Synopsis
Pawpaw County, Indiana, is all atwitter about Ma and Peepaw Horton’s annual Chickenlandia Festival. The mood turns dark though when the Horton’s prize-winning rooster, Dewey, and his best laying hen, Ginger, vanish, leaving behind no clues except for a trail of tail feathers. Also missing: Gertie Wineagar, local sourpuss, and BBQ chicken cook-off queen. Odder still: the festival’s reigning chicken dance champion, Billy Bob Burris, is run down by a speeding pickup truck with suspicious out-of-state plates. Senior sleuths, and lifelong gal pals Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens suspect Hiram Krupsky, Pawpaw County’s self-proclaimed Chicken Wing King, of launching the crime spree as an attempt to sabotage the Horton’s free-range chicken ranch. The senior sleuths, who need a way to spy on Krupsky’s chicken empire, and search for clues, get an unexpected “in” when Hiram slips into his best leisure suit and commences to court Ruby Jane. Follow the Hoosier snoops as they attempt to sort the good eggs from the bad in this hilarious smalltown crime mystery.
My review
This is another book of lovable nonsense from our pair of senior sleuths Ruby Jane and Veenie. I use ‘nonsense’ in an admiring way in that it’s all larger than life, a little bit nuts and over the top, but with this pair of characters any less just wouldn’t cut it! It’s a fast-paced, laugh-aloud read packed with wit and clever writing. It’s wonderful entertainment from start to finish.
And it features chickens which, being something of a crazy bird lady, means it’s pretty much perfection.
The characters are all eccentric in one way or another, which makes them memorable and fascinating. It also reflects real life, even though there’s a touch of exaggeration. I mean, how many totally normal people do any of us know?
The plot is tight and exciting. A brilliant read.
Published by Hot Pants Press. Available at Amazon.
An avid bookworm since childhood, Cass Grafton writes the sort of stories she loves to read – heart-warming, character driven and strong on location. Having moved around extensively and lived in three countries, she finds places inspiring and the setting of her novels often becomes as much a part of the story as her characters.
This is a quick and delightful read. The guests at Klarinda’s full-to-bursting hotel Mistletoe Manor get snowed in, and things take a turn for the mysterious. A familiar trope but one that it most certainly not stale when in the hands of this author.
On the windswept Scandinavian Åland Islands, the festive season is snowy and chilly—yet breathtakingly beautiful.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A prize-winning author, Helena Halme writes contemporary fiction with a hint of both Nordic Noir and romance. She’s a former BBC journalist, bookseller and magazine editor. Originally from Finland where she gained an MSc in Marketing, she also holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and writes in English.
This is a delightful, funny novel but also acts as a cautionary tale about getting too would up about Christmas, and also the dangers of keeping up with the Joneses. It’s far better to be true to yourself and not put on an act. But that’s hard to stick to when the pressure’s on.
This is a fabulously festive story with skiing, snowy mountains and delicious food. We have two strong, interesting and attractive lead characters in Lily and Luc. The setting in Chamonix is beautifully described. You can feel the chill in the air and smell the scents and hear the sounds of a busy resort.
Sasha Wagstaff learned foreign languages, and imagined she might eventually get a glamorous job speaking French. After climbing her way up the banking ladder, Sasha started idly mapping out the beginnings of a novel on an old laptop. When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer. She also writes under the pseudonym of Ella Harper.
I am such a fan of this author! Her books are always beautifully written and uplifting, but not always plain sailing. There’s lots of emotional ups and downs – Rosie Green knows how to tug on our heartstrings!
Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.
I’m kicking myself that I’ve only now discovered this fabulous series. But better late than never!
I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this Christmassy treat from Lucy Coleman’s as I’ve loved all the other books by her that I’ve read. And I was right!
From interior designer to author, Linn B. Halton – who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman – says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’
Sue Featherstone and Susan Pape are both former newspaper journalists with extensive experience of working for national and regional papers and magazines, and in public relations.