Killer Words by V.M. Burns

Series Name: Mystery Bookshop Mystery #7
Genre: Cozy
Release: November 2021

Bookstore owner and mystery writer Samantha Washington comes to the aid of the cop who once arrested her own grandmother . . .

Sam and Nana Jo are back in sleepy North Harbor, Michigan, where Sam is eagerly awaiting the publication of her first book. In search of more immediate excitement, Nana Jo hits the casino with her fellow Shady Acres Retirement Village gal pals—but they get more than they bargained for when they witness Detective Bradley Pitt decking mayoral candidate John Cloverton.

As Sam well knows, mystery novels are full of brilliant detectives, genius sleuths, and hero cops. Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt”—is another story. In the past, the dull-witted detective has mistakenly accused members of Sam’s family for crimes they didn’t commit. Now, it’s his turn: when Cloverton turns up dead, he’s arrested. With his predilection for polyester, Pitt has been wanted by the fashion police for years, but Nana Jo knows her former elementary school math student would never commit murder—it doesn’t add up. Somebody’s framed the flatfoot to take a fall, and Sam and Nana Jo must step in to restore the reputation and good name of Detective Pitt.

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Dru’s Short Musing:
So much is going on with Sam and her friends when murder happens and the person of interest has been a thorn in their side, but they know he is innocent, so our band of sleuths are on a hunt for a killer hiding in plain sight.

I enjoyed this well-written mystery with a wickedly solid plot and subplot that immediately grabbed my attention. The mystery was nicely staged to keep immersed in all aspects as Sam and her friends search for clues and a person with a stronger motive. There was so much going on that had me devouring all activities that would lead to the killer’s identity. There were a few incidences of danger as well as some moment of hilarity, especially with the seniors. The author does a great job in telling this story with visually descriptive narrative that made me feel like I was part of the action, rooting for Sam and her friends. As always bonus is the book within a book and seeing its future publishing come to fruition. This is one of the best books in the series and delightfully entertaining.