Murder in the Art Gallery

Pet Portraits Mystery #1

by Sandi Scott

Georgie Kaye lives every day as if it were a gift, because to her it is. She beat cancer, against all predictions, and is following her life’s dream to draw portraits of the fur babies of the world.

When Georgie and her twin sister Aleta arrive at an art gallery that wants to show Georgie’s work, they schmooze with donors, charm the artists, and overindulge at the sweets table.

Everything is working perfectly in their favor, until an owner of the gallery is killed.

Georgie must help solve the mystery before the opportunity to have her first art show disappears.

Working with Aleta and her detective ex-husband Stan, Georgie sleuths her way to the answers, running into unexpected twists along the way.

This is Book 1 in a brand new series, Pet Portraits Cozy Mysteries, and includes recipes!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Animals, Fiction, Amazon, Art, Contemporary

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2017

About the author

Sandi Scott loves to read and write cozy mysteries that feature pets and french desserts.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Georgie and Aleta are 60-year-old twin sisters. When an art gallery invites Georgie to have a possible showing of her pet portraits, she and her sister attend a showing of another artist’s work to get an idea as to how one would work within the frame of an art gallery. There actually seems to be a lot going on as a dramatic outburst occurs involving a few attendees to liven up what might be an otherwise boring night.Also, the sisters marvel at the variety of delectable desserts which is part of the catered treats. Both twins are foodies that love pastries. On the following morning, the sisters discover that one of the gallery owners has been murdered. They decide that they would like to do a little bit of sleuthing, and needless to say, they experience quite more than they expected. This is a good little narrative with a quick punch, but in mystery novels IMHO, it is unwise for the writer to sacrifice story for pacing and in this novel, I would have liked a little more story. Odd to say that there was insufficient exposition for my taste, but you know that I'm a tell it like it is albeit in my gentle way.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read with funny, entertaining characters, an unusual plot and cats/dogs to boot! So well written with lots of humour, the main characters are warm and memorable and have you glued to the pages. As a bonus there are a few recipes at the back of the book - because these sassy sixty-ers love to eat! I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Chocolatini! I'm off to try one ..... or three. 😜 🍸🍸🍸

I received a free ecopy of this novella directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book and the gifting in no way influences my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artist Georgie Kaye joins her twin sister to investigate the murder of a gallery owner.

Sandi Scott's writing is accomplished, and her story-telling is delightful. I enjoyed the interplay between her twin protagonists who are polar opposites.

A fun read.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cozy mystery with dogs. What could be better?

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

[Kirsten McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy, enjoyable read. A satisfactory ending. Read it in a day. No surprises and very tidy. If you like your protagonists a little older and wiser, then this is the book for you. Lovely references to food, primarily pastries. You won't want to read this on an empty stomach.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twin sisters Georgie and Aleta find trouble when they go to an art gallery. The fun ensues when they try to solve a murder.
This is a clean read but with a few innuendos.
The characters are fun and quirky. The dog is adorable. The writing is well done. Nice quick read.

[Lynne Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the wonderful characters , especially the animals. The storyline was great I enjoyed it very much . It keep me wanting more. I hope to continue reading this series. This is definitely a great cozy mystery that I wish to continue.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Murder in the Art Gallery” earns 5/5 Dynamic Duo Siblings…Fun!

Sisters? That may scream sibling rivalry, but despite being opposites in personality and choices of automobiles, Georgia and her twin Aleta truly work well together especially when enjoying the ‘sweet table’ or when the first body shows up. Sandi Scott has penned a great new series about a pair of sixty-somethings: Georgia Kaye, cancer survivor and budding artist, and Aleta Kaye, detail-oriented retired accountant and along for Georgia’s ride. The story starts with fun banter between the sisters, which weaves through the story, as they arrive at an art gallery evening to connect with gallery owner, Nate Stephenson. He has shown interest in Georgia’s work and in giving her an exhibition. She creates pet portraits (a delightful theme), and when Nate suggests a meeting the next day to go over details for a show, Georgia is all excited and Aleta wants specifics. The two greatly enjoyed the evening’s festivities eating and pocketing marvelous mini desserts, overhearing odd conversations, and meeting partners, angry collectors, and a disgruntled artist. Georgia and Aleta hear complaints about an art critic, learn details about the questionable finances of a collector, see the recluse who lives upstairs make an appearance, and witness a shunned artist’s drunken threats to burn everything to the ground. Is any of that motive? Sure, it is, now…Instead of the meeting Georgia was looking forward to, they are met with an unlocked door, silence, and a dead body. Together with Georgia’s ex-husband/detective, they run around Chicago’s art world to find a killer.

