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Mavis Davis Mysteries #2
The Sweet Scent of Murder: A Mavis Davis Mystery
Book by Susan P. Baker
287 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2007
40 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Susan P. Baker
20 books75 followersMy English war bride mother was a real penny pincher, but in the early years of their marriage, my parents had to pinch pennies. Not long after my mother arrived in the U.S., she encouraged my father to complete his education. He used the GI Bill to obtain a law degree while she was having four babies and working part time doing such odd jobs as collecting the money out of coin-operated machines in washaterias.
We moved to Galveston when I was four, which is when my father claimed he taught me to read. We lived on the water, swimming, fishing, and crabbing in Offatts Bayou. As far as I can remember, we had no purchased books in our house when I was growing up. We didn't have the money. But Mom took the four of us to the Rosenberg Library every two weeks where we'd check out the maximum number of books allowed, six each. We even took library books on vacation with us so we could read them in the car instead of fussing and constantly asking, "Are we there yet?"
I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I used to write little stories as well as entertain my invisible friend, Sally, who lived in my side of the closet. My parents discouraged me from seeking a writing career, so after several false starts I eventually obtained a BS in Criminal Justice.
I finally was hired as a Probation Officer about a week before I started law school. I was married with a couple of kids of my own by then, so I worked and attended Law School (in Houston) for three years.
I mostly practiced criminal and family law. In fact, I was board certified in family law. After eight years of practicing law, I ran for district court judge and was elected. I was the first woman in Galveston County to run.
By that time, I was writing a lot. I'd published My First Murder. I moved away and back to Galveston several times and now live in Cypress near my younger daughter.
People often approach me with ideas for books, but with a background like mine, I have no shortage of my own.
We moved to Galveston when I was four, which is when my father claimed he taught me to read. We lived on the water, swimming, fishing, and crabbing in Offatts Bayou. As far as I can remember, we had no purchased books in our house when I was growing up. We didn't have the money. But Mom took the four of us to the Rosenberg Library every two weeks where we'd check out the maximum number of books allowed, six each. We even took library books on vacation with us so we could read them in the car instead of fussing and constantly asking, "Are we there yet?"
I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I used to write little stories as well as entertain my invisible friend, Sally, who lived in my side of the closet. My parents discouraged me from seeking a writing career, so after several false starts I eventually obtained a BS in Criminal Justice.
I finally was hired as a Probation Officer about a week before I started law school. I was married with a couple of kids of my own by then, so I worked and attended Law School (in Houston) for three years.
I mostly practiced criminal and family law. In fact, I was board certified in family law. After eight years of practicing law, I ran for district court judge and was elected. I was the first woman in Galveston County to run.
By that time, I was writing a lot. I'd published My First Murder. I moved away and back to Galveston several times and now live in Cypress near my younger daughter.
People often approach me with ideas for books, but with a background like mine, I have no shortage of my own.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 4, 2018
The author is a retired Galveston judge and you can see her background in the details of this book.
The main character Mavis Davis (I know but it’s so corny it works!) is a PI and starts out trying to find a missing teen and ends up, in only the way the really good cozy’s work, trying to solve a murder. This is one of those enjoyable reads that has enough wacky humor, people trying to help but making things more difficult and interesting characters to leave the reader feeling sated.
The author did a short recap/closure at the end. She let the reader know what happened and how people ended up – which I enjoyed as I am always wondering after I turn the last page.
The main character Mavis Davis (I know but it’s so corny it works!) is a PI and starts out trying to find a missing teen and ends up, in only the way the really good cozy’s work, trying to solve a murder. This is one of those enjoyable reads that has enough wacky humor, people trying to help but making things more difficult and interesting characters to leave the reader feeling sated.
The author did a short recap/closure at the end. She let the reader know what happened and how people ended up – which I enjoyed as I am always wondering after I turn the last page.
July 6, 2018
Mavis has a detection ageny with a high school assistant, Candy. Candy brings a friend in who wants Mavis to find his sister, a supposed run away. Mavis isn't happy about it and refuses to take his money but finally agrees., then he disappears also. Mavis goes to the parents house and finds they are having a party and seem unconcerned. A few minues later their father dies and Mavis doesn't agree that it is a heart attack. She risks arrest and her life trying to solve the case.
