Christine Wenger

Bookbox - ABC VBB; took from the ABC VBB because the title was too cute to pass up. Trixie moves to NY state to run the family's Silver Bullet diner & take ownership of the house & cottages on "the point" of Lake Ontario. Only it appears that someone has deadly motives, when the food inspector dies when eating in her diner, threatening to put her out of business right away. Cozy mystery with lots of hometown folks to meet, as Trixie keeps stepping on hunky deputy's toes trying to solve the mystery before she gets run out of town.… (more)

This book has several great things going for it. I will tell you about them first and then give a nod to the two things I didn't like.

There is sweet and some adult humor in the talk, the author is very clever at how she sneaks in and they are more clever than offensive. The mystery is complex and the author does really lead you astray, instead, there are many she lines up a long list of suspects and the list keeps growing through the b0x. The beginning romance between Trixie Matkowski and Deputy Ty Brisec is lovely and enticing. Her new employee is a computer nerd who would definitely be a great help at unwinding future mysteries.

All that makes it a six but I subtracted two stars for the momentary appearance of two words that make me squirm but maybe not you. And then there was the typewriter! A great source of information that all people like me who have used them would know but Trixie did not figure out until the story was close to the end. The irked me some. I do recommend reading it but beware.… (more)

When the roof of the library collapses in a snowstorm, Trixie is “volunteered” to head a fund raiser. A famous chef is coming to judge a cook-off. She has plenty of demands, and Trixie meets them all, though a bit resentful of the diva’s attitude. Trixie doesn’t try to hide her displeasure, and when the famous chef is found dead, she is one of several suspects. It’s not a exactly a fun time as she and her close friend try to find the real killer, but is sure is exciting! The cozy is a fast read, Trixie’s diner is a great setting, and the plot is intriguing from beginning to end.… (more)

The writing has improved. The MC shows slightly more maturity. 2 or 3 continuity issues (a 1 million dollar life insurance policy becomes 2 million a chapter later) that were negligible.

The mystery itself was average - the killer was obvious and I think the author was hoping for a plot twist but it didn't feel twisty to me at all. So, could have been better.

Still, I find something strangely compelling about the characters; if the series ended with this one I wouldn't blink an eye, but still I feel the need to read the next one. I don't know why - it won't be for the recipes at the back: I am fundamentally, philosophically, and theologically opposed to anything with velveeta as an ingredient.… (more)