First Class Killer

Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery #5

by Tonya Kappes

Mail Carrier Bernadette Butler just can't stop delivering clues when the clerk of the new book store turns up dead in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, after the town is already shocked over a tell all fiction romance novel that hit the shelves filled secrets that were brush under the rug and now left hung out to dry.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series so far. This book was so much fun to read. Author Tonya Kappes knows how to weave mystery, humor, and small-town Southern Charm together to give her readers a great reading escape. I like Bernie and several of the secondary characters, however, I may have a new favorite character. Front Porch Lady-Gertrude’s daughter, Revonda, has come back to town. Revonda’s arrival in Sugar Creek Gap is not her only surprise. She brings an interesting spin to Bernie’s investigations. The mystery is full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the big reveal. I recommend this book to fans of Mrs. Kappes, the series, and cozy mystery fans.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I scream with joy? This book was a joy to read! I loved it so much. I didn’t want it to end so I started prolonging it. I would only read so much a day just so I could hang out in the book.
I’ll start out by saying that I really enjoy this series. I like that Bernie is an older adult who remains active and sharp. I love how she loves her family and enjoys her friends. She has a wonderful personality. Each book in the series has been entertaining to read. However I must admit this book is my favorite from the series.
I am so excited by Revonda Gail’s introduction to the series. I adored having her join Bernie in sleuthing. I like the age difference but what made it stand out as unique to me was that they were not related nor were they best friends. That is different from most other cozies that have best friends as sleuthing partners or husband and wife. This sleuthing partnership worked for me as it was something fresh. Both Bernie and Revonda have personalities that get along. They compliment each other. I love second chances. I truly hope we continue to see Revonda in more books in the series.
The mystery in this one was great fun! I love how Stella Jean was a student who wrote this scandalous tell all book and dedicated it to her teacher, Bernie’s son, Grady. I knew that was just going to be setting britches on fire and burning up telephones. I’m not fixing to tell anything about the book. I want you to read it instead! I thought it was a deliciously fun mystery to dive into. Grab your copy and settle in with something good to drink. Prepare to stay up reading. This is a big eyes page turner!

Edited to add: I received an advanced uncorrected ecopy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed it. My opinion on the book is based on my thoughts and entertainment level while reading it.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in this series. Bernie’s granddaughter, Clara, is now six months old and growing fast! Gertrude’s daughter, Revonda, has come back to town, bringing lots of surprises. A new bookstore opens, bringing a lot of tension to the town. And Bernie is back to solving a murder. All in all, this is a fabulous book!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Bernie is the mail carrier in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. She is a widow with Mack Tabor as her boyfriend. Then there is a book published about the truth for the last 20 years in Sugar Creek Gap. Then a murder happens to a main character in the book. Bernie keeps asking questions leading to the unexpected truth and arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡

[Tonya Kappes]

☆.¸(*•.¸(´*•.¸(*•.* 😻 *.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.☆

New to the A MAIL CARRIER COZY MYSTERY series?

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[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First-Class Killer earns 5/5 Bookstore Bargains...Entertaining Fun!

Tonya Kappes delivered another engaging drama with the thirteenth entertaining Mail Carrier Mystery that centers on various secrets now public in Stella Jane Clark’s new book, a former resident of Sugar Creek Gap and one-time high-school student of Bernadette Butler’s son, Grady. At only twenty-three, Stella Jane burst onto the scene with an exciting, yet steamy, romance novel that has caused a great deal of buzz since it includes personal details about many of the residents including Bernie and her best friend Iris. The murder pops up later in the story than I prefer, but I was delightfully thrown off when it wasn’t the character I thought would be the victim. However the final reveal, marked with some peril, was surprising and satisfying. Kappes’s story is more driven by the fascinating characters than the murder giving fans, like me, an opportunity to make literary friends, enjoy realistic reactions, relish the mountain setting, cheer at a football game, and with the “I” perspective, feel involved. The private incidents of many of Sugar Creek Gap’s residents have become fodder in the fiction/nonfiction book, and the question about how the young woman obtained such details has tongues wagging. Gossip and those who wield it for personal gain may rue the day. Thank you, Karma! You can always count on Tonya incorporating some southern favorites into her stories. Enjoy easy-to-follow recipes for these treats direct from the menus of Bernie’s parents restaurant The Wallflower Dinner and Iris’s Pie in the Face Bakery: Kentucky Handmade Apple Pie, The Wallflower Dinner Wilted Lettuce, and Kentucky’s Fall treat Transparent Pie,

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Class Killer
A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, Book #5
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Discover the southern life of Bernadette Butler, along with the eccentric and lovable citizens, along with all the fur babies, who live in Sugar Creek Gap in this southern cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. Don't miss out on the good RECIPES at the end of the book!

