Last Pen Standing review

This is the first book in a brand new series called Stationery Shop Mysteries by established author Vivian Conroy.  It releases on September 24, 2019, but I have so many others to read by then, that I’m letting this post go through a little early.

Her other series that come to mind are the Country Gift Shop and Cornish Castle Mysteries (there’s a dachshund in that one, I. need. to. read!) as well as a couple of others I saw on her Amazon page. I really enjoyed the author’s style and character development–see my review below for specifics. By the end of the book, I was anxious to spend more time with Hazel, Delta and Jonas…oh and Mrs. Cassidy too. I definitely recommend preordering a copy today! (I did, then saw that I could read it early on NetGalley–couldn’t resist.)

My Goodreads review:

Last Pen Standing by Vivian Conroy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was really good! I’d never read anything by this author before, but now I’d like to explore her other cozy series. These characters really grew on me! Hazel and Delta were such good friends and fell right back into how easily they got along in college. Mrs. C of the Paper Posse was a real character, and even though we only met some of the others via text, I could tell that they were fun too. I loved how Delta and Jonas just connected when it came to sleuthing. Even though he was a former police officer, he didn’t try to discourage her, and they really worked well together. There wasn’t anything romantic whatsoever, but I kinda hope that eventually they’ll become a little more than just friends! The idea of Jonas and his former K-9 officer Spud getting other retired K-9 officers acclimated to life as a pet or family dog was just awesome! I kept hoping that Delta would want to adopt a dog like Spud, but maybe given time I’ll get my wish. I hope so! I’d like to hear Jonas’ story (as I think Delta would too) about how he decided to quit the police force or what made him do that. I’m sure there’s something interesting there.

There were quite a few possible suspects, and I didn’t really figure it out until Jonas and Delta did. I really enjoyed the trap they set and Spud’s role in the take down too. The wrap-up party which was really Wanted’s grand opening party was a nice touch that took care of any loose ends and told what the other characters like Hazel’s brother would be doing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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