I only remember giving one book, out of the hundreds that I have reviewed, a one star review. This book was almost the second. The only reason I gave it two instead, was because I realize how hard it is to write a book, and to actually finish one, deserves some kudos. But I do not recommend this book, unless the author does some serious editing.

The biggest problem with it is how Meadows wrote the point of view. In one paragraph there can be three different people’s points of view. I found myself having to reread many parts to figure out who was talking.

The books that I’ve read that have different points of view, often will have the new chapter with the person’s name, and then go from there. But this book would not lend itself to that style since it’s a very short book, and usually that style is done in Thrillers, not Cozies.

Perhaps an easy fix would be to separate the story into more paragraphs, add some more better dialogue, and another round of edits.
The other problem I had with this book was with the shop owner, Hillary, and how often she mentioned her husband’s death. If this book was a 350 page cozy that would be one thing, but when a quarter of the 90 pages is her talking, thinking, or remembering the past in regards to her late husband, it’s just too much.

The mystery itself was pretty easy to figure out, it practically tells you in the description on Amazon. But at this point, an easy mystery is the least of this books problems.

To end on a positive note, I think the older lady that helps out in the basket shop, and Hillary’s parrot, have a lot of potential has fun characters in this series. This story line could be the basis of a very entertaining cozy. ( )