Review of Dead, White and Blue

Dead, White and Blue

Juniper Junction Holiday, Book #2

Amy M Reade

5 Stars

Synopsis:

Summer is getting hotter in Juniper Junction, Colorado.

There’s a firebug on the loose, the townspeople are nervous, and Lilly Carlsen, single mom to two teenagers, has even more to worry about. She’s in charge of the Independence Day celebration, her mother’s mental health is declining, and her son is getting ready to leave for college.

But things are about to get even hotter: when a bistro owner dies at the celebration and Lilly’s best friend is charged with murder, events start hitting close to home. It’s up to Lilly to help clear her friend’s name while at the same time dealing her mom’s worsening forgetfulness as well as a coming-of-age issue under her own roof. (Goodreads)

Review:

Lilly still has some problems in her life: the kids are getting older and they do not need her so much, her mom’s dementia is getting worse and her ex is still living in Juniper Junction.  But there are some positive things in her life too:  her relationship with Hassan is moving along nicely and Noley and her brother are getting along great.  She is in charge of town’s reenactment festivities and the Fourth Of July celebration.  When someone is killed during the bash, and Noley is a person of interest, Lilly will have to figure out the real killer.  And also try to figure who is setting abandoned homes on fire around town before someone gets hurt.     

The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. The time that Lilly spends with her family seems so real and down-to-earth. I can feel her pain knowing that her mom is only going to get worse in her dementia and things will have to change.  And I can relate to her feelings about her kids leaving and going to school, those are feelings  many of us have had.   I feel for Lilly and that keeps me engaged even more.  

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words.  The mystery was well plotted and had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the reveal at the end.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.  There is just something about this series that clicks with me and I am enjoying it so much.  

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.