Edie Claire

Lilah Murchison never cared about anyone besides her prize-winning cats. Unfortunately, the feeling was mutual...

When wealthy socialite Lilah Murchison dies in an airplane crash, the locals in Pittsburgh's North Boros shed no tears. The reclusive millionaire and rumored black widow was detested by almost everyone, including her own son, who expects to share his inheritance with the throng of Siamese that inhabit his mother's dreary mansion. But when Lilah's latest will delivers the bulk of show more her cash to another, unidentified heir, the cat litter flies.

The only local who seems genuinely sorry about Ms. Lilah's passing is Leigh Koslow's veterinarian father, who hasn't a clue how the death of his long-term client could be connected to the bizarre series of break-ins and threats now plaguing his clinic. But daughter Leigh has a hunch that Lilah's mystery heir may be hiding right under their noses, and wishes she could prove it before the entire staff runs screaming out the door. Because someone wants the past to stay buried—even if it means adding a little extra to the grave. show less

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

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

How many dandelions does it take to spell disaster?

Claudia Hemmings never cared for her next-door neighbor. Theodore Milton, MD neglected his lawn, frightened trick-or-treaters, and flagrantly ignored the Homeowner Association’s mailbox specifications. But when she began to suspect that he was engaged in criminal activity, she decided it was time to act.

Then she disappeared. Now, six months later, her house stands empty and Dr. Milton’s is up for sale. And while Leigh’s house-hunting show more Aunt Bess may think that the doctor’s humble 1940s ranch has potential for greatness, all Leigh can think about is the creepy stuff he left behind.

Something about buying a house from a man who’s in a coma gives Leigh the heebie jeebies. But when mysterious third parties start bidding the price up, strangers prowl the empty house at night, and Aunt Bess insists she’s moving in anyway, Leigh gets officially worried. What was the eccentric doctor really up to? And what is it that everyone keeps searching for?

Leigh isn’t sure she wants to know. But somebody has to look out for her intrepid Aunt Bess. Because in this neighborhood, every dog walk may be your last. show less