I love this “dynamic duo”! Being a sixty-something myself, it is nice to see women of maturity in lead roles, and desserts for breakfast? Hell, yeah! Who wouldn’t do that? The story was clever and engaging, a short 150 pages, but not short on humor, twists and turns, and a “Wow!” ending that put the girls in jeopardy. The characters, especially Georgia and Aleta, are well-developed, some quirky, and offer something with which for every age can identify. It is the epitome of a ‘cozy mystery’ putting murder on the periphery and focusing more on developing characters, delightful interactions, and exciting predicaments. I enjoyed the dynamic between Georgia and her ex-husband…rekindling? I highly recommend this story, and hope for more books in the future.

"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Laugh out loud cozy mystery with incredibly likable heroines who just happen to be twin sisters in their 60s
One sister, Georgie wants to show her animal paintings at this famous gallery so she and her twin Aleta get into (quietly crash) another artist's showing and meet the gallery co-owner, Nate who sets up an appointment with her to see if he wants to show her paintings. While at the showing, the sisters witness an awful screaming and threatening match between another artist whose work the gallery owner won't show and the gallery owner. The drunk artist yells he will burn down the gallery before he gets taken out. The sisters are very attached to each other but their demeaner is so opposite. The artist sister is flighty and very outgoing ready to dress crazily and take risks while her twin is a retired CPA and much more reserved, but goes along with her sister even to just keep her sister from doing anything too crazy! They come back the next day for the meeting with Nate, the co-owner only to find the door open and Jamal the other co-owner dead on the floor. The detective who is assigned to investigate the death is Stan, Georgie's ex-husband. Georgie is told to stay out of it, but she wants the gallery showing and feels that the only way that will happen is to find out who killed Jamal. And so goes the story....With lots of laughs, crazy antics and the meeting of a new man who seems to take to Georgie. I Loved this book and can't wait to read what Sandi Scott has in store for us next in Book 2! I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series! I LOVED that the sleuths were more "mature" ladies. This was a quick, very enjoyable read full of mystery, suspense, humor and hijinks. The story held my attention from the first page to the last. I am very much looking forward to the next in this series!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy murder mystery that features 60+ twin sisters. It is book one in a new series Pet Portraits Mystery . Georgie and Aleta live side by side in an old Chicago neighborhood and have both lived full lives surviving cancer, divorce and death. Georgie draws pet portraits and visits a gallery opening to talk to the owner about a show. When they find one of the owner's dead they have to work with her ex-husband to solve the murder. I love these two older women and laugh along with them as they enjoy themselves in their new endeavor of crime fighting.

[Jessica Wilhoite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great first in a new cozy series. I really enjoyed the characters and I love the idea of pet portraits. I found it to be a very unique concept. I'm excited to continue this series and see what happens to Georgie and Aleta in book #2!

I voluntarily reviewed this book as it was sent to me by the author.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable storyline and not just because I like female detectives, especially those who are mature. Fast read, sometimes funny, and interesting enough for the reading to continue to the next in series.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, how I love these sisters! So funny and carry on with each other just like sisters should. And the chances they took. Better them than me. I enjoyed reading this book and the characters that made up the story. It was an easy and entertaining read. Check it out.

[JO GIBBS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Display Art and Solve a Murder

This is a delightful read with mystery and humor mixed together. In the middle of the 2020 Covid Pandemic, reading is a great way to cut down on stress and anxiety. A fun, refreshing book is just the ticket.

[Jennifer M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC for an honest review.

🍃.

This story follows 66 year old twins Aleta and Georgie after they stumble upon a murder after a gallery show.
🍃
Aleta and Georgie remind me of Grace and Frankie from the Netflix show! I love their interaction together and their friendship.

🍃
Some of the scene changes were abrupt and jarring in transition. We were given plenty of clues throughout the book and I was able to guess correctly who the murderer was early on, but it was a fun read.

🍃
"I see a black canvas going for over twelve thousand dollars. This is a painting of what your bank account looks like after you but this piece."
🍃
"Are you kidding? I just read in the paper last week some guy killed his best friend because the dude ate the last pork chop. Yes, I do think she would kill over this."

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

kindle freebie from Sandi Scott's mailing list

66-year-old Georgie Kaye, a flamboyant artist, drags her practical twin sister Aleta to an art gallery opening. Sure modern art isn't any more to Georgie's taste than it is to Aleta's, but the gallery owner, Nate Stephenson, wants to talk to Georgie about doing a show of her pet portraits! (Plus they have a sweets table!) The ladies discover that the gallery and owners are not universally liked when a fellow artist makes a scene. There's also a cranky art patron who threatens Georgie and diverts the gallery owner's attention. When the ladies return for Georgie's interview the next morning, they discover Nate's business partner Jamal Landry lying dead on the gallery floor. Georgie's ex-husband is in charge of the investigation and she knows his methodical approach will eventually yield results but the gallery will be closed in the meantime. She's determined to have her show before she dies (she's not planning on it any time soon but you never know). Much to Aleta's dismay, Georgie drags her sister into the investigation, playing detective to solve the mystery before the gallery is permanently closed.

This story is short, light and fluffy. It is a departure for me to read about heroines my mom's age but you would never know Georgie is so old based on her behavior. She's a pistol. Having survived cancer, she's determined to live life to the fullest and that means eating what she wants, wearing what she wants, driving her antique VW Bug (fast) and flirting with men. Her love for her pug Bodhi is obvious, especially at the end when her portraits are finally revealed. I wish I could see them. Bodhi is cute but he isn't in the story much and doesn't do anything to forward events or anything that doesn't involve sleeping, begging for food and being cute. I could relate better to cautious Aleta. Though she's an accountant and I can't do math, her reserved and cautious nature is very much me. She has an excellent, practical mind and looks after her sister. Their relationship is fun and funny. I could have done without the trading of insults but that makes them more realistic.

Secondary characters are Nate and Jamal, the gallery owners. Neither appealed to me. I found them both cocky and insincere. Jamal's dealings with another character are really horrible and made me like him even less. Suspects include Ronan Wells, a drunken artist who makes a scene at the show opening. He is a sad excuse for an artist and a pitiful human. I felt nothing for him. Iris Fitske is a cranky, egotistical art patron. Her interactions with the twins are bizarre and make Iris extremely unlikeable. The final suspect is Laney Chung, a sharp-penned art critic who apparently hates everything shown at Nate and Jamal's gallery. Her story surprised me and I kind of felt bad for her. The story isn't long enough to develop any of these characters.

Family and friends of the twins are going to be recurring characters. I liked Georgie's ex-husband Stan. He's a bit flirtatious and comes on a bit strong but Georgie has a forceful personality and knows he's half joking. They must have been a cute couple in their younger days and I sympathize with the children who felt confused and hurt by their parents' split after 35 years together. Stan's colleague Leto Murphy doesn't get a lot of page time. He seems kind. Emily, Aleta's daughter, has her mother's business mind, aunt's sense of fashion and a sweet tooth to rival her mom and aunt. I liked her a lot and admired her for taking over the business and not wanting to put it in jeopardy. Georgie's new friend Obby made me suspicious. He's new in town, way too friendly and his business dealings seem a bit ruthless. I'm not sure I like him.

