Book 50, 2018

Twice Told Tail by Ali Brandon





Over the course of Wednesday and Thursday, I read Twice Told Tail by Ali Brandon. It's the sixth installment in her "Black Cat Bookshop" mystery series, and her author's note indicated it's also the last book in the series. Needless to say, I am disappoint.

Darla Pettisone is busy preparing for the upcoming holiday shopping season at her bookstore/coffee shop, and she's also been roped into helping her friend's fiancee find the perfect wedding dress. Darla wouldn't mind so much, but Connie can be a bit of a Bridezilla, and Darla went out on a few dates with Reese, which makes putting on a happy face somewhat difficult. In the meantime, her assistant, James, is confounded by the bid he's received on a set of antique books--it's far higher than the set is worth. Unfortunately, book selling is the last thing on Darla's mind when Connie stumbles across a dead body as they're visiting an antique store in search of her "something old".

Detective Reese is on the case, but Darla is dismayed when his list of suspects includes her elderly neighbor. She sets out to prove the woman is innocent, and with Hamlet's help, she may just succeed.

Well, there was a lot going on in the book, from the mysterious book buyer to the mysterious black cat that was lurking around, to Jake's mysterious romantic interest. It was all quite mysterious! However, one dropped clue gave away the identity of the murderer. I suppose if one had taken a week or more to read the book, it might have gone unnoticed, but I picked up on it immediately.

( A few things that bugged me )

Meh

Favorite line: "I daresay we have all left an angry soul or two in our path at some point and not even realized it."

The story was good, moving along at a fast pace, and with excellent characterizations. Giving it four stars:

****