Tie Dyed and Dead

he singing Mayfair sisters are reuniting for a concert to help pay for their mother’s care in her last days. Intrepid Laundromat owner/newspaper columnist Josie Toadfern is called on to help get their old costumes back into shape for the concert. One of the dresses goes missing – and turns up back in Josie’s business – used as a murder weapon. And the victim, whose body Josie found, has ties to the Mayfairs.

Ever since she dumped him in junior high, the Paradise (Ohio) police chief, John Worthy, has had it in for Josie. If he can’t find the evidence to charge her, he’s going to make poor Josie’s life as miserable as he can in the process of finding out just who the killer really is. Thank goodness Josie has lots of friends – friends who stick by and help her while she does some snooping of her own.

Meanwhile, there’s a new director at Stillwater Farms, where Josie’s autistic cousin Guy is a resident. From what she knows of the new director, the two of them don’t see eye-to-eye on the care of individuals with autism. Josie is prepared to dislike him, but finds herself curiously drawn to him – and, apparently, he feels the same way.

Sharon Short’s stain-busting mysteries are among my favorites – sweet, well-written, with a wonderful cast of characters cozy readers like immediately. Especially Josie. She’s not had an easy time of it, but she goes through life with grace and a positive attitude. Tie Dyed and Dead is a classic cozy that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Note: I'm sad that this book is the last in the series -- but the author ties up all the loose ends quite nicely so readers aren't left hanging. It's great to know that Josie Toadfern's life after the series ends turns out so well.

By Diana. First published in the Cozy Library April 9, 2008.

Review based on publisher- or author-provided review copy.

A pretty standard mystery. I think I saw the plot first on "Murder She Wrote". The writing is ok. A pleasant beach read. ( )