Book 29, 2020

[chez_jae]

Buried to the Brim by Jenn McKinlay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



It stormed this afternoon, which chased me offline and allowed me to finish reading Buried to the Brim by Jenn McKinlay. It's the 6th part of her "Hat Shop" mystery series, picking up after a long absence of writing in this verse. Story is told in first-person pov by the main character, Scarlett Parker. Scarlett and her cousin, Vivian Tremont, own Mim's Whims, the hat shop left to them by their grandmother.

Scarlett is busy working in the hat shop and dreaming of her upcoming wedding to Harrison Wentworth. In the meantime, the Pets and Wellness Society is holding their annual dog show, and Harry's Aunt Betty is determined to win this year with her adorable corgi, Freddy. Scarlett convinces Viv to design some small hats for Freddy as he competes for Best in Show. It seems like this could be Freddy's year, until the owner of the pet food company that sponsors the event is found dead, and Betty becomes a prime suspect. Scarlett is itching to investigate to prove Betty's innocence, but she gets tabbed to show Freddy in Betty's stead. Now it's up to Scarlett to compete in the PAWS show, all while trying to find out who really killed Gerry Swendson.

I always enjoy reading books in this series, and this was no exception. Having it set around the dog show added to the excitement. Characterizations are done well, including sweet Aunt Betty and some of the snooty, odious dog owners who are Scarlett and Freddy's main competition. Pacing was good and kept me engaged.

Favorite lines:
♦ She stared at the hat as if it had done something more to offend her than merely exist.
♦ I am an excellent hat ambassador, if I do say so myself.
♦ Pretty much every month in London was damp and chilly, but February was particularly rude about it.
♦ This was turning into quite the pickle.
♦ Unless there is cake at the end of a race, I really don't see the point.
♦ What is it about a man with a puppy or a kitten that renders a woman brainless?

Delightful story, and I hope the author writes more; her note seemed ambivalent. Four stars.