November 23, 2019
Mavis Davis P.I. and her two other office workers have their hands full trying to solve the murder and also trying to prove that the childrens' Dad didn't do what he was accused of. I thought it was a very good book and it was the first book of Susan's I have read. Now I will have to go back and read the first book as I enjoyed this one, which stood alone very well.
September 20, 2020
Really well written and believable story. Mavis Davis ups her game as the search for a missing teen turns into a murder investigation. The plot twists and turns will keep you reading as well as guessing.
September 27, 2018
Good book!
I really enjoyed this mystery. It had an interesting storyline full of twists and turns as well as memorable characters. I highly recommend it to other mystery readers.
I really enjoyed this mystery. It had an interesting storyline full of twists and turns as well as memorable characters. I highly recommend it to other mystery readers.
January 30, 2023
These books get more ridiculous. Mavis Davis is the most wishy washy person. It's so hard to take her seriously especially when teenagers push her around. No wonder she has a boyfriend who is domineering, chauvinistic and overbearing. Don't waste your time.
September 9, 2024
Fast, fun read!
I enjoy this series very much and plan to read them all. The characters are authentic and interesting, and the plots are complex enough to make a reader think. Mavis is a corker!
I enjoy this series very much and plan to read them all. The characters are authentic and interesting, and the plots are complex enough to make a reader think. Mavis is a corker!
May 9, 2022
Decent enough. After 2 Mavis Davis books I still can't get to really liking her much. The plot is okay. So is the dialogue. Just seems like it could be better. Not a page turner.
November 18, 2024
The most convoluted plot I’ve ever read in a cozy mystery. The stars are for managing this incredible complexity rather smoothly.
June 11, 2018
After successfully completing her first murder investigation. Candy brings a friend from High School who hires Mavis to locate his sister who he thinks has been kidnapped. When she get to the girls home, her parents are throwing a party and invite her in. During the party, Thomas Lawson, Tommy and Jeanine's adoptive father falls down dead from an apparent heart attack.
This is one convoluted story. The children's real father is recently out of prison on parole and is now the the prime suspect for kidnapping and possible murder. Mavis is trying to help the kids and is investigating who the real murderer is, along with a variety of other crimes being covered up, and the murder is just one step in keeping themselves out of prison.
There are well developed characters, realistic situations, and a few laughs interspersed to make for a highly entertaining story.
This is one convoluted story. The children's real father is recently out of prison on parole and is now the the prime suspect for kidnapping and possible murder. Mavis is trying to help the kids and is investigating who the real murderer is, along with a variety of other crimes being covered up, and the murder is just one step in keeping themselves out of prison.
There are well developed characters, realistic situations, and a few laughs interspersed to make for a highly entertaining story.
October 26, 2015
Mavis Davis is a former Child Welfare and Probation Officer. However her new career is as a P.I she wants to succeed without anyones help. One day she arrives at work to find that Candy her High School assoc, has brought in a new case a Teenage Girl has gone missing after an arguement with her Mother. Her Brother hires Mavis to find her. Then he also goes missing! Than the Father drops dead at Mavis's feet. Little did she know this case would lead to fraud , kidnapping, child abuse, and murder. There are plenty of suspects for Mavis to investigate. And not to mention her Det Boyfriend who is upset that Mavis is involved in this. Will Mavis solve the case? A fantatstic page turner of a book. Kept me reading late into the night just to see what would happen next.
January 31, 2019
Mavis Davis is a private investigator in Huston, Texa and gets hired by Tommy Lawson at the request of Candy Finkelstein, her half-day, high school worker, to find his sister. The search soon becomes a search for a kidnapper and murderer when the missing girl’s brother also disappears and their father winds up dead. Mavis is in the middle of the police's investigation and gets implicated in the kidnapping and must solve the case to clear her name. There are a lot of twists and fun in the story.
December 8, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this murder mystery. So many possible suspects, it was hard to decide who it was. The characters were well described and the story flowed well. I am looking forward to reading the next Mavis Davis book.
August 16, 2018
Mavis is a hoot and a holler! This is a well written and gripping mystery. If you like your mysteries served up with a dash of sass and Schnapps then this is a great one for you! Enjoy!
June 8, 2019
Received a free copy for a review. I love Mavis and her staff. This mystery has twists and turns to keep you reading. Loved it!
May 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. It pulled me in right from the start.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews