A “cursed book”. An Arizona setting. An outrageous, slapstick gathering of suspects. They’re all part of J.C. Eaton’s first Sophie Kimball cozy mystery, Booked 4 Murder.
When Harriet Plunkett calls her daughter, Sophie, she insists Sophie must fly out to Arizona and investigate the multiple deaths in her book club. Too many of Harriet’s friends in the Booked 4 Murder group have died while reading their latest selection. The book is cursed! Sophie reminds her mother that she works for the police department in accounting and payroll, not as a detective, but Harriet won’t listen. Phee must have picked up some pointers while working there. It doesn’t help that a police detective agrees Phee should investigate. To placate her mother, Sophie flies out, with a trip that ends in Sun City West, a retirement community. But, these seniors are active, walking dogs at 6 in the morning at the dog park, laying around at the pool, attending programs and Bingo. Phee finds herself tracking suspects all over the community, following cars, while her “mother compiled more data than the IRS and DMV combined.”
When a senior takes a fall or has a golf cart hit by a car, it may seem natural. But, one of the deaths seems suspicious to Phee. She can’t accept that the book might be cursed, but she does suspect someone is pushing the book as there’s more and more media attention around the little-known title. Soon, she’s as caught up in the investigation as her mother is, and the reluctant, disbelieving amateur sleuth plans an Agatha Christie-type reveal with all the suspects gathered.
Looking for a cozy mystery featuring a group of active seniors and a reluctant sleuth? Eaton’s first Sophie Kimball mystery is for all those who loved Maddy Hunter’s Passport to Peril Mystery series. This time, readers don’t have to travel any farther than Sun City West, Arizona to find humor and death.
J.C. Eaton’s website is www.jceatonauthor.com
Booked 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton. Kensington. 2017. ISBN 9781496708557 (paperback), 320p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The authors sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
While this is not the kind of book that generally appeals to me, one thing immediately caught my eye. Sun City West. My parents lived for the last 15 years of their lives at the third Del Webb community west of Phoenix, Sun City Grand (started after West was full). I almost have to at least take a look at this one.
You're right, Jeff, and you're also right that it might not appeal to you. But, I can see why the authors think their retirement community is ripe for mysteries.
I've kind of gotten tired of cozy mysteries but I'll put it on my list of things to check out in the future.
I liked it, but I lived in the area for over 8 years, Sandy. Yes, when you're ready.