Book 85, 2020

[chez_jae]

Murder, Take Two by Carol J. Perry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Last night I finished reading Murder, Take Two, which is the 10th book in Carol J Perry's "Witch City" mystery series. The main character is Lee Barrett, field reporter, amateur sleuth, and reluctant scryer.

When a college professor is murdered in Salem, the crime has eerie similarities to a murder that occurred nearly 200 years ago. Another professor, Cody McGinnis, is tabbed as the primary suspect because he and Professor Bond had argued recently, and his ladder was found at the scene. Lee doesn't believe Cody did it, and neither do his uncles, Ray and Roger, friends of Lee's. As a favor to Ray and Roger, Lee begins looking into things. She is aided by her aunt, research librarian Ibby, and two of Ibby's senior friends. With their help, Lee is able to identify some other suspects, but the evidence against Cody is mounting. Lee will need to use everything at her disposal, including her own visions, to unravel the mystery.

Part of the fun of reading these books is "tagging along" with Lee as she does her job as a reporter. It's a refreshing change from other mystery books. Her career enables her to ask questions and snoop where she might otherwise not be able to. I even enjoy reading about her down time. I appreciate the fact that the entirety of the story isn't consumed with the investigation. I also like that the author not only has her regular characters, but she also has familiar ones from earlier books put in cameos. It's disappointing at times to read about an intriguing character in a book and then never see him or her again in a series.

Favorite line: "To all readers everywhere, may their tribe increase."

Excellent characterizations, engrossing plot, and a satisfying ending. Five stars!