Bad Housekeeping by Maia Chance is the first book in the NEW “Agnes and Effie” mystery series. Publisher: Crooked Lane Books, June 13, 2017
When 28-year-old Agnes Blythe, the contented bifocals-wearing half of an academic power couple, is jilted by her professor boyfriend for the town Pilates instructor, her future is suddenly less than certain. So when her glamorous, eccentric Great Aunt Effie arrives in town and offers a job helping to salvage the condemned Stagecoach Inn, what does Agnes have to lose? But work at the inn has barely begun when the unlikely duo find the body of manipulative Kathleen Todd, with whom Agnes and Effie both have recently had words. Words strong enough to land them at the top of the suspect list.
The pair have clearly been framed, but no one else seems interested in finding the real murderer and Agnes and Effie’s sleuthing expertise is not exactly slick. Nevertheless, they’re soon investigating a suspect list with laundry dirtier than a middle school soccer team’s and navigating threats, car chases, shotgun blasts, and awkward strolls down memory lane.
In Bad Housekeeping, the first novel in the Agnes and Effie cozy mystery series by Maia Chance, danger mounts, deadlines loom, ancient knob-and-tube wiring is explored, and the ladies learn a thing or two about the awful, wonderful mistake that is going back home.
Agnes and Effie are on the case when they become prime suspects after quarreling with the deceased. The fun begins as they set out to clear the name and the town of Naneda will never be the same.
The was a fast-paced and light-hearted whodunit that kept me entertained from beginning to end. The mystery was nicely done with a slew of suspects and it was fun watching this animated duo ferret out a killer with the situation that they found themselves ensconced in. Every scene had me chuckling at their efforts and the author did a good job in visually describing these interactions which enhanced the telling of this tale. I especially like the portrayal of Agnes who like me in times of stress goes for what comforts her and made her seem more real to me as a character. With a lovable cast of characters, engaging dialogue and a small-town atmosphere, this was very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the next book in this delightfully charming series which is a welcomed addition to the cozy genre.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I have liked her earlier series and am looking forward to trying this one too!
This sounds like a good one. Will have to add it to my TBR list.
Thanks Dru, I put a copy on hold at the Gerritson branch.