first did bother me, though she has reasons for doing so. We just weren’t on the same page as I already knew who, just not the why’s. I loved finding out that information in the showdown and wrap up.

Anyways, besides brief moments of her panicking into foolish territory and wondering how she functions as an adult, it was a great ride. Cherry kicking it with the seniors was a hoot. I love how she found her elderly counterpart in Ada – hilariously sassy, stubborn, loyal, and too much trouble.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but as I love the series of wasn't a total surprise. What was a surprise was how much trouble Cherry could get into...well okay that wasn't a surprise either but that's why we love her. This is book seven in the series and I would recommend you read or listen to the books in order, as there is along running feud that has Cherry chasing her tail and it means more if you know the history. It's not totally necessary too, though as it does work as a standalone with the mystery nicely wrapped up. The mystery was good. I had picked up on the clue telling me who the killer was but it was fun listening to Cherry come to the same conclusion and deal with the elderly residents. I love the characters who are quirky and Cherry despite always finding trouble is very capable and caring. I can't wait to join her on her next adventure.
Her new job as an art teacher at the local independent living home, has Cherry doing things she has never done before. Like witnessing the signing of a will by a blind ninety year old woman. It seems the founder of Meemaw’s Tea and still acting head of the company,has a more important job for Cherry in mind. Her daughter was killed in a hit and run accident and she wants Cherry to find who was responsible for her murder to make sure her company is in good hands and not the hands of a killer. Cherry has no intention of investigating a police matter but Belvia offers her the one thing she can't refuse, to help her brother and Cherry will do anything to help family. Before Cherry can get to far looking into the tea company, there is another death and even the residents of the home close ranks making it hard for Cherry. Can she keep her promise and find the killer, even if doing so means she causes waves that could blow back on her family?
I like the narrator. She helps to bring the characters to life and makes them easy to picture.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review w

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Tucker was a great painter but was having money issues and boyfriend dilemma. One day, the famous and wealthy matriarch, Belka Brakeman, who was also blind and ailing, requested Cherry’s services regarding her last will and testament, but Cherry suspected something else was amiss. A few days later, Belka was found dead after her daughter was hit and ran. Talk about highly coincidental occurrences.

Cherry’s love life was also on the bend, as she got involved with the enemy family. Luke, the sheriff was a Branson, and his family had put her brother in jail after an altercation with an ex-girlfriend. As much as I wanted Cherry and Luke together, the complications of their relationship always put me on edge.

And when a triple-death / murder shook the community, nosy Cherry could no longer keep still and she knew she must solve the crime, by hook or by crook, with or without the Sheriff.

When you have read a series of mysteries in a row, you start to get nosy, you suspect everyone around you, you think like a detective, and you shoot people one by one. Okay, not the last one, obviously.

Like in the past, I have had a lot of guesses as to who had done the crime or murders in the book. This time, I was able to narrow my suspects into three, but still, in the end, my hunch was incorrect. Cherry Tucker was a delight to read. She oozes with charm, sensuality, artistic personality and one heck of a trouble maker. The ending was left open for a possible book 7 and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cherry Tucker Mystery Series is one of my absolute favorites. Cherry reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum before 20 + books took the wind out of her sails.

This is the 6th book in the series and everything is still fresh and fun. In fact, I'd say that the books actually get better as they go on.

Cherry is working at Halo House in this book, a high class independent living facility and the CEO gives her an offer she can't refuse to solve a mystery. Enter Luke Harper who is a quasi love interest of Cherry's and Todd who is her ex-husband who is now dating her nemesis Shawna who happens to have her brother in prison for kidnapping.

The mystery involves Belvia Brakeman a woman who owns a huge tea empire. Her daughter was killed in what looks like a hit and run, but Belvia doesn't believe that and she enlists Cherry's help to find out what happened, only she ends up dead too.

The mixture of craziness in Cherry's personal life and her professional life is really hilarious at times. The fact that her personal life and the mystery get mixed up together makes things even better, especially with the Halo House residents. There's something going on with them that isn't quite right.

The subplots in this book were fantastic and it really kept you guessing. Larissa has been very good at keeping you in suspense about the killer until the very end, and this book was no different. I was totally surprised at how things worked out.

