Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins is the first book in the NEW “Goddess of Greene St.” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming January 28, 2020.

In this delightful new series by the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mysteries, Athena Spencer comes back home to work with her crazy big Greek family at their garden center. But she never expected a return to her roots would mean protecting her family from murder . . .

After her divorce, Athena has returned to coastal Michigan to work in her family’s garden center and raise her son, while also caring for a mischievous wild raccoon and fending off her family’s annoying talent for nagging. Working alone at the garden center one night, Athena is startled by a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather purchased at a recent estate sale.

But she has even bigger problems on her plate. The powerful Talbot family from whom her pappoús bought the statue is threatening to raze the shops on Greene Street’s “Little Greece” to make way for a condo. The recent death of the family’s patriarch already seemed suspicious, but now it’s clear that a murderer is in their midst. Athena will have to live up to her warrior goddess namesake to protect her family from a killer and save their community from ruin . . .

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This was a fun introduction to a series that I hope is here to stay for a long, long time.

Two recent deaths play into the hands of an unscrupulous family member for their own gain. Athena with the help of an unlikely source steps up to take on this person to save their homes and businesses. But first they have to solve the two deaths which turns out to be murder and it becomes clear that the suspects will do anything to retain their possession.

This was a well-written drama with a solid plot, a nice and evenly matched pacing, and a comfortable tone. This tale had everything I like in a mystery, a determined heroine, a pool of suspects with strong motives, a few twists and turns that enhanced how well this story was being told and some comedic interludes that put a smile on my face. I like how the author introduced the characters giving us enough to set the stage and the role they have in this tale. The narrative was visually descriptive with engaging dialogue and a movie-like presence with the garden center and the town playing in my head. I like the pairing of Athena and the mystery man and I enjoyed seeing that friendship grow and also see her self-journey blossom as well. All in all, I enjoyed this book and I look forward to more adventures with Athena and her family and friends.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.