The mystery itself was a bit too short. I made my list of suspects and figured out who did it just ahead of Georgie but I wasn't positive. The story ended too quickly. I felt a bit let down that it was so simple. I loved the recipes in the back because I share the twin's sweet tooth! The preview of the second book sounded good but not enough to want to buy it and read it right now. Maybe I can convince my mom to try it.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Art Gallery by Sandi Scott is the first book in her a Pet Portrait Cozy Mystery series. In this book we are introduced to two twin sisters in their mid-60s, Georgie and Aleta Kaye. At the beginning of the story they are heading to the Occhipinti Art Gallery for its first international artist and to meet with the owner. Georgie is also looking forward to the opportunity to potentially having her own art work put on display at the art gallery. While at the event the sisters get more than they bargain for in entertainment when a struggling artist comes in and makes a scene. On his way of being escorted out by security he makes a threat to burn down the gallery. When a dead body turns up the next morning the question of who committed the crime and why shoot to the top of everyone’s minds.
Murder in the Art Gallery is a fun cozy mystery that has some fun twists and more than a couple surprises. Georgie and Aleta are a dynamic duo who you can tell are close and have a good relationship. With Georgie battling and beating cancer their relationship is stronger than ever. Georgie’s ex-husband, Stan, is a detective with the police department. He’s also trying to work his way back into Georgie’s heart after burning out the wanderlust that caused him to leave in the first place. While the list of suspects in the murder isn’t long, putting the pieces together won’t be a total piece of cake.
I have to say, I very much enjoyed the characters in this story. I like a story that keeps me wondering who is guilty of the crime for over half the story, and the author does exactly that. I love the challenge of figuring out who did it before the truth is revealed, and I’m happy to say I did exactly that. I like that the author gives us an engaging description of Georgie’s talents as an artist, and so much more concerning herself as a character. Both she and her sister have such sweet and unique pets, and I love the dynamics between the animals as well.
This book is very well written and enjoyable. For those who are fans of cozy mystery novels, then I think that this will be a book that they want to add to their collection. I like that Stan and Georgie have such an amicable relationship. It’s so refreshing to see that in a story. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The story is light, fun and an easy read. I look forward to reading more stories from this author in the near future.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for an honest Review.

I love this new series! The twin sisters are in their mid 60’s and are delightful. They are so very different but the combination of both of their personalities works well when trying to solve a murder. Georgie is a flamboyant artist who does drawings of animals and drives an old orange VW Bug named Pablo which has squeaky doors. Aleta is a semi-retired accountant who drives a Mercedes. Their fashion styles also reflects their occupations. They are natives of Chicago, the setting of the story.

Georgie is divorced from Stan, a police detective who had a midlife crisis and went out west to prospect for gold. When that didn’t work out for him, he returned to Chicago and his job with the Chicago police. He is now trying to get back with Georgie.

Aleta is a widow with a daughter who now runs her mother’s accounting firm, but has her Aunt Georgie’s fashion sense. She also assists in the investigation.

Aleta and Georgie go to a prestigious art gallery for an opening because the gallery owner tells Georgie he is thinking of giving her her own art exhibit for her animal drawings. Some of their actions at this opening are hilarious if a little cliched. Of course there is a lot of drama at the opening and the owner suggests that she return the next day to discuss her exhibit.

When the sisters return the following day, they find the gallery owner’s business partner murdered. When they dial 911 for the police, Georgie’s ex gets the call.

There are plenty of suspects: the inebriated artist who threatened the owner and everyone at the opening, the art critic who panned every art exhibition at the gallery, the broke socialite who couldn’t pay her gallery bills and lost her status with other galleries as well, or someone else. The gallery is closed until the murder is solved, so Georgie will not get her own exhibit until then.

This means Georgie and Aleta have to solve the murder as fast as possible. The sisters combine their talents to investigate the suspects. Some of Georgie’s antics in her investigation are hilarious.

