The Chocolate Clown Corpse 

A Chocoholic Mystery #14

By Joanna Carl 

ISBN# 9780451240675

Author Website: http://www.joannacarl.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt

Synopsis:

Revenge is sweet for a killer on the loose—and it all started with the murder of Warner Pier’s most hated clown…. 

Everyone who knew the bozo wanted him dead. Odd, then, that a complete stranger was accused of bursting Moe Davidson’s balloons. But it’s been a month since the miserable shop owner of Clowning Around was killed, and everybody’s moving on, including Lee Woodyard. Her chocolate shop, TenHuis Chocolade, is next door to Moe’s shuttered tourist trap, and it’s giving her delicious ideas to expand. But over whose dead body?

Moe’s widow, Emma, and her two stepchildren list the property for sale, but when Lee tours the building, she finds Emma unconscious. Now Lee wonders whether Moe’s real killer is still at large and is taking care of unfinished business. Unfortunately, since the town is celebrating Clown Week, there are so many potential suspects in grease paint and floppy shoes it’s not even funny.

For Lee, protecting Emma, freeing an innocent man, and rolling out hundreds of her clown-themed chocolates is a pretty tall order. But so is staying alive long enough to find out which one of her neighbors is a killer in disguise.

Review:

Lee Woodyard wants to check out the possibility of buying the shop next door. It was once owned by now dead Moe Davidson, the meanest clown in town. The police already have a suspect in custody that has confessed. However Lee’s husband Joe does not believe he did it and he certainly does not think he has adequate legal representation. Joe decides to represent Mr Hollis who is a bit odd and homeless. As Lee is getting a tour of the Clowning Around shop by Moe’s family, Joe shows up and things get heated. They recognize Joe from court and things deteriorate from there.

Strange things start to happen to Moe’s widow Emma and Lee can not help but think the real killer is still out there. She starts to search for answers and more and more people start to look a bit guilty. Mr Hollis’ daughter shows up too. And that complicates things even more. All the while Lee has to get ready for Clown week. The town is crawling with clowns. Lee has to find out the real killer behind all the grease paint.

The Chocolate Clown Corpse is well written and entertaining. I have not read this series in order, having only read a few here and there. I do not think it is necessary to enjoy this latest installment. I would recommend this book to any cozy lover and any chocolate lover too. I am one of those rare people who do not like chocolate, however I enjoyed this book. The storyline is fun and the characters are well written. A truly enjoyable cozy.

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