Into the Fire

Karin Kaufman opens Cheating Death with the viewing of a seemingly intoxicated resident of Juniper Grove (Brigit Gunderson) viciously stapling notices on every available post on Main Street and duct taping them to storefronts. Curious to understand what constituted the urgency of such postings, mystery writer Rachel Stowe approaches her to find these notices are blatant accusations against her husband for being a cheater.

Turns out Brigit wants Rachel, who the town believes is equivalent to a private eye, to find the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Although Rachel declines, it later occurs to her and her two friends who compose their "Gang" of mystery solvers, they need to delve into what's happening between this wayward couple and the couple who are their supposed friends.

After reporting a murder to her beau Sheriff Gilroy, Rachel experiences the first of a snippy attitude from him after giving his request that she, for once, stay out of this investigation. Her intentions are good, but information is essential to solutions, and somehow she feels obligated to figure out this bizarre scenario – along with her two accomplices in sleuthing of course.

In the meantime Valentine's Day approaches and the big dance at Townhall has her neighbor Julia madly (literally) helping with decorations while falling for the man who heads the committee. Clueless to Julia's admiration for him, Rachel does her best to run interference, but it's the least likely of particular people who is able to make things happen for them – this of course after the timely solving of two murders. 

I reiterate after every episode of the Juniper Grove Mystery installment (this is Book 6), Karin Kaufmann is the Queen of Cozy Mystery writing. She's created meaningful, authentic characters, uses clever wit and humor, knows just how to write them, and gives even the serious thriller readers a good fun release in mystery solving. Bravo, again, Karin.

Father, you know the sorrows and difficulties of late Karin has experienced. I pray you would continue to bring her both comfort and inspiration. Bless her in every area of her life and keep her strong in you and in your mighty power. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.