This is the third book in the Cypress Cove series by Carlene O’Neil. She is a new to me author and while normally I would rather have started at the beginning of the series, I couldn’t resist when I saw some of the other reviews coming in. I definitely like this author’s style. It’s smooth, easy reading meaning it has just enough description to picture where it all takes place but there isn’t anything unnecessary. The dialogue sounds natural too–that’s always a huge factor for me.
My Goodreads review:
Hair of the Dog by Carlene O’Neil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book in this series I’ve read but it was so good that I’m going to go back and read the first two books. I’m really liking these characters!
Penny Lively had been a photojournalist and now that she was back in her hometown of Cypress Cove, running the winery that was left to her by her aunt, she seemed to be a dead body magnet. Unfortunately the latest one she’s found is the body of her cousin Annie’s business partner at their veterinary clinic. The suspects are plentiful and when Penny discovers a second body, she knows the killer isn’t just playing games. Things are getting dangerous and she’s afraid she or her cousin could be next! Of course warnings from her winery manager (and favorite guy) Connor as well as Lucas, the police chief have never done any good to keep her off the case. It does get wrapped up fairly nicely with an odd twist at the end but it was so good!
With all the great twists and turns in the plot and so many good suspects, I never guessed the killer but definitely enjoyed the ride in finding them out. One clue planted by the author told me who it was but by then I think we were supposed to be figuring it out.
I really enjoyed these characters. I’m not sure if Annie was in the other two books but Connor and Hayley, Penny’s manager and assistant manager at the winery are amazing to have as friends and family–Hayley is also Penny’s niece who happens to date chief Lucas. Lucas is sort of a good mix of the typical cop in these stories. He’s not so hardened that he’s ready to toss Penny in jail for interfering. He does actually admit that she’s helped and even gave her a little assignment of her own this time. I do have some other books I want to get to but I ordered the first two in this series so I’m ready to read when I find some extra time! (I hope there is going to be more in the series since I like what’s developing between Connor and Penny!)
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 