Series: S
hop 'Round the World (Book 3)
Retired Navy Pilot Angel Warren's sleuthing days are
behind her. At least, that's what she tells herself after finding two dead
bodies during her first year back in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania. Murders make
customers wary and Angel's sales are suffering. With her daughters back in
college and the cases behind her, Angel focuses on attracting more customers
into her novelty shop.
Hoping to boost local tourism, Angel researches how to
create a walking history tour. During a dry run for her inaugural walk, her
brother's Pomeranian leads her through the woods and to her third body, the
apparent victim of multiple stings from a nearby wasp nest. Angel recognizes
the deceased as her sister's cherished employee who was days away from being
married.
The scene doesn't sit right with Angel's best friend,
Detective Trinity Colson, however, who suspects foul play. When the autopsy
reveals a different cause of death, Angel dives into her most dangerous case
yet. Soon Angel, along with her eclectic crew featuring two dogs and a feisty
parrot, are once again on the hunt for a murderer. But is Angel also being
hunted?
This was another fantastic visit to Stonebridge, Pennsylvania,
and the intriguing shop owned by Angel Warren. Not only am I fascinated by the
merchandise Angel carries in her shop, but I am equally fascinated by her
propensity to attract trouble in the form of dead bodies. It's only been two
months since the last murder she solved, and her sales are still suffering. To
help bring business into the shop, Angel plans a local walking history tour
with a spooky element for the upcoming Halloween season. Her most recent
recruit is fellow veteran Mariah, who will join the tour as the Headless
Horseman, with a trial run scheduled for that night. The last thing she expects
is to find Mariah's wasp-stung body as they reach her assigned spot.
This time, Angel has the full approval of the Stonebridge
Police Department behind her, thanks to her friend and detective Trinity encouraging
her to become a consultant. Something about Mariah's death doesn't sit right
with either woman, and it isn't long before the evidence points to murder. As
in the previous books, I was immediately engrossed in attempting to figure out
the killer. Angel has a knack for getting people to talk, and sorting through
people's theories was challenging. I liked seeing her thought processes,
especially as she came closer to the truth. I loved how the final puzzle piece
was revealed, and the confrontation kept me on the edge of my seat until it was
over.
I also enjoyed seeing more of Angel's relationship with
Nate, the coffee shop owner. His more laid-back personality complements her
intensity and keeps her on an even keel when events spiral. It is easy to see their
love, from cozy dinners to morning coffee dates.
Angel's family plays a big part in the book. The murdered
woman is her sister Crystal's employee, and her brother Bryce's dog is the one
who led Angel to Mariah's body. I love the closeness of the three siblings,
especially since Angel's return to Stonebridge from her time in the Navy. It's
a realistic portrayal of sibling relationships, too, as there are times when
each gets on another's nerves. However, they also have each other's backs in a
crisis, and that support is evident here.
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