Review: Picked Off by Linda Lovely

Brie Hooker and her Aunt Eva live and work on the Udderly Kidding Dairy Farm - a goat dairy farm. They've consented to host her Aunt Eva's friend Carol's campaign fundraiser- which in the flavor of the season is a masquerade party complete with a haunted house in the barn. Carol's son, Zack, a pro-quarterback flies in to attend.

This mystery has so much: a vicious pitchfork attack, blackmail, kidnapping, and murder. It even alludes to the dangers of gambling. And yet it's not too much. There's rarely a dull moment once the action starts. Action packed scenes are balanced with investigation and discussion. There are motives old and new for the crimes. And while there are references to previous events, this book can be read as a standalone.

As with many cozies, romance is a subplot. Brie is attracted to two men and has refused to date either because they are best friends. By the end of the book, this changes and leaves the future open. This will allow for growth and change in the main character of Brie.

Other than Brie and Eva, my favorite character is Brie's close friend Mollye. Mollye is dating a police officer and runs a new age store. She also easily comes up with some of the most out-there ideas for how to proceed with investigating the mysteries.

The plot is well-paced. It's well-written. I enjoyed the characters and their adventures as they try to solve the mysteries, Overall, I give this book 4 stars.

Picked Off by Linda Lovely is the second Brie Hooker mystery. It was released June 5th, 2018 from Henery Press.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.