Like I said, one groovy cat.
Believe it or not, not everyone agrees. Take the chick who lives at the fancy pad next door. Her name is Bea Cartwright and she’s new to the scene here on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. Came from New York, and thinks that gives her the right to tell me where I can go and where I can’t go.
And you know what I mean about "go."
In fact, this Bea chick took the cool chick I live with (her name is Chandra and she does crystal and tarot readings for the tourists) to court along with Kate, the red-headed hottie who lives across the street. You’ve never heard moanin’ and complainin’ like from these three! Bummer.
The judge, though, now there was one far out dude! He decided the ladies should hang loose and get to know each other better by talking, and he sentenced them to be a book discussion group. I know, weird, right? They read this classic book called "Murder on the Orient Express" and then guess what, it was like the whole crazy story started to play out on the island. There was a murder and a snowstorm, so nobody could beat feet, not even the murderer, and the only thing the ladies had to go by to catch the killer was what they’d learned in the book they read.
Far out, dude.
"Mayhem at the Orient Express" is one of those . . . what do you call ‘em? . . . cozy mysteries. That means they peace out without any graphic violence. You know what else you’ll never find in a cozy? You’ll never, ever see a cat get hurt.
No matter where he decides to go.
Of course that doesn’t mean I don’t need to split fast every now and then. Like right now. Here comes Bea out to her front porch. She’ll be one unhappy chick if she sees me peeing in her petunias.
Dig it?
About the Book: At a local Chinese restaurant, it's the owner who gets taken out...
Most folks aren’t forced by court order to attend a library-book discussion group, but that’s just what happens to B and B proprietor and ex-Manhattanite Bea Cartwright, hippy cat lover Chandra Morrisey, and winery owner Kate Wilder after a small-town magistrate has had enough of their squabbling. South Bass, an island on Lake Erie, is home to an idyllic summer resort, but these three ladies keep disturbing the peace.
The initial book choice is Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, and that sets their mouths to watering. The Orient Express is the island’s newest Chinese restaurant. They might not agree about much, but the ladies all love the orange chicken on the menu. But their meal is spoiled when the restaurant’s owner, Peter Chan, has the bad fortune of getting murdered. Now, with Christie as their inspiration, the League of Literary Ladies has a real mystery to solve…if they can somehow catch a killer without killing each other first.
My Review: Agatha Christie would be so proud that she still inspires books such as this! All Bea wants to do is start a new life running a B&B on a small island on Lake Erie, but constant disagreements with her neighbors have forced her to go before a judge where the 3 ladies are sentenced to participate in a book club for one year. Their first choice is Agatha Christie's classic Murder on the Orient Express. After the meeting Bea, Kate, Chandra, and a fourth member Luella, all end up stopping at the new local Chinese restaurant (where they're all addicted to orange peanut chicken), only to find the owner, Peter Chan, dead.
As a late season snowstorm bears down on the island, all ferries to and from the island have stopped.
As Bea's B&B fills up with people seeking shelter from the storm, is a killer among them?
I absolutely adored the setting and character development in this mystery, and am particularly eager to learn more about Bea's past. I can't wait to see what is chosen for the next book club pick!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher with the request for a review.
15 comments:
Hee--love reading Jerry Garcia's thoughts and this definitely sounds like a cozy I need to read ASAP. Anything that pays homage to Agatha Christie automatically ends up on my must list and this book seems like it will have my favorite blend of mystery, interesting characters, and sense of humor. Thanks!
What a great name (and attitude) for a cat! Love the idea that the judge has ordered them to discuss books. :) Thanks for the info and chance to win!
Love the cover. Sounds like a great cozy mystery.
I love the concept of this book... The lack of "group dynamics" at the beginning of the story, leading to a forced working arrangement leaves room for more laughter and mayhem to enjoy as they solve a murder.
I'd love to win this book and give it a place on my over burdened and burgeoning bookshelves.
This book sounds like a lot of fun!!!
This book sounds so good. I enjoy reading cozy mysteries and this one sounds like a hoot. I'd really like the characters in this story. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
I'd love to read more about Jerry! I visited an island in Lake Erie, near Cleveland. It was beautiful and I had fun. No murders though, but I guess that's a good thing!
Hi, all! Kylie here!
Oh yes, in real life, "no murders" is a very good thing. But oh-so boring in a cozy mystery! Glad you've enjoyed getting to know Jerry. He's one naughty cat, and always up to no good!
Cozy mysteries are the only mysteries I read and this one sounds great. Loved hearing from Jerry and excited that this is a first in a series. Looking forward to seeing what the other books will be about.
Yes, I dig it! Love no violence and cats and of course cozies. Also set in a Chinese restuaraunt. What more could you ask?
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Libby
Jerry Garcia is a properly cool dude. I'd like to meet him.
libbydodd(at)comcast(dot)net
Put this one on my wish list a while ago...glad it's living up to expectations! kkdaley(at)comcast(dot)net
This book sounds like it would be a hoot along with being a great read. It's on my list.
lmyost@roadrunner.com
Sorry it's taken me so long to choose a winner! My Internet's been giving me fits!
Anita Yancey, you win a copy of MAYHEM AT THE ORIENT EXPRESS. I'll email you.
Thank you all for checking in and commenting. Writing is a lonely profession. It's fun to actually "talk" to people once in a while, even if I do it in the guise of a cat!
I love Jerry Garcia and his hip-cat attitude! And the premise sounds like a great one for a cozy mystery. I'll be putting this on my "keep an eye out for..." list.
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