A Composition in Murder

by Larissa Reinhart

I have read a variety of books recently: some YA/Teenage, general fiction, and historical fiction.  Although I enjoyed reading and reviewing them, it was time for a break.  Fortunately, next in my queue was a cozy mystery–always good for a mental getaway with an interesting puzzle, a smart and sassy heroine, witty dialogue, and definitely  lacking an excess of horror, gore, or inappropriate language.  Just a good diversion.

A Composition in Murder was just what I needed. Although this is the sixth book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series, it was the first for me.  I enjoyed meeting Cherry, a somewhat down on her luck artist teaching seniors at an independent living center in Georgia, complete with sweet tea when y’all are thirsty.  Cherry gets involved in the affairs of two influential families in Halo and finds herself and some of her senior friends in danger.  Will her special deputy, Luke, be able to save her from her too helpful self? Will Cherry be able to get kidnapping charges against her brother dropped? And who is responsible for the deaths in the “Meemaw’s Tea” family?

The author has created a delightful supporting cast of characters at Halo House.  My favorite is Ada who never can seem to get Cherry’s name right.  Are seniors above a little passive/aggressive teasing parading as a bad memory? At Halo House they can do that and maybe more!

This book works fine as a standalone, but I would love to go back and read the first books in the series to see more of Cherry in action.  It would also flesh out some of the background storylines that I want to know more about.  Bring on more Cherry Tucker Mysteries!

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Cozy Mystery

Publication: Henery Press–November 15, 2016