Grave Words by Gerri Lewis
This was such a fun cozy that I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment in the Deadly Deadlines Mystery Series by Gerri Lewis.
Winter Snow wakes up dead – well, not really, but the 29 yr. old obituary writer has discovered “her own” obit is in the newspaper! Not only is she dead, but she’s 107 years old! Yikes!
Winter has recently opened her new business: writing professional obits for newspapers, funeral homes and also private individuals. It’s been a struggle, but she’s hanging in there. She’s also learned a stern lesson as to what can go wrong in her business, i.e., her own obit surfacing in the local paper.
Her hands are full as she tries to unravel her own printed demise and take care of new obit assignments. At the same time, her long-time friend, Scoop, an ace reporter for the local newspaper, is suspected of being an arsonist. He’s being accused of setting fires just so he can cover the stories!
Winter’s out to set the record straight, defending Scoop to the max. But the local police, including her detective boyfriend, Kip, aren’t buying it and Scoop winds up in the slammer!
As she continues to do her own sleuthing in regard to the fires, she’s also taking on the obit for a well-loved local homeless man, Chester, who was found in one of the burning buildings. But things aren’t adding up. Researching Chester’s background is challenging. Finding anyone who even knew him is a problem. The little info she’s garnering just isn’t making sense. Something was really “off” with this guy.
Was Chester just an innocent victim – a homeless man taking refuge in one of the buildings that wound up being torched by the arsonist? Or was Chester somehow linked to the fires? If so, the how and why remain elusive.
Grave Words by Gerri Lewis is filled with unique characters that are guaranteed to delight cozy mystery fans. The Nosy Parkers (i.e., the town gossips) can’t help but put their two cents in when it comes to the deadly fires and yes, murder! Winter’s Uncle Richard and his elderly neighbor, Horace, are two surly and determined men who are looking out for Winter’s safety – and someone definitely needs to!
Researching and writing Chester’s obit may have someone writing Winter’s obit for real this time!
Gerri Lewis gives us a feisty woman starting her own unique business and solving crimes. This is one of those cozies you won’t want to put down.
Get cozy with Grave Words by Gerri Lewis. The October setting feels perfect. The Nosy Parkers, Uncle Richard and Horace will have you smiling. Winter Snow will have you laughing. Add them all together with an intricately engaging plot and you have a perfect mystery for the chilly days and nights ahead!
A copy of this book and photo cover were provided by: Crooked Lane Publishing.