Book 110, 2020

Last Pen Standing by Vivian Conroy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Stayed up a bit past bedtime last night to finish reading Last Pen Standing by Vivian Conroy. This is the first book in the author's "Stationery Shop" mystery series, featuring paper-craft aficionado, Delta Douglas.

Tired of the daily grind, Delta quits her corporate job to become co-owner of Wanted, a stationery shop in Tundish, Montana. Together with her friend, Hazel, she is now free to be her own boss, pursue her love of paper-craft, and perhaps launch her own line of stationery.

Everything is jeopardized, however, when Delta and Hazel hold a workshop in the local hotel, and a guest is murdered there that night. Now Hazel's brother, Finn, is a suspect, and Hazel is under suspicion for potentially covering for him. Desperate to salvage the reputation of her friends and her shop, Delta begins asking questions and searching for any evidence that may point the police in another direction. She is assisted in her quest by Jonas Nord, a former police officer turned outdoor guide, and his retired K9, Spud. Also helping out is the group of women who enjoy the workshops--the Paper Posse. Delta may be getting closer to a killer than is comfortable when someone vandalizes the shop and leaves a threatening message.

A bland, routine cozy mystery. I found Delta's investigative techniques rather brusque. I prefer it when an amateur sleuth is tactful and subtle; frankly, I can't believe someone didn't just up and punch Delta in the nose for her blunt questions/accusations. I was enjoying the revelation of information and clues, until the author threw a spammer into it at the end. At least give your readers a chance to solve the mystery along with the main character!

Favorite line: "I've always wanted to be a cake tester, or chocolate tester."
I can relate!

Some aspects of the story were enjoyable, others...not so much. Average score of three.