On Flashback Fridays I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
A Colorful Scheme (Pen & Ink)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Washington D.C.
Publisher : Kensington (August 30, 2022)
Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496724658
ISBN-13 : 978-1496724656
Kindle ASIN : B09MZVKPYK
AudioBook ASIN B0B5FKHZZB
Audio CD ASIN : B0BX5L27WG
New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis’s fourth cozy mystery with a color-it-yourself cover finds Florrie Fox, the manager of Color Me Read Bookstore, attending her boss’s wedding to a well-known romance novelist. But when a guest turns up dead, all bets are off on the happily ever after!
Includes A Front and Back Cover for You to Color!
Coloring book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion. But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.
Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex-FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.
When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The wedding of bookstore manager and coloring creator Florrie Fox’s boss John Maxwell and a famous romance author Jacqueline Liebhaber brings some interesting people together including author Arthur Bedlingham, romance author Gabriella Archambeau, thriller author Buzz Powers, Arthur’s assistant Evan McDowell, artist Mia Woodham, literary agent Sloan Rogers, book reviewer Margarite Herbert-Grant, and aspiring reporter Cara Melton. When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer himself, is found dead at the bottom of the swimming pool several guests are questioned and some are high on the police’s suspect list. Florrie knows it’s time to get out her sketchbook and try to determine why Evan McDowell was murdered and who did the deed.
Ms. Davis has created a wonderful cast of characters for this story/series. Florrie has become quite an amateur sleuth with her unique ability to sketch suspects and victims in a way that makes clues come together or strike recollection of something that had initially seemed unimportant but was very important. Her relationship with Sergeant Eric Jonquille continues to grow. Her sister, Veronica took on the job of wedding planner for a surprise wedding and Florrie was happy to help every step of the way. Her boss, John Maxwell has a huge heart but a tragedy of the past always lingers. Mr. DuBois, the Maxwell’s butler always grabs my heart. He strives to do everything for everybody and most of the time succeeds at just that. He knows where he is needed before you even need him. He is a huge fan of Eric and his police friends but not a fan of Florrie’s cat Peaches. We also meet a delightful new character in Jezebel Fish. She is a hoot and a half and I immediately wanted to be her friend.
Ms. Davis blends the murder mystery and subplots seamlessly keeping her readers totally entertained. Twists, turns, and surprises kept everyone on their toes including me. I did figure out one minor mystery quicker than Florrie. Another character ended up getting her just desserts. The main mystery was complicated with a lot of moving elements. Florrie’s worries were spot on regarding a situation. After that key observations were made, clues started to fall into place, and a curious group led the way for an excellent rescue, reveal, and satisfying takedown.
Ms. Davis is a marvelous storyteller. Her stories are filled with intriguing mysteries, dynamic characters, touching moments, and tons of humor in all the right places. A Colorful Scheme has all that in abundance. I was captivated from beginning to end. Sadly, this is the final book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About the Author
Krista Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws Mysteries, and the Pen & Ink Mysteries. Several of her books have been nominated for the Agatha Award. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two cats and a brood of dogs. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back for more.
Author Links:
Website Facebook Pinterest Mystery Lovers Kitchen Twitter Kensington Cozies
Also written by Krista Davis
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”