Elvis is alive and well, and living it up in Memphis -- well, sort of. This particular Elvis happens to be a feisty little basset hound belonging to Callie Valentine Jones, who thinks he's the "King" reincarnated in canine-form. As an added bonus, he happens to be a pretty good little sidekick for his mystery-attracting/solving owner!
There's a whole lotta shakin' going on in Peggy Webb's hilarious new cozy mystery, ELVIS AND THE MEMPHIS MAMBO MURDER. The third book in her Southern Cousins Mystery series, Webb continues to delight readers with the lively antics of beautician Callie Valentine Jones and her wacky circle of family and friends.
Callie and her cousin, Lovie, and of course, Elvis, have traveled to Memphis with Callie's momma, Ruby Nell, so Ruby Nell can participate in a ballroom dancing competition. Staying at the historical Peabody Hotel (known for it's famous ducks), the gang from Mooreville try to be on their best behavior but, when two contestants die under mysterious circumstances, -- well, plans change. Callie never met a mystery she didn't want to solve, much to the chagrin of her estranged (but devilishly handsome and equally mysterious) husband Jack.
After Ruby Nell is threatened, Callie begins to have her doubts about her momma's dance partner, Thomas Whitenton, who has been acting mighty suspicious, but then again so has half the folks either staying at the hotel or competing in the dance contest. As loyal Elvis tries to help by sniffing out some clues for his owner, Callie and Lovie do what they do best -- cause chaos and mayhem as they look for who is really murdering the Mambo in Memphis.
Writing humor isn't as easy as it would seem, but in a style that will remind readers of beloved mystery author Anne George's Southern Sisters mysteries, author Peggy Webb captures the same charm and grace in her delightful funny tales, along with just the right amount of suspense, that will certainly delight cozy readers. I know I'll be a fan for life now!
A lovable basset hound who's convinced he's the King
reincarnated. A blonde bombshell mooning the lobby of the
ritziest hotel in the South. And a murder witnessed by a
parade of fame-hungry ducks? Something's afoul, alright, and
it's definitely a case for the Southern Cousins.
Callie Valentine Jones and her cousin Lovie really have
their work cut out for them this time. Callie's mama Ruby
Nell has gone and entered herself and her
hunk-a-geriatric-love dance partner in a Memphis mambo
contest, hoping to shake, rattle and roll her way to
stardom. And if the past is any indication, she'll need at
least two chaperones.
But someone at the competition is determined to step on a
lot of blue suede shoes. First, a serial monogamist in a
bright pink gown does a fatal swan dive from the top of the
hotel. Then Callie finds an overdressed diva floating in a
famous fountain. Now there can be no question: A murderer is
loose in Memphis, and he's got a lot of killing to do.
With help from Jack, the mysteriously reappearing ex Callie
just can-t get over and her delusional dog Elvis, Callie and
Lovie are going to have to track down some answers before
mayhem strikes again. And with Ruby Nell in the killer's
sights, they'll need a little less conversation and a lot
more action if they want their family waltzing home in one piece
Elvisβ Opinion #1 on Graceland, Road Trips and
Uncontrollable Geriatrics
I hate to leave my best friend behind (Jarvetisβ redbone
hound Trey) not to mention Ann Margret and my new progeny
(more on that subject later), but itβs not every day I get a
chance to return to Graceland. If I could get word up to
Memphis Iβm coming back home, theyβd roll out the red
carpet, probably get in the kitchen and rustle up my
favorite peanut butter and banana sandwiches. But Callie
(thatβs my human mom) says basset hounds donβt use
telephones. Iβd argue with her (after all, Iβm a dog of
superior intelligence not to mention savoir faire), but
these days sheβs having a hard time sorting out her feelings.
Personally, I know sheβs still in love with my human daddy
Jack Jones (her almost-ex), but Champ is building a good
case for himself as Jackβs replacement, and Callieβs
confused. Iβm doing what I can for Jack.
Donβt get me wrong. Champβs a good guy and would be one of
the best vets in the country if it werenβt for that
ridiculous, uppity Siamese cat he keeps on the premises.
Thereβs no way Iβm letting that cat horn in on my territory.
Usually, Jackβs around to protect our turf, but the last
time Champ called, Jack was in Africa doing things Iβd have
to kill you over if I told you. Much as I hated to
disappoint my human mom, I peed on every one of here shoes.
She had to cancel the date.
It took a while to clean them off and dry them out, but she
didnβt even scold me. Thatβs Callie. An βAngel Flying Too
Close to the Groundβ to borrow from fellow singer, Willie
Nelson. She tries to take care of everybody, which is the
reason weβre headed to Memphis in the first place.
Ruby Nell (Callieβs mama) and her best friend, Fayrene,
entered a regional dance competition, and Callieβs going
along to make sure nothing bad happens.
You might think you wouldnβt have to worry about women in
their senior years, but youβd be mistaken. Excitement
follows Ruby Nell Valentine the way it did me when I was
wearing black leather, crooning gold and making girls swoon.
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