TO COACH A KILLER is the second book in Victoria Laurie’s “Cat & Gilley Life Coach” cozy mystery series. This story involves a romantic triangle between mysterious man of danger Maks Grinkov, life coach and businesswoman Cat Cooper, and dogged Detective Steve Shepherd. Beside the entertaining romantic aspect, this triangle is important because each man draws Cat in two different directions and wrapped up different elements of mystery. Through it all, Cat’s assistant and BFF Gilley lift her spirits, track down clues, and act as a sounding board.

At the opening of this book, Cat is trying to focus on her business and help the helpless by providing life coach services. In this installment, Willem Entwistle is the troubled soul in need of help with a curse. Willem’s story is alternately amusing, tragic, and inspiring. Although the mob is referenced in TO COACH A KILLER, Victoria Laurie balances the suspense with enough fun and traditionally cozy elements to appeal to cozy mystery fans. While the villain may seem obvious at times, there are enough red herrings and assorted twists and turns to puzzle readers and keep them guessing. The obvious conclusion may prove to be not so obvious. Although Cat is drawn to Maks, the level of his possible involvement and her level of trust is something that stops her from committing to him. Likewise, trust is something that acts as a barrier to a permanent connection with Detective Steve Shepherd. The murder of his ex-wife Lenny is something that consumes him, and Cat isn’t sure how much he is blinded by his own feelings. Throughout the book, both men seem to help or block Cat as she investigates Lenny’s murder. The sense of danger increases as the story nears the end. Cat is a realistically flawed amateur sleuth, but likable and brave when it counts.

TO COACH A KILLER is a mystery with a mesmerizing mix of mob connections, tangled motives, and an intriguing love triangle. The supporting characters in TO COACH A KILLER are fab – the good, the bad, and the goofy. I only wish Gilley’s scrumptious recipes were included at the end of the book for readers to try their hand at. I look forward to Victoria Laurie’s next mystery.