Grim Death by Karin Kaufman is Book 12 in The Juniper Grove Mystery Series.
The Juniper Grove Mysteries have become a wonderful haven for Cozy Mystery lovers. A fine community celebrating the joys of neighbors - well, some neighbors - coffee - well, some coffee - tea - well, some tea - and always Holly's Sweets, the absolute best pastries, cream puffs, and cookies for miles and miles.
It doesn't take long for this mystery to take off. As soon as the newlyweds Chief of Police James Gilroy and his bride, mystery writer Rachel Stowe, arrive at the New Year's Day brunch, the hostess (Mary Blackwell) tells Rachel that she's slipped some papers into her coat pocket with instructions to call her back that night.
Told from Rachel's first-person point-of-view, the tension at the table is captured perfectly as barely veiled insults and barbs pass between the sarcastic, condescending artist Dalton Taylor, whose work will be displayed at the new art gallery the host (Clay Blackwell) and another guest (Izak) hope to open soon, the website designer Shasta, the card and website designer Laura, and a few others. A comment incites Laura to abruptly get up from the table and walk into the living room to view again one of Dalton's paintings on display. Her anger is instantly apparent and she leaves in a huff.
From the uncomfortable exit to the eventual departure of all the guests, James and Rachel rethink their intention to socialize more often. However, the fallout from their visit proves to be far more dangerous than just hurt feelings. And so it begins.
With multiple suspicious characters - and some unlikable - the Juniper Grove Mystery Gang (consisting of two of Rachel's neighbors, Julia and Holly, and Julia's "boyfriend" Royce) gathers at Rachel's home while James is at work to sort out the magnitude of information, much of it passed to Rachel by Mary Blackwell. Turns out to be a convoluted mess with more than one suspect of the crime that results from that New Year's Day brunch.
I've read all the books in this series and many of Karin's other novels. She's a fantastic writer, adapting to any venue she chooses. She creates unique mysteries with both quality and vicious characters in her stories, and it truly is a pleasure to read her work. Most of you know I'm not generally a fan of Cozy Mysteries, but there are certain authors who do them so well, I will read their books exclusively. Karin is one of two. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. Start at the first one - you won't be sorry you did.
Father, you know Karin's every need and desire. Only you can fulfill them all. I pray you would watch over Karin and keep her safe from all harm. Give her many more stories that you have just for her to tell. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.