Cousin is shot to death in her new Lexus near an area where Callahan Garrity didn't think she should be. Add in a nephew that has a speech difficulty that everyone tries to keep Callahan from talking to.... and she's off and running trying to figure out why her cousin was killed. ( )

Book on CD read by Hillary Huber.

From the book jacket - Some people might call Callahan Garrity nosy, but she prefers to think of her tendency toward snooping as a healthy interest in the truth. So when news of her cousin’s murder reaches her, Callahan shakes off her House Mouse cleaning uniform to don her detective’s cap. It’s not that she doesn’t have confidence in the Atlanta police – she used to be among their ranks – it’s just that the crime seems too incongruous with Patti’s suburban life to be an accident.

My Reactions
This is a pretty good series. I like the premise of the House Mouse cleaning service for these cozy mysteries; their work provides them access to a wide variety of venues. Trochek gives the reader a nice cast of colorful supporting characters who work for the heroine. Callahan, herself, is a strong, intelligent, resourceful woman. Her background in the police force results in a certain toughness, though she does seem to take some unreasonable chances. Not to worry, though, she generally manages to get out of any scrapes on her own.

My main complaint with this work, however, was the rather abrupt ending, and then “neat” epilogue to wrap up all the loose ends. Just seemed rushed to me, as if Trochek couldn’t quite figure out how to end it.

Nevertheless, it’s a speedy read, the action is fast-paced, and I like the characters. I’ll read more of the series.

Hillary Huber does a fine job voicing the audio version of the book. She has good pacing, and I was never confused about who was speaking. ( )

Callahan Garrity is a house-cleaning business owner and part-time P.I. When her cousin is killed in a suspicious carjacking, Callhan is driven to investigate. Her mother and extended family thinks she should leave it to the police and they get mad at her when she doesn't. She pursues a vicious street gang member, an unfaithful husband and a flirtatious priest.

This was a mostly light and often humorous story. Callahan is feisty and bold with her housekeeping staff, her family and the suspects she investigates. I enjoyed it. ( )

I finished listening to this book while doing some knitting. I needed this light-hear-ted mystery to assist me in laughing out loud. There were many parts in this story that I could totally relate to. This story was slow to reveal who the killer was,but all the side details were worth reading. This author does a good job of making the reader think they have a ring-side seat to the action. I like this author when I am looking for a fun book. ( )

I have read the others in the Callahan Garrity series and did not enjoy this one as much as the others. Will read the others in the series, since I do love this author. I purchased the audio version and it is good for some laughs as these southern gals are always getting into mischief. ( )