Drip Dead

Plumber's apprentice Georgiana "Georgie" Neverall doesn't like her mother's fiancé, Gregory Whitlock, but she doesn't wish he was dead. But dead he is - stuffed under Georgie's mother's house. Before she even has time to mourn, Sandra Neverall finds herself the chief suspect in the murder. Georgie and her mother may not always get along but the last thing Georgie wants is her mother jailed for a murder she didn't commit. Georgie works to clear her mother's name but will her sleuthing put her in real danger?

"Drip Dead" is the very good third book in Christy Evans series featuring plumbers apprentice Georgiana Neverall. This is the first book I've read in the series but I never felt lost while reading it. What makes this book so good is the relationship between Georgiana and her mother. They love each other but need their own space (some of the best parts in this book are when Georgie's mother moves in with her - many adult daughters (and mothers) will empathize with their complicated relationship). Sandra Neverall is a strong opinionated character who doesn't like showing weakness. Georgie is building a new life as a plumber (the book has plumbing tips scattered throughout) after a successful yet ultimately devastating career in the computer world. Another interesting relationship is between Georgie and her friend Sue who happens to be dating the sheriff (how refreshing it is for once that the heroine is not dating the police chief which is so common in cozy mysteries). Georgie's clashes with the police chief often interfere with her friendship with Sue. While the relationships are nicely done, the mystery is also well done - it is well plotted with several twists and turns. While I thought I knew who the killer was, Evans threw in a plot twist that caught me off guard. Well done. ( )