After signing a lucrative deal to remodel Bride’s Bed and Breakfast, island contractor Josie Pigeon thinks her summer is set. And with her upcoming nuptials to Sam Richardson, she’s definitely in the marriage mood–that is, until a series of unfortunate events befalls the construction site.
First, Josie’s wealthy employer hires his inexperienced, twenty-year-old grandson as architect of the project; soon after, the only male member on Josie’s crew is causing problems–romantic as well as professional; and then her insurance company is threatening to cancel coverage for her entire staff. To top it all off, there are rumors that the B&B is haunted, and mannequins are turning up behind the walls of the inn. They appear to be the exploits of a prankster–until a real corpse is found, revealing the sinister handiwork of a cold-blooded killer.
“Valerie Wolzien is a consummate crime writer. Her heroines sparkle as they sift through clues and stir up evidence in the darker, deadly side of suburbia.” –Mary Daheim
Valerie Wolzien is the author of the Susan Henshaw suburban mysteries and the Josie Pigeon seashore mysteries. Ms. Wolzien lives in an old house overlooking the Hudson River. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached online at valerie@wolzien.com.
The story was quite a bit different than the others in this series, the first being a man working with the crew, a crew that did not share the same bonding amongst them as the first books shared. All of them were friendly however and worked together well. Son's appearance in this one gave it a unique flavor. Some odd ball clues with the insurance, a new officer, and the eccentric owners finally tied together by the end. A few fun twists by the end. I have really enjoyed this series.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Like the other Wolzien book I read, I enjoyed this one. Josie Pigeon is a lively and well-developed character. In this one she's remodeling a house with her construction crew and finds a body. There are all kinds of red herrings, but overall it was a satisfying mystery.