Book Review: Mallets Aforethought

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

Mallets Aforethought     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sarah Graves
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Woman Main Character
Series: Home Repair Is Homicide # 7
Bantam, Hardback, 3/04, 294 pages, $21.95

Jake and Ellie discover a body in a closed room at Harlequin House during renovations. Ellie is sure she knows who it is due to stories she’s heard and recognizing some items from a photo.

Then they find the body of Hector Gosling in this room. They consider closing the room back off and re-wallpapering so no one will know. Why? They feared Ellie’s husband, George, would be considered guilty. They know he isn’t, and Eastport’s police chief Bob Arnold knows George’s good character. But, they still know he’ll be looked at hard.

What they didn’t know was that Bob and his wife are out of town due to his mother taking ill. State Trooper Colgate came to town to investigate the murders.

George refuses to say where he was when Hector was murdered, so he ends up in jail.

Ellie and Jake begin to investigate Hector’s murder. The fact that George refusing to let anyone visit him compounds the problem. George is attacked in prison. The fact that Ellie is very pregnant and concerned about George complicates matters.

Jake is also repairing her home. In between repairs, CPR classes, and Ellie’s doctor appointments, the pair begin interviewing the various people involved.

When another corpse is discovered, they realize they need to work fast. Jake finds herself in danger before the true killer is unmasked.

I enjoy books in this series. They are a fast read. Cozy mysteries set on the east coast are a favorite of mine. Every time I read a book in this series, I wish I could visit Eastport, Maine.

Jake and Ellie are great characters. They are supported by a great cast of characters as well. They are all believable and created well. The new relationship between Jake and her dad is so well written.

I highly recommend this book.

Dawn Dowdle

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Please visit Dawns website at www.mysteryloverscorner.com