Nothing Like A Pool Party: The Tuxedo Cat Mysteries

by Jennifer M. Baldwin

Crystal England just wants normalcy. Her world has been turned sideways by a nasty divorce. She's starting over by going back home. With her daughter, Izzie, and her cat, Bonnie Boo, Crystal is working to create a peaceful home and life. But when Bonnie Boo discovers a body in the backyard pool, that dream of normality is shattered. Now, Crystal must discover who the body in her pool is and why that person is there. With the help of her housekeeper, Mrs. Carpenter, and her childhood friend, Tony, Crystal will dive head first into a world of cover ups and murder. Will Bonnie Boo and Crystal be able to unravel this mystery and point the finger (or paw) at the murderer?

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2021

About the author

Jennifer Baldwin (1977- ) was born in Columbus, Ohio , grew up in Philadelphia ,Pennsylvania and moved to Missouri 2002. She has been a summer camp counselor, music teacher, animal assisted therapist, movie extra, daycare teacher, credit card advisor, and distributor for an Mlm company, and a call center representative. But, Mom and author are still the best titles she's ever had. At least until professional Disney guest becomes a thing. Or corgi snuggler.

Reviews

[Tari · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good plot, and the characters were pretty strong. But the dialogue was very stilted and unnatural, since there was a LOT of non-contraction use. That doesn't make for a very smooth read especially when you're trying to imagine these people speaking. Overall, I liked the mystery and the showdown was a good one.

I think my favorite character was Izzie followed closely by Tony. Izzie was super ingenious in helping catch the perp, and Tony was just very sweet--oh and Grams and Pop Pop cracked me up, loved those two. I did appreciate Crystal's sense of humor, but there was just too much mind-wandering and at times, I wasn't sure if it was right now or she was thinking of something that happened six months ago. I guess I'm weird about being used to a more structured timeline in the cozies I read. I might be up for reading the next book when it comes out, but only if the dialogue gets a good edit and receives normal use of contractions.