Mail Carrier Bernadette Butler just can’t stop delivering clues when the clerk of the new bookstore turns up dead in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, after the town is already shocked over a tell all “fiction” romance novel that hit the shelves filled secrets that were brush under the rug and now left hung out to dry.

This is the 5th book in the Mail Carrie Cozy Mystery Series.

Review:

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether I was sitting on the porch with the Front Porch Ladies or spending time with Iris, my mind’s eye could clearly see it.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Bernie and Iris are once again trying to figure out a murder mystery because this time Iris is a suspect. It will take all of their sleuthing skills, and then some, to solve this one.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to see what new predicament Bernie and her friends get into next.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, did I have that wrong!!! And it was fun finding out who and why. I love a book that has a lot of twists and turns. Makes the read very interesting!! Bernie may be comfortable with her life as it is; she can come and go as she pleases, answer to no one. If she got married again would she be able to dive into solving the murders? For now, her life is full and rich, that may change later.
I love this series and I love the characters. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good mystery in the series. In this one a woman comes back to town after writing a book. Many people in town are upset because she clearly wrote about them. Then someone ends up dead. Bernie then helps figure out who is behind it. Thankfully everything works out and everything is well for now.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series. When I read it I feel like I am right there with all of the characters. I really love all of Tonya’ series but this one is my favorite.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better! The plot reminded me of a TV murder mystery. A local girl is seen as making good as she is on national TV as the writer of a romance novel which is expected to be a best seller. She dedicates the book to Grady, her English teacher, and Bernadette’s (Bernie) son, who encouraged her to write. The residents of Sugar Creek Gap can’t wait to read the book and crowds line up at the new bookstore in town to purchase their copies. Once the residents start reading it, many are aghast as they realize the author has included events that happened to various people in town, including Bernie, although the names were changed. Even though some of the residents are livid with the author, she isn’t the murder victim.

Bernadette with the help of Iris and the new woman in town, the daughter of one of the Front Porch Ladies, investigate the murder, especially since Iris is a suspect. They are stumped until Bernie accidentally finds evidence that reveals the surprising murderer. Meanwhile a number of characters have their own secrets.

The characters are so well developed. I feel like I’m really getting to know them. I look forward to reading their continuing adventures.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Class Killer Is the 5th instalment in the Mail Carrier Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely loved returning to Sugar Creek Gap Kentucky and visiting with Bernie, Iris, baby Clara and Rowena the cat.

This time around a local girl went off to college and ended up writing a tell all romance book and the first stop on her book tour is in Sugar Creek Gap! Naturally a murder occurs at the signing and Bernie and Iris need to clear Iris from the suspects list!

Well I must say this might be my favourite one yet in the series. I really enjoyed the introduction of Gertrude‘s daughter Revonda Gail to the mix, and I hope she will be in future stories.

The front porch ladies didn’t play as big of a roll this time but it was nice to learn a little bit more about Gertrude. But Revonda Gail Helped out this time, there were lots of suspects as well as twists to keep us entertained and guessing. I had no idea who the killer was until Bernie did!

I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy loving friends especially if they like an older herione.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette (Bernie) Butler is a first-class mail carrier and amateur sleuth. While out delivering mail, she overhears the news that Sugar Creek Gap, has one of their own making a celebrity appearance. Stella Jane Clark, left the small-town life to begin her writing career. She has returned to Sugar Creek Gap for a book signing at the newest business, The Old Mill Bookstore, promoting her very first romance novel, “Beyond Boundaries.” Dedicating the book to her former English teacher and, Bernie’s son Grady, just adds to the excitement of the book’s release! Once nearly everyone has a copy in their hot hands, they realize this romance is truly hot! Although the names have been changed, everyone knows who the characters are. Sugar Creek Gap’s laundry has been hung out to dry for the world to read! When the manager of the bookstore is found murdered, there are numerous suspects that had a reason to see her dead.

