Writing: 3.5/5 Plot: 3.5/5 Characters: 4/5

#mystery #cozy #East Texas #African American

A fun cozy - full of colorful Southern characters surrounded by good food and music.

Romaine Gabriela Sadie Heloise Wilder is a medical examiner in Chicago, in love with the married Chief of Staff of her hospital. When she loses her job and man through one swift act of downsizing, she is dragged home to East Texas (Roble, to be exact) by her voodoo and herbal remedy-wielding Aunt Zanne. When they arrive they find a surprise guest visiting the the Ball Funeral Home and Crematorium — the family business. He fits right in, though, as he is quite, quite, dead. Romie solves the mystery with the help of her Aunt, her cousin the sheriff, and a couple of attractive beaux-in-waiting.

Fun, light, well-written. For those who care about these kinds of things, the author and most (perhaps all) of the characters are African American. I hadn’t heard of this author before but she is quite prolific with three additional mystery series to her name so if you like this one, you’ll have a lot more to read!

This is a strong beginning to what will be a great series. I love the setting, a small town in East Texas. The author creates well developed characters, an interesting plot and a satisfying mystery. I loved the story so much that I didn't want to put it down!

*I'd 👍 to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*