Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder

By: Sara Rosett
Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: April 2011
ISBN: 978-0758226853
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: April 2011

Ellie Avery Mystery books have always been a favorite among cozy mystery readers. Not only is the character of Ellie Avery fun, intelligent, and entertaining, but the titles alone, draw readers to each and every story. Ellie has been the ‘star’ of Mint Juleps, Mayhem, and Murder; Magnolias, Moonlight, and Murder - Ms. Avery is one amateur sleuth who has stolen readers’ hearts.

In this latest mystery, Ellie, her husband, and their two children are packed into the car for a road trip. They are traveling to see Mitch’s family. He’s an air force pilot, so it’s extremely difficult for Ellie’s husband to plan any family vacations. He seems a bit tense as they drive on while the two kids in the back seat have had just about enough of I-spy and other car games.

Mitch and Ellie are going to stay for a week with Mitch’s family to see his mother receive the Realtor of the Year Award, and also attend Book Daze - which is the Smarr, GA book festival that draws in hundreds of big-name authors.

But when they arrive at the house, every car belonging to every member of Mitch’s family seems to be parked in the driveway…and the sad faces that are coming out to greet them make Mitch and Ellie a bit wary. They soon find out that Mitch’s beloved Grandfather died the night before. Kenny Franklin was eighty-two years old and lived a good life and he was now with the angels.

As the pace increases like a rocket, Ellie soon finds some strange ‘signs’ in the deceased home - like a broken window, and drawers and cabinets that look like they’ve been gone through by someone who was looking for something. The characters come out of the woodwork. There’s one family member, Felicity, who has already been to the house and taken some things because she couldn’t wait for the will to be read. There’s an Aunt Christine who is beside herself with the fact that she didn’t check on Grandpa Kenny the night before like she usually does; and many, many others.

Ellie talks to a cop who says that the death is on the books as a natural stroke, but can always be re-opened. Even the police seem to have a bit of an odd feeling where the death is concerned. Ellie takes off with her sleuthing skills - and gets even more into the crime when she discovers that the funeral parlor has lost the body of dear Grandpa.

Quill says: This is one of the most fast-paced, entertaining, suspenseful ’cozies’ that is on the market today, and fans will absolutely love following Ellie once again as she solves the crime! Enjoy!