Guidebook to Murder:

First time reading this author and I have falling in love I could not put the book down and I have already bought the 2nd book in the series

A perfect setting in an ideal small cozy town is the bones of this murder mystery. Diverse characters all guilty until proven innocent. Fun read to wrap up in comforter and enjoy from the recliner.

Jill Gardner moved to South Cove, California leaving her law practice and ex-husband behind. Her move was encouraged by an elderly neighbor, Miss Emily who was to become a very close friend. Jill is the owner of Coffee, Books and More. This is the only coffee shop and bookstore within sixty miles. Jill also acts as the business liaison between the city council and the local South Cove businesses. Miss Emily contacts Jill to tell her that she (Miss Emily) has received a letter from council. The council says they can condemn Miss Emily’s property plus acquire her house if an outrageous amount of repairs are not done. Amy Newman serves as the city secretary, part time receptionist, city planner and historian. She has a degree in architectural design plus is best friend with Jill. Amy verifies the lawyer on Miss Emily’s letter is not one approved on the city’s list of lawyers. First, Jill discovers Miss Emily’s body dead in Miss Emily’s house. Natural or foul play? Jill believes foul play and suggests that to Detective Greg King. Second, Miss Emily’s Will leaves the house and belongings plus bank accounts amounts to Jill much to the dismay of neglectful relatives, Sabrina and George who are going to contest the will. Then Amy goes missing and the slick developers girlfriend, Bambi takes over for Amy as part time receptionist. In order to devote time to restoring the house to good living condition, Jill requests her Aunt Jackie to come run the book and coffee shop. What a surprise when Aunt Jackie literally and boldly makes unasked about business decisions for the store. Meantime someone is vandalizing Jill property and endangering Jill’s life so Detective King begins to protect her. A flawless plotted murder plus subplots within the main one giving the reading plenty of twists and turns. A well defined array of characters to provide an interesting, intriguing cast. A Recommended Read!! I volunteered to read A Guidebook to Murder. Thanks to the author and Kensington Publishers via Net Gallery for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own.