First Class Killer, the newest book in the series, is the best so far! I enjoy visiting Sugar Creek Gap and the residents. My favorite residents, the Front Porch Ladies, are not as widely featured in this book, yet, the addition of a new character, Revonda Gail, proves to be someone to watch. Revonda, daughter of Gertrude Gail, a member of the Front Porch Ladies, has returned home with a questionable past. Using her new found “skills” she is able to get a job at Pie in The Face Bakery, owned by Bernie’s BFF, Iris Peabody. With Iris also on the suspect list, Revonda jumps in with Bernie to clear her boss’s name and help track down the killer. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of Revonda in future books, as well as, the residents of Sugar Creek Gap and, Bernie’s growing relationship with Mac. First Class Killer is a first-rate cozy mystery that’s entertaining, drawing you into the book and the lives of the residents. I requested and received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Class Killer is another enjoyable installment in Kappes' Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series. I find myself looking forward to each book in this series, and this book definitely did not disappoint. Bernie as well as the rest of Sugar Creek Gap are excited at first to discover that one of their own has published a romance novel and is coming back home for a book signing. That excitement takes a turn when everyone realizes that the author wrote about the members of the community revealing hidden secrets. When the book store manager is found dead, Bernie decides to look into the murder to prove her best friend innocent.

Kappes does a great job at creating a compelling mystery by having this debut author revealing secrets of Sugar Creek Gap that readers have been introduced to throughout the series. Making Bernie's best friend a potential suspect really makes the stakes higher for Bernie. Having Bernie's own secrets appear in the book also makes Bernie revisit the past. This mystery really hits close to home for most of the main characters making the story have a bigger impact. I also really liked the addition of Revonda Gail. I think that she was a great new addition and hope to see more of her with Bernie and Iris. While the front porch ladies were not front and center with this case, I liked this new addition and thought she made an excellent addition to the team. Overall First Class Killer proved to be an entertaining read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Bernie's next adventure.

Received a copy of First Class Killer from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to agree with my book friends who were calling this the best book so far in the series. I thought it was too, and I loved the addition of a new sleuth in town to help out as well as be a baker for Iris. Gertrude's famous traveling daughter was back in town with secrets of her own when in the meantime, a new book incorporating some of the juiciest town gossip hit the stores. The residents weren't amused, but because of who was killed, all signs pointed to Iris.

Revonda was the newest sleuth who dug right in with Bernie. I really liked her, and eventually everyone got to know her story. The showdown had a good twist to it, and that's all I'm going to say other than, don't miss out on the fun, read it soon!

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great from the first to the last page. I love Bernie and all her friends it's always a pleasure to meet them again and read about their adventures. This time Sugar Creek Gap 's citizens are all in a frenzy because one of them is becoming a famous writer.....that's until they discover that the book in question is just about all their secrets, and dirty secrets even. Sadly Bernie is affected as well though she is not as angered as some....

If it was not enough , the manager of the bookstore is killed and since she had trouble with Bernie's best friend our mail carrier makes it her affaire to discover the killer to help her friend.....with the help of an unexpected new neighbour.

Really this was well written and a good investigation but as always it's more luck than thinking that allowes Bernadette to find the real culprit

If you want a good southern cozy mystery this is your book, can be read as stand alone without trouble.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Class Killer by Tonya Kappes is the 5th A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone as all the background information a new reader needs to know is included. This lively tale has Tonya Kappes’ trademark writing style. It reminds me of talking with an old friend. I was quickly drawn into this engaging cozy mystery. Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky is a cozy Southern town with friendly residents and charming shops. Bernie Butler just loves her grandbaby. She talks about her to anyone who will listen and shares pictures that she has taken with her 35 mm camera. Gertrude, one of the Front Porch ladies, gets news that her daughter, Revonda Gail is coming to town. She ends up renting Mac’s rental next door to Bernie and the pair become friends. Revonda Gail has a colorful past much to Bernie’s surprise. Stella Jane Clark has written “Beyond Boundaries” and thanks Grady Butler, her high school English teacher, for encouraging her to write. His advice to Stella Jane was to write what she knew, and she certainly did much to many residents’ dismay. The book has people up in arms including Bernie’s best friend, Iris Peabody. When a murder occurs, Iris is at the top of Angela Hafley’s suspect list. Bernie, of course, must investigate. They use the big write-on/wipe-off board at Iris’s bakery to keep track of clues and suspects. Revonda Gail gets in on the act. She is a great addition to the book and the investigation. I hope the author continues to have her help Bernie. The Front Porch ladies take a back seat in this book, but we do learn more about Gertrude. First Class Killer is my favorite book in this series. The time flew by as I read First Class Killer. I just love the humor in the story that had me chuckling. I like that Bernie is an older protagonist. She is going through menopause and I agree with Bernie when she said that “menopause is awful on the body”. First Class Killer is a delightful cozy mystery with bawdy book, a bounty of baked good, gossip galore, a grinning grandma, a busy bookstore, a profusion of photographs, and a mystifying murder.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In First Class Killer, local girl Stella Jane Clark is back home in Sugar Creek Gap to promote her new book. Bernadette is proud as can be that Stella Jane's book is dedicated to her son Grady, who was Stella Jane's English teacher, and the entire community is excited about the opening of the new bookstore. That's where Stella Jane will hold her book signing.

