Sawyer Davis has inherited her mother's Victorian home and mystery bookstore, "Cloaks, Daggers, and Croissants." Sawyer's sister Megan, a physician, is married with 2 children, lives in San Francisco, and consistently tells Sawyer that she doesn't need any of the inheritance and that Sawyer is the one to carry on their mother's dreams.

Sawyer's mother knew she was dying of cancer so she was careful to leave information for Sawyer to comfort her and also to reveal her secrets with clues meaningful to Sawyer. Most importantly, the discoveries would also help Sawyer retain her mother's part of the trust and far from the reach of her conniving Uncle Frank's hands. As mayor he has access to people and documentation at his fingertips and doesn't hesitate to use intimidation so Sawyer needs to be careful of who she takes into her confidence.

Inheritance has become a "typical" reason for a woman to move back to her hometown or to a dearly loved small town from her past. A romantic interest that has also become "standard fare" is a member of law enforcement. In this series opener, I absolutely love and highly applaud the twists that the author has creatively added that made this mystery all the more enticing to read, added sparkle to the love triangle, and an adorable Doodle for cuddles. I'm looking forward to reading what's next for Sawyer. ( )

cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, amateur-sleuth, greed

A good cozy mystery with plenty of plot twists, red herrings, complex characters who really are, and a nice small town setting. The publisher's blurb might get you on the hook, but the story will keep you on the line!
I requested and received a free ebook copy Via Netgalley. Thanks! ( )