My only issue with the book is that it ended too abruptly for me. I wanted more! I highly recommend this book and I’m certainly ready for next book in this series!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Art Gallery: Pet Portraits Cozy Mysteries #1 by Sandi Scott

Georgie Kaye and her twin sister Aleta are attending an event at the art gallery so Georgie can talk to the owner about a showing for her pet portraits. While attending the event they meet the owners, art collectors, and other artists. They also witness an interesting scene when a drunk disgruntled artist shows up to tell the owners how he feels about them not showing his work. The next morning when the sisters arrive at the gallery for Georgie’s meeting about her art exhibit they find the dead body of one of the gallery owners. What does this mean for the future of the gallery? For Georgie’s exhibit? Did they meet the killer the night before? Can Georgie help solve the murder without getting herself hurt?

I really enjoyed this book. Twin sisters Georgie and Aleta are complete opposites in personality which helps to bring a realistic sibling relationship to life. The sisters clearly love one another and will do anything for the other however they cannot resist teasing each other when the opportunity presents itself. I can relate to how Aleta worries about how the discovery of a murder victim will affect Georgie’s health. Georgie is a cancer survivor; my mother is a survivor as well and I worry about how things will affect her health. Despite Aleta’s fears Georgie is exactly that a survivor and determined to live her life to the fullest and be herself no matter what others think; I love this about Georgie. Being a pet lover I really liked seeing that Georgie and Aleta both have pets they love like family.

This is a great start to a new series. Author Sandi Scott is great at adding in a few red herrings throughout the story to keep you questioning who the murderer is until the moment she wants to unveil the culprit. This is a well-written, fun, fast-paced story with interesting characters. True to the cozy genre there is no graphic sex, language, or violence in the story. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun new cozy series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

**I was provided with an ARC of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book. I enjoyed the way Sandi portrays the camarderie between the twin sisters, Georgie and Aleta Kaye, without being unneccesarily sloppy. Both sisters keep their individuality throughout the book with a touch of sibling rivalry and humour. Two brilliant characters.

The story revolves around the murder of one of the co-owners of the Occhipinti Art Gallery, Sandi manages to keep the story interesting with additional details surrounding the lives of the people involved including those who are suspect, witnesses and our two older lady investigators.

Sandi manages to show that the lives of the older generations are just as intricate and exciting as those of younger generations and for the Ladies in these books life is very interesting for these two who are very much in their sixties. Their age is secondary and only comes into play when they choose to exploit it and always to their advantage!

A good read with detailed explanations of some of the artwork mentioned within the book including those drawn by the character Georgie whose subject is pets. I liked the detailed depiction of Georgie drawing Bodhi’s portrait which almost allowed me to see the picture forming beneath her pencils. This attention to details features throughout the book which gives a better vision of the writer's work.

The plot is well written and flows through the story in a twisting path to reach its conclusion with a sudden inspired insight and understanding of the reasons as to why the crime had been committed. Brilliant! Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I am so going to like this series if this first novella, Murder in the Art Gallery, is any indication of what’s to come!

Set in Chicago, the story revolves around the 66-year-old twin sisters, Georgie and Aleta Kaye. Georgie, the older, more outgoing, and artistic of the two, has dragged a reluctant (but supportive) Aleta to the opening of a new exhibit of the hot, new Occhipinti Art Gallery. She is actually there to meet the gallery owner, Nate Stephenson, and discuss his interest in exhibiting her pet portrait artwork that he had admired in the neighborhood Earwax Coffeehouse. In addition to scoring some awesome noms at the exhibit, the sisters are front row & center when another local artist crashes the reception and loudly threatens to burn down the gallery and murder the owner’s financial partner, Jamal Landry.

The next day when the sisters return to the gallery to follow up with Nate regarding the details for Georgie’s proposed exhibit, they discover the Jamal’s dead body sprawled in one of the galleries.

I really enjoyed the sisters, their family and friends. The Chicago setting is presented and used so well I was ready to plan a vacation to go see the sights. I particularly enjoyed the back and forth between the sisters and between Georgie and her ex-husband, Police Detective Stan Toon. I was hoping for their collaboration and reconciliation from their first scene together.

I’m definitely looking forward to more titles in this series with more dogs, too. I can recommend this book to mystery readers that enjoy their mysteries on the cozy side and are looking for sleuths on the far side of 40.

