Edie Claire

Oh, lovely. I get so tired of insta-lust - irresistible attraction to someone (particularly someone who's otherwise (apparently) completely wrong for you) is really not a good basis for a relationship. Here the protagonists are strongly attracted - and refuse to give in to it, because problems. So they get to spend time together, talk, share experiences, and build a relationship with a solid basis (in only a few days, admittedly, but they deal with that aspect too). So when the unpleasant show more surprises happen later on, they've got something to trust, and the surprises get dealt with as they deserve. The workaholic, self-sacrificing Haley begins to find what she's lost in the stress of her life; the nomad, independent Ben finds out what he's willing to give up, and what he's not, for a relationship with her. And then Haley does a clever end-run and they get a real happy ever after, that's perfect for both of them. This is the first of a three- (soon four-) book series - I'll be looking for the rest, and for Edie Claire's other books. That's the nice thing about finding a new good author - lots of backlist. show less

Note to Some witnesses are more trouble than others.

When Leigh’s husband Warren gets offered a consulting gig in Corpus Christi, Texas, Leigh decides to migrate south for a rare week of fun and sun on the Gulf Coast. Warren may have to work, but for Leigh every day is a play day as she roams the beaches and parks of the sleepy, charismatic little town of Port Mesten, winter home to a few locals, scads of vacationing retirees, and a whole lot of birdlife. Now granted, it might seem odd that show more a body would wash up on the sand within hours of her arrival, considering that the peaceful birding and fishing mecca hasn’t seen a murder in well over a decade. But Leigh is not involved -- she’s simply having a good time getting to know her cousin Hap, who’s putting her up at the historic hotel he manages, and his wife Bev, who is fattening Leigh up with delectable home cooking. So what if a bunch of random people in town are staring at Leigh as if she looks familiar? The fact that these same people happen to be murder suspects is not her problem.

But when a dedicated birdwatcher is felled at dawn with his binoculars still around his neck, Bev and the other birders of Port Mesten decide to make it their problem. What crime did the unfortunate birder witness that cost him his life? And why does Leigh continue to be freakishly stalked from a distance? Is it a case of mistaken identity? Leigh would prefer to make beachcombing her first priority, but as the body count rises, she fears she will suffer for the sins of her mystery lookalike. While law enforcement does its thing, the birdwatchers quietly go about their own agenda, giving new meaning to the term “neighborhood watch.” And when a fateful twist occurs that threatens not only Leigh, but the future of the local wildlife population, a desperate killer finds that silencing this witness has brought on a peck of trouble. show less

Never Buried is the first book in the Leigh Koslow mystery series, a series of five books written and set in the late 90's/early 2000's. The thing that's hilarious and unique about this series is the fact that the author took a decade long break before deciding to check back in with Leigh and the gang (also ten years later) and has proceeded to write a further six books. I had never heard of the series before but when the author started writing again, the first book was offered for free on show more Amazon and it came to my attention. I'm really glad it did because this series has become a bit of a favourite.

In Never Buried, Leigh Koslow, 29 year advertising guru, has just moved in with her pregnant cousin, Cara, while Cara's husband Gil is away working. But the first morning there Leigh proceeds to find a dead body in the hammock and somehow, Leigh, Cara - their police friend, Maura, Maura's mother, Mary, Leigh's other mate, Warren, all get caught up in solving the mystery.

I really enjoyed this. The mystery was good. I like when there's old cases to be investigated. And I enjoyed the mix of trying to figure out how it impacts the present. The investigation was slow and steady and maybe won't be for everyone but I rated it. I worked out some parts and was surprised by others. It was logical and the reasons behind everything made sense which is always nice.

Leigh was hilarious. I liked her wit and sarcasm. She reminds me a lot of Kinsey Millhone with her curiosity and being self-proclaimed wimps. Although Kinsey has training to back herself up so...maybe not. But there's definitely something very similar.

I loved the rest of the cast of characters. Maura was hilarious. And her mum, Mary, was epic. Mary catching Leigh when she falls off the roof! And I love that Maura's heavy duty police work is really just her mum telling her the goss. Charlotte (Maura's aunt) tricking Leigh into being the one to wake Maura where she ends up with a busted nose and crushed toe was pretty good too. I love when old women get the best of others. Cara's neighbours the Rhodis' are pretty funny too. Adith Rhodis was a card.

And I loved Leigh's dad, Randall - I liked the laid back attitude - he seems to take all things in his stride. It was amusing to see that Leigh knows people based on whether or not they own a pet and visited her father's veterinary.

Overall it's a strong mystery with lots of humour and heart. 4 stars. show less

Never Neck at Niagara takes place at Niagara Falls while Leigh and Warren are away at a political junket - or at least Warren is and Leigh tags along to. The pair are now newlyweds having married a few weeks before this trip. While out and about, Leigh falls asleep and overhears something she shouldn't have and before long, she's one smack bang in the middle of murder. Poor Warren. Even on holiday, Leigh can't manage to escape from murder.

This was only about 33 pages, so it's fairly short show more but the mystery manages to pack a lot into those pages. I liked the twist and Leigh is always amusing. Unfortunately Warren only makes a brief appearance. Still, an enjoyable addition to the series. 4 stars. show less