MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER is book six in Staci McLaughlin's
Blossom
Valley cozy mystery series. This story works as a
standalone book, but it's more of a treat for longtime fans
of the series. This book shows how Dana Lewis has grown
since her introduction to readers. In the first Blossom
Valley book, Dana was at a crossroads in her life,
but she's since gotten comfortable with where she is in her
career, with her family, and her love life. MARRIAGE IS PURE
MURDER has all the fun readers have come to expect with this
series, but with a few hurdles in Dana's way to the altar.
Dana is finally marrying her steady boyfriend, and reporter,
Jason Forrester. I really like how Ms. McLaughlin keeps Dana
true to her practical ways and doesn't have her turn into
an annoying bridezilla. Death stalks Dana as she tries to
get flowers for her wedding, and her unpleasant florist is
murdered. This is a murder mystery in which the victim is so
disliked that multiple people, including her daughter, are
believable suspects. Dana takes quite a few chances as she
plays the role of PI, chasing down suspects and asking
pointed questions without any backup. I kept guessing who
the murderer was and changing my mind right up to the very
end. Dana's mother assists her in getting info and a pig
makes an unorthodox sounding board as Dana sorts scenarios
out in her mind.
MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER keeps readers on their toes and
provides a delightfully cozy murder mystery with engaging
characters. It's great to see Dana's sister Ashlee grow up
a little in this story. The O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa
makes a fabulous wedding site, as well as an interesting
place to brainstorm or lure strangers with nefarious
intentions. I look forward to Staci McLaughlin's next cozy
mystery.
Wedding bells are ringing at the O’Connell Organic Farm
and Spa in California’s postcard-perfect Blossom Valley.
The entire staff is pitching in to send one of their own
down the aisle. But no one knew the nuptials could turn
up so many secrets—or that marriage and murder could go
hand in hand . . .
Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented
reporter and the love of her life. She couldn’t dream of
a better venue than the farm where she works, and her
friends are determined to give her the wedding of her
dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making
sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana’s happiness
wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead—and discovers her
friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a
cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany’s
killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is
eyed as a suspect, she’ll have to chase down the culprit
faster than she can say, “I do”—or she’ll be trading in
her wedding dress for prison stripes . .
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