[Frank Carver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It's obviously the first of a cozy mystery series, so there was bound to be some character introductions and scene-setting. What I wasn't expecting was that the protagonist would be a sixty-something amateur artist with an eccentric sense of style and her stuffier sister. Unfortunately, though, that was the only captivating part of the story.

There was no real romance element, if you don't count the occasional good-natured banter with an ex-husband, and the mystery plot line was so simple that I was genuinely surprised when the book ended, as I was expecting at least one significant twist. The dialogue between the two sisters was unconvincing and often laced with exposition - there was no spark, no unmentioned history for the reader to unravel, no misunderstanding or real disagreement. Secondary characters were mostly fairly flat, existing only for their place in the story. I didn't have any sense of wanting to read their stories.

There was also a lack of editing and proofreading. I could spot the traces of find and replace throughout the book. The two sisters are named "Georgie" and "Aleta", but I'm guessing that at one point "Georgie" may have been "Georgia", as the name of well-known artist Georgia O'Keefe had been accidentally changed to "Georgie.O'Keefe" Likewise, I feel that Aleta may have had a different name at some point in the story's history, as she is referred to once as "Adele".

On the whole I did not find this a strong example of the cozy mystery genre. A good idea let down a bit by the writing

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read.
The characters were unique. I liked the banter between the old gals. You could tell they had been fully developed by the way they talked to people. There’s were not cookie cutter characters. I do wish Georgie would have flirted a bit more. She seems like the type who would. They were acting like you expect an amateur sleuth would, flying by the seat of their pants, doing foolish things, thinking outside the box.
There was quite a bit of rehashing when Georgie would bring Aleta up to speed. That is tricky how to do that. I would have liked to see Aleta more involved. Would have given more banter, like in some of the 80s detective shows.
I felt like Nate was a bit cold and boring. Which made for a good contrast, but maybe take it up a notch, a bit more exaggerated, to show that’s the way he was, not that it looked like he wasn’t developed enough, if that’s the case?
I liked the way the ex was treated in the story. It goes to show some people can part ways and still remain decent about it.
The scenery was very well written. Very good descriptions, you could get the feel of what the place was like without it being boring.
I would be willing to read a sequel, and give it another shot, see if the characters grow.
I was given this book in advance for an honest review.

[Trish Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great cozy mystery! The main characters in the book are twin sisters,in their mid 60's, Georgie and Aleta and they had me laughing out loud, they are a hoot! As twins are the same...they are just the opposite and Sandi Scott adds a bit of a romantic tension between Georgie and her ex husband, Stan, who just happens to be a detective that gets involved in their case!

Georgie is a artist who does drawings of animals and Aleta is a semi-retired accoutant, with a daughter her runs her mother's accounting firm. The author describes the daughter, with the same fashion sense as her , Aunt Georgie, which is hilarious. I guarantee you will be laughing out load and will keep the pages turning to find out the different suspects,which there are plenty of who dun it's!

Georgie's antics in her investigation are hilarious! You want to keep reading, so you can read more adventures of these ladies! You can just see that in the future series they will get into and out of a lot of funny situations! I can't wait for another book in the Pet Portraits Mystery in the future!

I received this as an ARC from the author,for an honest review and I know you will enjoy this delightful cozy mystery!

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Great Amateur Crime Hunt By Two Old Sisters"

This is definitely a fun, entertaining story of two 66-year old sisters (one divorced, the other widow), Georgie and Aleta Kay. They are twins and attending an art display at the Occhipinti Art Gallery in the Wicker Park area of Chicago. Georgie is an artist hoping to have her work on the walls of the art gallery. She talked to the manager, Nate Stephensen, and he asks her to drop by the next morning to review her wonderful pet portraits. One man also attending the gathering is Roman Wells who is drunk and falls on the floor before security removes him. He then threatens to burn down the gallery. The next morning as Georgie and Aleta arrive at the gallery for their appointment, the front doors are unlocked. They walk in and discover the body of Jamal, a co-owner of the gallery. Investigator Stan Toon (Georgie's ex-husband) is assigned to the case. He asks Georgie to let the police work the case, but if you know Georgie, she and Aleta are going to hit the trail first. Georgie believes the first suspect to visit is Ronan Wells and goes directly to his apartment. This story is well written and captivating. I loved it and can't wait to read the rest of the books forthcoming in this series.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgie Kaye paints pet portraits and is hoping to get a showing at the Occhipinti Art Gallery. The Gallery is owned and operated by Nate Stephenson, with financial support from his friend, Jamal Landry. At an art showing where Georgie hopes to talk with Nate about her own show, the evening is disrupted by Ronan Wells, an artist who is very drunk and insulting.

