A HEALTHY HOMICIDE is Book four in Staci McLaughlin's Blossom Valley cozy mystery series. Even though this is part of a series, I believe A HEALTHY HOMICIDE can still be enjoyed by readers who may be new to the series. Unlike the previous books in the series, female protagonist Dana Lewis is now sharing an apartment with her younger sister Ashlee. Ashlee is fine in small doses, but I'm hoping Dana gets her own place soon and Ashlee's BFF Brittany takes Dana's place as Ashlee's roommate.

I love the main characters in this Blossom Valley series. Dana is flawed and down-to-earth, her boyfriend Jason is a sweetie, and even though Ashlee isn't my favorite character, she's a typical and non-sinister pain-in-the-butt kid sister. As with previous books, I like that Staci McLaughlin gives a good reason for Dana to become involved in tracking down a murderer. Her sense of loyalty to the other employees of the farm is admirable. I also like that Dana's boyfriend is a reporter and therefore understands the need to find out the truth. Jason's supportive of her investigative efforts and is a caring partner.

There are so many possible suspects with equally plausible motives for murder that it's fun trying to figure out who the guilty one is. There are enough thrills and chills in A HEALTHY HOMICIDE to keep things exciting in addition to the traditional cozy elements. There's not a lot of friction between Dana and the local police so her trying to solve the murder is not a source of conflict in A HEALTHY HOMICDE. I think that because Dana is such an easy character to relate to, it helps give the reader a feeling of being in the thick of things. There were a few times, while reading A HEALTHY HOMICIDE, when I was riveted wondering if Dana would be caught snooping.

A HEALTHY HOMICIDE is a nice blend of fun and fright to make for a stellar cozy mystery. The realistic main characters make this series by Staci McLaughlin shine. I look forward to seeing what awaits Dana in future books.