Worst in Snow

Mysteries of Aspen Falls #5

by Elizabeth Penney

The dead of winter may be upon Aspen Falls, Colorado, but the mountain village’s annual Powder Fest boasts plenty of lively events, attracting snow lovers from near and far with a parade through downtown, a dog costume show, a classic ski-and-rifle biathlon, and more. Local veterinarian Dr. Ashley Hart can’t wait to join the fun, but the sudden death of app developer Travis Baker during the Powder Fest parade threatens to put a damper on the festivities—especially when the police determine the raucous young man was murdered. Ashley and her friends, especially Holly and Ryan Kipp, must weather intense questioning from the police because of their proximity to Travis at the time of his death. However, Ashley fears that the detectives are misplacing their scrutiny on Ryan, a college buddy of the victim. Travis rubbed plenty of people the wrong way with his brash manner and underhanded dealings, and Ashley can name several more likely suspects than her best friend’s good-natured husband. Following her instincts, Ashley asks around to uncover means, motives, and opportunities for the cold-blooded crime. However, she experiences more than one close call with danger and realizes her own safety is in peril. With another could-be killer waiting at every turn, Ashley isn’t sure who she can trust outside of her closest friends, yet she remains determined to exonerate Ryan. Can she help get him off the hook for Travis’s murder before she catches her own death?

Genres: Mystery

Hardcover

About the author

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 old houses and gardens, past/present mysteries, and the arts. Maine, where she grew up, England, and Italy are favorite settings.

Elizabeth is the author of several mystery series from St. Martin's as well as over fifty 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.

Reviews

[Laura]

A couple things. The air in Ohio has weight to it compared to the air out west and the actual name is Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

[Victoria Marie Lees]

Worst in Snow by Elizabeth Penney is a delightful cozy mystery with a veterinarian as the amateur detective. The story is set in Aspen Falls near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I love The Rockies. Dr. Ashley Hart is surrounded by park ranger Cole Hawke and other friends who help her be in the right place at the right time. But it is Hart who unravels this mystery.

I enjoy cozies because they are not all blood and guts murders. They are mostly cerebral puzzles. I love searching for clues with the amateur detectives. Penney has created three-dimensional characters and suspects in this novel. She adds tension and danger, but not excessively so. We are in the head of Dr. Hart and see how she connects the pieces of the murder mystery puzzle together. The author also adds a touch of romance between Hart and Hawke, which I enjoyed.

Many dog breeds grace the pages, and friends, in Worst in Snow by Elizabeth Penney. If you like dogs, then this cozy is the novel for you. Enjoy!

[Debra McEathron]

This is a cute cozy mystery about a vet in Colorado that has a great dog and good friends. Her clinic sees all kinds of dogs and the events in town are great. This time they are trying to help out a friend and get shot at and almost caught in an avalanche.

[Theresa Lange]

Cute, quick read..

[Kristen Tarr]

Another crazy adventure with Dr. Hart! From skiing, parades, snow, murder and love…this books got it all!

[f_outdoorreads]

The first time I read this I got some slight second hand embarrassment from the awkward moments between Cole and Ashley, but it was still great. I was very excited about how their relationship was developing!