Into the Fire

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Karin Kaufman is the contemporary Queen of Cozy Mysteries. Small town friends and amateur sleuths, a pre-Halloween scavenger hunt murder of a vindictive woman, old high school friends who've become enemies, and a frustrated sheriff trying to protect and keep the sleuths in order while finding the killer. 

The woman was hated by many dating back to the old days in high school. Six old "friends" apparently shared some secret un-pleasantries and unrequited love back in the day and never graduated beyond those emotional experiences. One of them turns up dead after wreaking havoc on her old "friends" and those she viewed as enemies to her new business. One particular enemy turns out to be a friend (Holly of Holly's Sweets) of mystery writer Rachel Stowe and her older neighbor Julia. The lies the victim told to get her enemies investigated now threaten to frame Holly for her murder – along with the rest of the old friends. The scavenger hunt clue which implicates Holly because it's found in a pocket of her backpack causes her and her family grief. Rachel and Julia to the rescue much to Sheriff Gilroy's consternation – especially when Rachel loses her cool and berates him in her frustration!

Regretting her actions, she admits to herself that she's falling for him, and that makes her even more antagonized. Plus Julia and Holly relentlessly insist the sheriff is interested in her and compel her to do something about it. She's not convinced he even likes her and refuses to do anything except get flustered like a teenager in his presence.

The process is always entertaining and the crime finds its criminal although there seems to be more than one with these former "friends". The satisfying conclusion includes a leading conversation between Rachel and the sheriff and turns out just right.

Karin creates unique stories with good writing and solid characters. We're drawn to Rachel's self-deprecating thoughts of herself and her attraction to the sheriff, her former painful relationship stunting her actions and positive approach to any possibility with him. If you love cozy mysteries, you'll love Karin's work. A quick read, Death of A Scavenger is a good second novel in the Juniper Grove Mystery Series.  

Father, you know every need Karin has, and I pray you would supply the provision and answers to them all. Please bless and protect her as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.