In the Dead of Winter

Title: IN THE DEAD OF WINTER
Author: Nancy Mehl
Publisher: Heartsong Presents Mysteries
2008
ISBN: 978-1-59789-522-4
Genre: Inspirational/cozy mystery

Ivy Samantha Towers is forced to return to Winter Break, Kansas, to make funeral arrangements for her Aunt Bitty. Ivy is suspicious that her aunts death is not accidental when she discovers that Aunt Bitty had fallen from the ladder in her used bookstore. Her suspicions are realized when someone leaves a note on an envelope stating that Aunt Bitty was murdered.

Ivy immediately begins to make a list of suspects—and in a small town, that is virtually everyone. Ivy’s childhood friend, Amos Parker, is now the Sheriff of Winter Break, but he seems to be warning Ivy to leave town. Why? A missing book and an extra coffee cup leave more questions than answers.

IN THE DEAD OF WINTER is the second cozy mystery I’ve read by Heartsong Presents, and it is really cute. I like the winter setting, the small, used bookstore, and the small town. Everyone seems to be really friendly, and Ms. Mehl certainly has the small town mentality down.

Ivy is a realistic character, curious, yet intelligent. The cast of secondary characters are also strongly developed, each with their own unique personality. The faith message is expertly woven in and isn’t preachy. I enjoyed reading IN THE DEAD OF WINTER and look forward to reading more by this talented author. A yummy sounding recipe is included at the end of the book. $6.95. 239 pages.