Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon
Series Name: Paint & Shine Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy
Release: June 29, 2021
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Appalachian artist and local guide Miranda Trent opens a new murder investigation after her Paint & Shine tour group discovers the remains of a missing hiker along an ancient trail. . .

For her latest excursion, Miranda is thrilled to take a close-knit group of rock climbers, the Risky Business Adventurers, up the challenging Battleship Rock Trail to paint and sample moonshine. But the outing is cut short when they discover a skeleton near the trailhead. Even more startling, the bones belong to Howard Cable, Miranda’s cousin. . .and a former classmate of the Risky Business group.

The sheriff chalks it up to a hiking accident, but Miranda isn’t convinced that Howard, an experienced woodsman, died within sight of a well-marked trail. So, with the help of Ranger Austin Morgan, Miranda sets out on her own investigation and discovers that the Risky Business group is keeping plenty of secrets. But is one of them hiding the truth about Howard’s death?

Dru’s Short Musing:
Cheryl has done it again. She has delivered a well-written, fast paced, and action-packed whodunit that I could not put down until all was said and done. When the body that was found on the trail turns out to be her long-missing cousin, Miranda starts investigating and is surprised with what she uncovers. The author did a great job in sketching this whodunit where there were plenty of people worthy of being a suspect, but it was the exposed secrets and clue gathering that kept me immersed in all that was happening. A few of the characters had pivotal roles that enhanced how well this story was being told. This was a good read and I look forward to the next book in this terrific series.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher.