Into the Fire

(Juniper Grove Mystery Series Book 7 by Karin Kaufman)

Mystery novelist Rachel Stowe accompanies her boyfriend Chief of Police James Gilroy to an unusual evening party hosted by a couple (Stuart and Lauren) who've been friends with Gilroy for a number of years although they don't see each other often. Included in this so-called party are a few other guests who don't seem to know each other well and who the Chief and Rachel do not know. When they get to the host's spectacular home, the small group gathered in another room appear to be having a heated discussion while Lauren looks on in discomfort.

Stuart offers to show Rachel his impressive green house since Gilroy had noted her love for all things gardening. However, after an innocent inquiry by Gilroy about Stuart's Venus Flytraps, Stuart leads them to the plants while giving them a strange philosophic soliloquy about how the plant operates leaving both Rachel and the Chief uncomfortable and suspicious of his intent after having made odd disparaging comments about his other guests.

Suffice it to say there is a murder which illogically casts suspicion on Chief Gilroy and leaves him out of the investigation as a result of the mayor's insistence. With his deputies Underhill and Turner in charge, Rachel and her super-sleuth mystery gang with its latest member, Julia's boyfriend, add information that explodes in the Chief's office.

With background misinformation, suspicion of theft, vengeance, and twisted intentions, Chief Gilroy and the group come to the sad conclusion of the curious investigation. 

If you love cozy mysteries, you simply must indulge in the Juniper Grove Mystery Series. Book 7 is just another captivating addition to the group who live, work, investigate, and play in the small town of Juniper Grove. Karin has done an excellent job of creating the endearing characters in this series. Rachel Stowe, her self-deprecating personality, intuitive investigative skills, and her developing love for the man she initially contested at every meeting moment, holds the other characters together in friendship and adventures. The Queen of Cozy Mysteries is at again in Death Trap. 

Father, you know exactly what Karin needs on a day to day basis. You know the hurt she's recently experienced. You know all things about her life and the good you intend to provide for her. Please shower her with your abundance and inspiration. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.