Between a Book and a Hard Place

A Devereaux’s Dime Store Mystery, Book #5

By Denise Swanson

ISBN 9780451477767

Author’s website: www.deniseswanson.com

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

 

Synopsis:

Five-and-dime store owner Devereaux “Dev” Sinclair moved to Shadow Bend for her family. But when her long-lost mother shows up in town, she realizes too much kin can be killer…

Shadow Bend’s library closed years ago because of budgetary problems, so when a wealthy benefactor offers to reopen it, everyone, including Dev, is thrilled. But Dev’s excitement wanes when she realizes the mysterious donor is actually her runaway mother Yvette’s latest husband, Jett Benedict.

Dev suspects that Yvette and Jett’s intentions aren’t as noble as they appear, but before she can discover what they’re really up to, Jett turns up dead—and all clues point to Yvette as the prime suspect.

Even though Dev has no loyalty to Yvette, she’s in a bind. Setting the record straight could prove her mother is a killer. But doing nothing might get her mother booked for a crime she didn’t commit.

Review:

This is a must-read for fans of humorous cozy mysteries with quirky characters! ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’ has fun characters, cozy romance, and intriguing mystery. Fifth in ‘A Devereaux’ Dime Store Mystery’ series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The author very adeptly includes any necessary information about characters or circumstances to get a full picture – and if you haven’t already, you will want to enjoy the others in the series.

Devereaux had purchased the vacant dime store after leaving her six-figure career behind to care for Birdie, her grandmother, who had raised her. While Devereaux’ Dime Store won’t make her financially wealthy, the love between her and her grandmother and her father is worth more than any six-figure-income career. Poppy and Boone have been besties with Dev since grade school, while other friends lead and attend various groups that meet at the store. She has even gained two suitors to decide between.

Dev’s mother Yvette and current husband Jett Benedict come into town completely by surprise to Dev. After all, her mother had left her with her grandmother without looking back when Dev was barely a teen and her father falsely imprisoned for a crime he hadn’t committed. Jett Benedict offered to put up the funds to open and maintain for a couple years the library that had long been closed. His only stipulation is that he be allowed to do some research in the local archives as a ‘scholar’ instead of the millionaire he is thought to be. Unfortunately only a couple days after their arrival, Jett is found murdered by Yvette in the library archives. Yvette and possibly Dev’s father are the only potential suspects so far. Just to stir the pot and add comic relief, an alientologist is in town to lead the UFO believers in waiting for the landing of extra-terrestrials.

I really like Dev, her father, her BFF’s and even both of her beaus! These characters are brought to life by the author with the possible exception of her dad, who is a bit more of an enigma. Dev’s friends are the heart of Shadow Bend, Missouri, the kind of younger people who are the future of small towns. The country club set of older ladies still carry the old Southern values, and sadly wear their old wealth as if it were their personal badge of honor. We see conversations and activities through Dev’s eyes; her wit, charm and talents exemplify why this series is successful.The plot is intricate, and the twists and turns kept me riveted to the book. Dev and her friends have been fondly compared to the Scooby Doo gang because of their past efforts to solve mysteries, especially murders, in the eighteen months since she purchased the Dime Store. Dev, Poppy, and Boone, as well as beau hopefuls Noah and Jake have proven their unique skills in aiding and abetting the police in capturing the men and or women who wreaked havoc in their town. And they are on the hunt for Benedict’s murderer. The author has outdone herself with the layers of duplicity in this novel; it was impossible for this reader to see far enough back or forward to identify who the bad guy or gal might be.

The plot is intricate, and the twists and turns kept me riveted to the book. Dev and her friends have been fondly compared to the Scooby Doo gang because of their past efforts to solve mysteries, especially murders, in the eighteen months since she purchased the Dime Store. Dev, Poppy, and Boone, as well as beau hopefuls Noah and Jake have proven their unique skills in aiding and abetting the police in capturing the men and or women who wreaked havoc in their town. And they are on the hunt for Benedict’s murderer. The author has outdone herself with the layers of duplicity in this novel; it was impossible for this reader to see far enough back or forward to identify who the bad guy or gal might be.

Shadow Bend is a great place to visit! I highly recommend that you visit Dev, her family and friends in their latest adventure. Adults of all ages who are fans of cozy mysteries with Civil War era roots and Southern elegance will delight in Between a Book and a Hard Place!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*