Only everything doesn't go according to plan. Turns out Stella Jane's book is a whole lot of local gossip thinly disguised as fiction, and a lot of folks aren't happy about that. One of those unhappy folks is Bernie's best friend Iris, who caught her ex-husband in bed with bookstore clerk Piddy Satterly (eating pie straight out of Iris' pie plate, no less). Iris makes a very public display of her anger, and that puts her at the top of the suspect list when Piddy is found dead.

This is a humdinger of a good read! I love Bernie. I think she's my favorite of Ms. Kappes' sleuths, because I can relate to her. I'm middle aged, and my clothes don't always fit right, and sometimes things hurt and I need a good soak in Epsom salts to sort them out. She's a working woman, and while she's working and solving mysteries, she's wrestling with real-life problems to boot.

I also love that we learned more about Gertrude's daughter Revonda Gail. She is a delightful character, and I hope we see more of her in future books.

And this story kept me guessing right up to the end! I thought I'd figured out whodunnit, and then nope! Wrong again. I do love a good, clean mystery that can keep me engaged and trying to solve it all the way through the book, and Ms. Kappes delivers. This book can be read alone, but it's better to start at the beginning and read the entire series. You get all the back story that way.

If you like your mysteries clean and fun and filled with Southern charm, read First Class Killer. And there are recipes at the end - bonus!

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these mail carrier mysteries?

Another great book in the series, number five! Someone writes a book, fiction, but it seems like half the town finds their misdeeds in the book, not their names, but it’s easy to know who she’s talking about. Talk about an uproar!! Threats to sue the author and publisher abound, and next thing you know someone is murdered! Of course, Bernie has to do some sleuthing, but will she be able to figure it out this time? There are so many suspects!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always a fan of cozies that have slightly older sleuths because I’m in that age bracket and Bernadette is a no-nonsense, practical working woman so she’s easy to relate to. The mystery was intriguing with a book centered around the townspeople leading to murder. I’ve always loved the town and the people that Tonya Kappes brings to life. I enjoyed this one and look forward to the next.

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read.

This has been my favourite case so far in the series. The characters are fleshed out and Sugar Creek Gap is an entity in its own right. I found myself disagreeing with the characters about some choices and that is a sure sign that I was completely absorbed in the narration. This book is a little gem.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great cozy mystery by the author. I love how the mail carriers mind works and all the things she get caught up in. A very good series that I highly recommend you read.

[Kia Evans Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Class Killer brings it really to close to home in Sugar Creek this time. It has to whole town looking at one another. Wondering and assuming who this risky book is really about in the small town community. So not only is there a book, a murder, there is a returning member of the community. So what’s her story on returning to town after years of being away.

Boy does Bernie have her work cut out for her this time. With her best friend looking at murder charges and being a mentor.

Come on a visit Sugar Creek you won’t be disappointed but look out who will be next on the suspects list?....

I am a advance volunteer reader.

Kia G

[Pernette · Rating 4 out of 5]

In First Class Killer by Tonya Kappes Sugar Creek Gap citizens find that they are the subject of a tell all book by one of their own. The names have been changed but the citizens know who they are talking about and they aren't very happy about it. But is the embarrassment enough to kill over? Bernie Butler is up to her mail bag in the case trying to straighten things out for her family and friends. Would recommend to those that like cozy mysteries and especially readers of Tonya Kappes Mail Carrier Cozy Mysteries.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Creek Gap, is about to be put in the spotlight by one of their very own.

Bernie stops at the hair salon to deliver a package to the nail salon, and while there witnessed Stella Jane Clark being interviewed about her new romance book, Beyond Boundaries. Stella mentions that her English teacher, who happened to be Grady Bulter, was an influence on her and dedicated the book to him. Stella let it slip that she'd be at the Old Mill Book Store to sign her books.

The Old Mill Book Store will be the first bookstore in Sugar Creek Gap, and everyone is excited for the opening, none more excited than Barbara, Bernie's mom. Their book club has to borrow one book and pass it along, which takes three months before they all read it.

Bernie heads over to Pie in the Face bakery that is owned by her best friend, Iris Peabody. When Bernie receives a text from her son Grady, Iris shares that she has a bad feeling.

Once everyone gets their hands on a copy of Beyond Boundaries, tongues start wagging right in the bookstore. The book causes more than tongues to wag as secrets are spilled, when the newly hired clerk of the bookstore turns up dead. A clerk, who has ties to Iris. Iris becomes a suspect.

