Review: Southern Fried

Avery Andrews has recently returned to Dacus, SC, after working in a large law firm in Columbia, SC. She was fired, so she’s trying to decide what to do next. In the meantime she’s living in the family cabin and doing some legal work in town.

Her client, Donlee Griggs, is accused of murder. While they’re dragging the lake for his victim’s body, they find a car with a skeleton in it. This has nothing to do with the crime he is accused of. Soon Avery realizes that Donlee has told everyone he is in love with her and makes many spectacular suicide attempts to get her attention.

She is hired by Harrison Garnett, owner of Garnett Mills a local furniture plant, related to environmental concerns. Not long after the environmental investigator arrives in town to check out the plant, there is a fire at the plant destroying records. Now the environmental investigator is back with the feds along. Avery wonders what they’re after.

Her other client is Melvin Bertram. He’d left town amidst scandal years ago when his wife went missing. He is back visiting his brother for the holidays. The car found in the lake was his wife’s, and he fears the skeleton was her, too. He asks Avery’s advice and has her accompany him for questioning.

Can Avery figure out who killed Melvin’s wife and who torched Garnett Mills without putting herself in danger?

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many more adventures with Avery. She is such a likeable character. Very down to earth, but a smart lawyer as well. I like the dilemma she’s having with staying in her hometown or going to a bigger city again. It really gives us a glimpse of the character and not just her sleuthing skills.

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

Book Review: Southern Fried