In referring to the first RJ Franklin mystery by V.M. Burns, Travellin’ Shoes, Kellye Garrett said “Burns flawlessly mixes the best elements of both cozy mystery and police procedural.” She’s right. I’ve read all three books in this series, and that’s a perfect description. In Burns’ latest book, Steal Away, Police Detective RJ Franklin investigates a murder, only to find that the elderly church matrons, including his godmother, are willing to take action.

Marti Alexander and her search-and-rescue poodle, Callie, are the ones who find the body in the St. Joseph River. She tells R.J. that she received a text from the St. Joseph (Indiana) Police Dept. asking for her help. She fails to tell him the body is Jake, her ex-husband. Marti claims she was home all night with Jake’s new wife who showed up at the house claiming he was drunk and abused her. But, Marti’s the one with the best motive to kill Jake, money.

As RJ digs, though, he discovers Jake had dealings with a local moneylender, a man who supposedly has mob connections. The police department has never been able to pin anything on him because his witnesses disappear. RJ could just arrest Marti Alexander, and be done with it. But, RJ’s girlfriend, Paris, says Marti didn’t do it. A fellow cop who is attracted to Marti says she didn’t kill Jake. And, RJ has reservations.

Steal Away is about a murder investigation. But, the greatest strength of this series is the feeling of community. RJ is devoted to his godmother, one of the elders of his church. Mama B is a strong figure in the neighborhood, in the church, and in RJ’s life. She can listen to the man, and understand why he isn’t sleeping. She knows her neighborhood. And, when one of the teens in the neighborhood, the grandson of another church elder, is threatened. those women shock even their pastor with their determination to take action. RJ has heard their stories of how they grew up, and he knows what it took for them to become figures of respect. They’re not going to let one of their young people feel threatened by an evil man.

I’m a fan of police procedurals, and I enjoy observing the police investigations. However, V.M. Burns also shines a light on a community, a Black community united by its churches and its elders. The wisdom of those elders, their histories, and their guidance for the younger people is an essential part of these books. There is faith and joy in RJ Franklin’s community because of these women. Readers who appreciate the wisdom of their elders, their grandparents or role models, will appreciate the RJ Franklin stories. Steal Away successfully brings all those elements together.

V.M. Burns’ website is http://www.vmburns.com/

Steal Away by V.M. Burns. Camel Press, 2020. ISBN 9781603816939 (paperback), 178p.

FTC Full Disclosure – The author sent a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.