An AUDIObook review by Jackie Houchin
I enjoyed this cozy, first-in-the-series, mystery set in Alaska. The characters are fun (who wouldn’t love a gal with an orange tabby cat named Benny (Eggs Benedict), three truckers who stop in the diner nicknamed Manny, Moe and Jack, and a policeman named Trooper who has a sweet sense of humor?
Charlie Cooke is the owner of the Bear Claw (as in the breakfast roll) Diner who turns into an amateur sleuth when her head chef is murdered. Early in the book, Charlie argues with her temperamental chef about adding chocolate to their signature Bear Claw recipe. Oliver hotly disagrees and storms out. That’s the last time anyone sees him.
After the body is found – clearly murder – Charlie begs to be allowed to help Trooper find the killer. Her crew at the diner plus Chris, a journalist (and possible romantic interest) are duly sworn in to be deputies, in a solemn/pretend ceremony that Trooper carries off well.
In the rest of the book, it was totally fun to follow her and the others attempt to find the killer. Charlie is really very clever and daring, but she also gets helpful hints via texts from her mother who is on a cruise, but is an avid detective-mystery reader. (Love these characters, like I said!)
The end is suspenseful and, if possible, funny, as the killer puts Charlie’s life at risk. I had an idea who it was before it was revealed, but not until close to the end. Oh, as a bonus, there are recipes at the end!!
I also learned a lot about living in Alaska, dealing with the cold, and some history snuck into the story. (I’m traveling to Alaska soon and I’m reading as many books set there as I can before September. I’m sure glad I picked up this one first.)
The narrator carried off the multiple voices well, and infused even more humor into the story.
5 stars
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Words and Reviews 