Snow Way Out by Christine Husom is the first book in the new “Snow Globe Shop” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, January 2015

Curio shop manager Camryn Brooks thought she’d seen every kind of snow globe—until she saw one depicting a crime scene. . .

Ever since she was a child, Cami has loved the sparkling beauty of snow globes, and now, she sells them. In fact, they’re so popular, Cami and her friend—coffee shop owner Alice “Pinky” Nelson—are hosting a snow globe making class.

After the flurry of activity has ended and everyone has gone off with their own handmade snow globes, Cami spots a new globe left behind on a shelf, featuring an odd tableau—a man sleeping on a park bench.

On her way home, she drifts through the town park and is shaken to come upon the scene from the globe—a man sitting on a bench. But he isn’t sleeping—he has a knife in his back. When the police arrive, it’s clear they consider Cami a little flaky and possibly a suspect. After her friends also come under suspicion, Cami starts plowing through clues to find the cold-blooded backstabber—before someone else gets iced. . .

I like it. I love the comfortable tone and how easily the chapters flow from one scene to another. I enjoyed learning about the protagonist and her friends and I enjoyed how the solving of this mystery played a role in nicely done whodunit. I like how the mystery was set up to give us an idea of who could or could not be the killer and it was fun watching all the pieces fall into place, especially when the killer was identified. It was fun getting to know the backstory of Camryn’s life with her friends and family and I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, the lovable cast of characters and the easy-going dialogue. This is a pleasantly appealing and delightfully charming addition to the cozy mystery genre and I can’t wait for my next visit to Brooks Landings.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog