Review by Sarah Erwin
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a signed copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
Cozy mystery author Jen Pitts is back with book seven in her French Quarter Mystery series, Happy Homicide. Readers should sit back and get ready to enjoy a story full of southern charm and lots of twists!Main character Sammy receives a lovely birthday gift from her dear friend Mono McBride. But from the gift falls an unopened birthday card addressed to Mono’s friend Nora. Sadly, Nora is spending her last days in hospice at Mono’s house and with a caring nurse, Paige Davenport. Upon seeing the old, unopened birthday card, Nora confesses to murdering her boyfriend from long ago – Harris Davenport, uncle to nurse Paige! Surely this is just the rambling of a sick woman? And then Paige is found murdered in the same courtyard. Sammy takes a deep dive into the past and present to solve both of these mysteries.
At just a little over 200 pages, I read this layered mystery in just one day. I loved trying to piece together the past mystery to better understand the character dynamics and happenings in the present. This was carefully plotted, never confusing and always page-turning.
I adored the characters, especially Sammy and that she was surrounded by and built up many strong female friendships. I also enjoyed that many of the friendships were cross generational – some of my personal friendships span the ages and they are some of the friends I treasure more!
The mystery is full of wonderful details that bring the setting of the French Quarter to life. If you’re stuck at home in the cold, it’s a true treat to be able to escape through the pages of a book to places like New Orleans.
Jen Pitts is quickly becoming a must-read author because I know I’m always in for a terrific and page-turning read!
To enter to win a signed copy of Happy Homicide, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "Happy Homicide,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 8, 2025. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!
You can click here to purchase this book.
Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Mary Holshouser
ReplyDeleteGood to clear up old mysteries.
Sounds interesting. thanks
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI love that Happy Homicide is a layered mystery - that's piqued my curiosity! I love it even more that it's set in French Quarter - one of my favorite places to visit. - cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI enjoy mysteries! tWarner419@aol.com
ReplyDelete