Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein

Looking for a cozy with a different spin? Unique setting? Quirky characters? Heart and humor?

Than look NO further than Libby Klein’s fabulously fun and engaging new mystery: Vice and Virtue.

Meet Layla Virtue, a “pushing” 40 recovering alcoholic, wanna-be rocker musician, living in a “somewhat” respectful trailer park. No steady job. No retirement plan. Fear of cops and law enforcement!

But here’s the thing: Layla used to be a top-notch police officer. That is, until a warehouse drug bust went bad – real bad, like some of her team members were injured and died. The burden of guilt hangs heavy: “she” should have been there to back them up and “she” wasn’t.

Hence, her new life and new digs. She’s desperately trying to leave the past behind. Layla always played the guitar, always loved that sex, drugs and rock and roll stuff she heard about from her famous rock star dad, Don Virtue. She’s got a few gigs at the local dive, but it’s not enough to even support her meager new life-style. When a friend recommends Layla entertain at an 8-yr. old’s birthday party, she cautiously accepts – money is money (and the kid’s parents are loaded).

When the birthday date arrives, Layla shows up ready to take on all the kids running amok. But what she isn’t ready for is murder – a dead dude also hired to entertain the kids. She’s freaked out and embarrassed when her old co-workers show up at the crime scene. As a former police officer turned struggling musician playing at kid’s parties, fresh jabs from ex-teammates open old wounds.

As if that isn’t enough, her dad, Don, that she hasn’t seen in a long time, just shows up announced at her mobile home! He’s staying awhile to get re-acquainted with his daughter, but not too keen on her new accommodations. He may be a retired burned out famous rocker, but he still has a following and is still rolling in dough.

And there’s a LOT of dynamics going on between Layla, her dad, the nosy trailer park patrol, the new hottie trailer neighbor (and his dog) and one member on the police force. You’ll find yourself laughing as Layla juggles them all while getting sucked down that rabbit hole to help flush out the birthday party killer.

Speaking of “killer”: Layla grabs her new AA gal pals and off they go to investigate. Seems like almost everyone had a grudge against the victim. A stiffed manager, a slew of ex wives, revenge for past sexual abuse, mob ties, ripped-off investors. So many motives are diving into the Olympic size suspect pool!

I can’t say enough great things about this truly unique cozy debut. Sharp, witty and biting – at times haunting with remorse. The unbridled humor will keep you smiling, smirking or laughing (especially when Don Virtue goes incognito at the dreaded trailer park meetings).

Vice and Virtue is newly released. Grab a copy of this brand new stellar cozy by stellar cozy author, Libby Klein.

A copy of this book and the cover photo were provided by: Kensington Publishing.