Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Review: Murder on the Rocks by Shawn Reilly Simmons

Penelope, Arlena, and Nadia are having breakfast outdoors at a local cafe when it's robbed. Just prior to the attack, Penelope noticed a man across the street watching the cafe, or them, or both. She wonders if he is part of the crew that robbed the place.

Not long after, Penelope, Arlena, and Nadia meet again on location in Vermont. Arlene is the star of the film. Nadia is a consultant. And Penelope is in charge of catering on site. Penelope seems to be developing PTSD since the robbery. And the people in charge of the film are making unusual requests of her – that the food be locally sourced and no plastics be used among other things. The goal, they say, is to lessen the carbon footprint of the film. An attack befalls Nadia. Penelope wonders if there is a connection to the events at the cafe.

Penelope's boyfriend, Joey, is a detective with the police. He is looking into the robbery. But, he is also suggesting to Penelope that they might be ready to take their relationship to the next level.

This is a good mystery. It's well-written. It grabbed my attention and held it. The characters are well drawn and interesting. The romance between Penelope and Joey is a minor plot, but it all flows together.

My only complaint is that the title of the book seems to have little to do with the plot. Otherwise, it is an excellent cozy mystery.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I liked it enough to look into other books in the series. It's written so that you could read it as a standalone, but if you like it you will want more of the characters. The incidental information about how a film set and catering service works is interesting. All in all, it's a good cozy read.

Murder on the Rocks by Shawn Reilly Simmons is expected to be published February 6, 2018 by Henery Press.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Henery Press via NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

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