This book is a great addition to the series, I hope we have loads more Cherry Tucker adventures to look forward too.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Tucker is quite intrigued when the Tea Queen, Belina Brakema (Battle-Axe for friends) asks her help to keep an eye on her co-workers while the police investigate her daughter's suspicious death.
The Della Brakeman's death turns into a murder while Cherry is wrapped with drug dealers, gangs and death bodies! What kind of work has been Cherry involved this time?!
I am not sure if you know Cherry Tucker's story, but right now her life is a mess. Her brother is in prison, her ex-husband is flirting with the enemy and she has an affair with the son of the rival family... she just needs three deaths and someone trying to kill her to make her life easier, don't you think?
This book is full of deceit and entanglements with no one to trust!
This is the 6th book of the Cherry Tucker Mystery, but you could read it as standalone if you want. But there are so many fires burning in this book that you will want to know how they started!
I liked how Cherry always respects the older people and never doubt of them. I think we all should learn how Cherry treat the elder, they have faults but they are persons too and they deserve esteem.
This is a cozy mystery but I can assure you that there will be blood, gangs and some surprises waiting for you inside this book! ;)
Larissa Reinhart has created the perfect heroine; stubborn, brave and with a big heart, the perfect friend and neighbour we always wanted!
Do you like tea?

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Cherry Tucker who as anyone whose read the Cherry Tucker Mysteries knows has crazy things happen all the time. This time Cherry gets tasked with witnessing a will. The following day when she arrives at Halo House she gets called back to Belvia Braeman who wants Cherry's non-painting skills. A lot of weird things are going on Belvia's daughter died but of course Belvia thinks there is something more to it. Who killed Belvia's daughter and is the killer on a murder spree? Then of course there is the really crazy old timers at Halo House who definitely need Halo's to keep them more innocent then they appear!

I love Cherry Tucker, her friends and family they are so passionate and caring well unless you are a Branson. Of course in Cherry's case that is difficult as she is dating Deputy Luke Harper a step-Branson. Which only adds to the situation in this book, between solving the mystery and trying to save her brother Cody who made a dumb mistake and sits in jail for it. Can Cherry save her little brother or are the Branson going to win? I mean seriously some of this stuff is so crazy but a good crazy that always drags me back to Cherry's world to see what is going on now! Can't wait to see what is next for Cherry, and her friends and family!

[Niyati Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happened to read Book 6 of the series because I opted for this on NetGalley and didn't realize it. For some reason, I thought this was Book 1 in the series.

Anyhow, this was actually a nice mystery. What complicated this was Cherry's personal life. That completely overshadowed the mystery plot. And towards the end, things started happening so fast and there wasn't enough explanation for anything, including the final murderer, there just wasn't enough time. It felt rushed and it just messed up the whole book for me, I'm sorry.

Cherry seems to be such a nice character, but it was a mistake to read Book 6 without reading the first 5 books. In some books, the author does a great job of making sure the reader doesn't find out the difference, but here, I felt a huge amount of information that I didn't have because I hadn't read the earlier books in the series.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just doing my job

As with every book by Larissa Reinhart I am immediately drawn in to the latest "odd things that just kind of happen" to her characters. Cherry wins the prize for becoming entangled with odd and dangerous people in Halo, Georgia. The characters, plot and setting are the perfect background for the twisty stories being told. There's something everyone can enjoy about the simple girl who fights for her place in a world that isn't always kind to her. Can't wait for the story to continue!

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun humirous Southern Cozy Mystery

A Composition in Murder: A southern Humorous Mystery is the fun 7th book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series by Larissa Reinhart. This is a fun series with family, friendship, humor, romance and lots of action! The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing. Cherry is teaching art classes at Halo House senior living. She is asked to go to Belvia Brakeman's apartment to witness the signing of a new will. Belvia is impressed with Cherry and wants her to look into her daughter's recent death. Cherry's boyfriend is Deputy Luke Harper. The banter between them is an added bonus. Belvia ends up dead and she is 90 years old but Cherry is suspicious. There is something not right at Halo House and Cherry intends to get to the bottom if it. There is a lot going on which keeps the book interesting! A fun cozy mystery! I got the ebook from Kindle Unlimited and received a free audio book copy from Larissa Reinhart for an honest review. The audiobook narrator Joan Dukore does a great job and really brings the characters to life! It is great to switch back and forth between the ebook and audiobook. Both the ebook and audiobook are fun and enjoyable! #ACompositionInMurder. #ACherryTuckerMystery #PastPerfectPress.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series with Cherry being both parts fascinating and frustrating. Sadly, much of Halo was reminiscent of a place near and dear ...almost disturbingly so. Fortunately I am no Cherry soni had a much different small town experience, though the author caught the southern quirks quite well.

[Marianne McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vegas

Cherry Tucker manages once again, to get herself involved in another situation where her talents get her in trouble. You'll laugh, gasp, and find yourself wondering how Cherry is going to get out of trouble with her amateur sleuthing skills this time.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, mayhem and drugs

Cherry Tucker is in the middle of it again. Will she lose everything? Her brother is in jail, things are off with Like and Todd. It is driving me crazy and I still read it.