Following the disturbance, Georgie makes an appointment with Nate to meet next morning to discuss arrangements to show her art.

When Georgie and her twin sister, Aleta, arrive at the gallery the next morning, they find that Jamal has been murdered. The detective assigned to the case turns out to be Stan Toon, Georgie's ex-husband. Hoping to keep her art showing from being cancelled, Georgie and Aleta start their own investigation.

Who killed Jamal and why? Will Georgie's art showing be cancelled? Can Georgie, Aleta, and Stan solve the unmask the culprit?

As the first book in a new series, Sandi Scott does an excellent job of introducing her characters and giving then unique personalities. The situations are very real and the story has a nice steady pace to it.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Competent start to the series

This is a typical cozy mystery. Twin sisters go sleuthing after they find a body in the art gallery where artist Georgie hopes to show her animal portraits. Yes, a bit far fetched but it's a cozy. The sisters live next door to each other in matching cottages in the Chicago area. Georgie is divorced, Aleta widowed. Why they don't live together is a mystery since they spend so much time together. There isn't much to the mystery - it's a short book - and much of the story involves the sisters eating desserts at their favorite little shops. They must weigh a ton given how much they eat! I mostly enjoyed the book, if just for the descriptions of Chicago, one of my favorite cities, but one thing really bugged me. The sisters are 66 years old, a year younger than I, yet they are referred to numerous times as old fogies and they act sometimes like they are old fogies. I don't consider myself old and wouldn't act like they do. Plus they too often are described as giggling a question or answer. Hopefully the author improved on this aspect in the later books in the series. I liked the book enough to want to read the second in the series.

[Marja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit that I didn't anticipate much from this book. I picked it because I needed to read a book with female protagonist over 60 years old for a reading challenge. This fit the bill and was free on kindle at the time. This wasn't a very long book either. The cozy mystery freebies I have read have been pretty terrible, hence my low expectations. Surprisingly, this wasn't so bad. The writing was competent, the characters were decently developed and reasonable and the plot wasn't over the top unrealistic. I actually liked Aleta better than Georgie. I found her more relatable. This pair of older twin ladies sleuthing together was enjoyable nonetheless.

Some complaints, though, the pets didn't play particularly big role in this book and there was a bit of a slut-shaming going on, which was sort of unexpected.

All in all, a pleasant if not particularly memorable read with no hassle and quite a lot pastry eating. Cozy mystery isn't probably my genre of choice most of the time, because I like my mysteries more mysterious, dark and gritty, but as far as I can tell there are worse books than this.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was everything I want in a cozy!

Georgie and Aleta are twins, 66 years old. When they find one of the owners of the gallery (where Georgie is promised a showing of her pet portraits) dead, they start investigating themselves. Because Georgie doesn’t want her showing cancelled and she doesn’t want to wait for her ex-husband slash police detective Stan to solve the case; he is good but slow. But he can’t know about it, so they have to do it secretly!

Of course, there is quite a bit of sisterly bickering, lovingly so it’s funny. And they are so attuned to one another! But as in synch as they are, they are also very different. Georgie is eccentric, a bit devious at times, and artistic. Aleta is artistically impaired, but she has a good head for business. How they’re not super super fat is anyone’s guess, with the amount of cake and desserts they eat!

I LOVED it, it was everything I want in a cozy! So much fun!!! I would LOVE to see this series continued.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.