The gossip is flying about the town, Iris thumps her ex-husband with a rolling pin, and one of the Front Porch Ladies' daughter returns home with a secret. Meanwhile, Bernie is enjoying her new title of Maw-maw, even to the point of correcting when referred to as granny. I loved the new sleuth in the story, who helps out Bernie.

I received an ARC and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t help but relate to this series!!!! I love Bernie, Iris and the Front Porch Ladies. Bernie is a widowed mail carrier who is “going through the change” and trying to deal with the newest complications from it but much to her parents and her boyfriends chagrin she keeps investigating murders and getting in trouble with the law. When the latest murder involves her family Bernie is determined to solve this one. With the help from the new renter of Mac’s house they set out to unwind the mystery that has the town in an uproar. This is a great whodunnit with a lovable funny bunch of characters that you would love to have by your side if you are ever in trouble!!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an author who lived in Sugar Creek Gap arrives for a book signing the town is excited to have a celebrity. Well, not for long as this book is to close to the secrets people don’t want exposed.
Bernie is back with the hilarious Front Porch Ladies, my favorite gossip group.
When the recently hired clerk for the bookstore turns up dead you know tongues are wagging in Sugar Creek.
Bernie is certainly enjoying her life as a Maw-maw. Bernie is so relatable, especially as a grandma, with the love she has for Clara.
Love the small town humor and feel.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a young author writes a hit tell-all book about the lives and people in Sugar Creek Gap.
A lot of noses are put out of joint.
When the author comes to town to do a signing. Half the town is in an uproar, and one of the named people is murdered. Possibly in retaliation for past deeds.

Revonda Gail, Gertrude's daughter had decided to return from her travels to be closer to her mom.
And that's a whole different set of problems.

Another fun story in a fun town that likes to keep its gossip, and murders, local.

There are defined characters, and a good bit of laughs. With a set of plot line that'll keep you guessing until the end.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite so far in this series. Even my 16 year old couldn't help listening in and laughing at me for laughing out loud. Also the narrator says quack quack for her little duck friend which I thought was going to have my husband on the floor. This series is so darn cute and cozy and fun!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernie, our favorite mail carrier, returns in this latest novel set in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky! Autumn in Kentucky sounds like a happy place to be! I really enjoy the characters, including the Front Porch Ladies, and Bernie’s bestie, Iris. We also get to meet a new partner in crime-solving. The mystery was perfect – and I did not guess whodunit! I enjoy Bernie and Iris as they are a little more mature but have the bond that only two old friends have. And they still have fun!

Bernie delivered a package to the salon at the senior living facility and learned that a past student of her son Grady was coming to town as a new author. They saw Stella Jane’s interview was on TV; the first bookstore in town is opening today, and Stella Jane will have a book signing there the next day. The author credited Grady, her English teacher, with telling her to write what she knew and encouraging her course of study at college. Her romance novel is apparently destined to put her on the best seller list and make her grandma proud. That remains to be seen when Elsbeth, who raised Stella Jane, sees the book cover. According to the local radio program, the cover is too steamy for Sugar Creek Gap!

Bernie and Iris, her best friend are going to the bookstore opening. When Grady texted his mom, Iris had one of her “feelings”. Sometimes she has these feelings when something awful is going to happen, and the past several times, those feelings came just before someone was murdered. When they got to the bookstore, they learned that the manager is Piddy, the woman who broke up Iris’s marriage years ago.

They really wish they had missed the opening when they learned what was in Stella Jane’s book! The stock was bought out quickly, and folks are impressed to see how beautifully their little town is described in the novel. Some were really excited, and others are appalled to find that it’s a tell-all account of affairs and struggles townspeople had. While the events are set in a fictionalized couple, everybody in town knew what had happened to who, including Piddy’s affair with Iris’s ex, and juicy tidbits about Bernie’s late husband.

The following day, Piddy had a second book signing time set for Stella Jane since the first one went so well. Iris stopped in to have a few words with Piddy before she joined Bernie at the high school football game. She thought they had cleared the air until later that evening. Piddy was dead, and due to a fight that they had being overheard, Iris is asked to not leave town.

While Bernie shouldn’t get involved in yet another investigation, how can she let her best friend down? And this time, they might have a new partner in crime solving! A special visitor to one of the Front Porch Ladies is helping Bernie and Iris figure out whodunit. A case could be made for many suspects, including Stella Jane, as she and Piddy did not get along. Or Elton, Piddy’s husband, who seemed to be possessive and abusive. This is a fabulously well-executed mystery that I couldn’t put down or solve. I highly recommend this to all who enjoy well-written Southern cozy mysteries with close friends, romance, and a hard-to-solve crime.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.