I really enjoyed this mystery, and the MC Jane Larson. Jane has taken over a law business that helps the less fortunate, and gets involved in acase, a divorce resettlement, and inheritance issues. I liked the character development and enjoyed the story..

I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. You can find a link to my Goodreads Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3292333946

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC, part of a series that is new to me from writers also unknown to me. Now, however, I would be happy to read more from these authors. I really enjoyed this book and found Jane to be relatable and likable. She’s independent, tough, and compassionate, and although she tries to pretend that she is hardened, she has a soft heart underneath her crusty exterior. The book is told from her POV in first-person past-tense.

She describes people, events, and locations in a straightforward, unemotional manner that pulls the reader into the story and makes it possible to visualize the setting and the characters. And there are some really memorable characters. One in particular, Em, made me chuckle because this was part of her description: “She had dyed her hair pale purple and had cut it in a way that defied analysis.” Jane is also self-effacing and sardonic, like when she comments, “Indeed, the gods laugh when we humans make our plans.” Jane wasn’t exactly a comedian, but some of the things she said were amusing and relatable, like when she described the equipment in the Y gym as having “...exercise machines, each designed to inflict pain on a slightly different portion of the body.”

I was a bit confused about why sometimes a character was referred to as Kevin Whyte and other times as Kevin White. Since it didn’t make sense, I have to assume it was a typo. If not, the reason was not adequately explained..

As I mentioned, I enjoyed the book immensely. I was able to lose myself in the plot for a few hours before checking back in to real life. I was not particularly thrilled with the ending, but it wasn’t completely unpredictable or unimaginable. It just didn’t make me happy.

I hadn't read any of the Jane Larson books before this one and I was pleasantly surprised as I had absolutely no idea where it was going! Jane is a lawyer who takes on clients who can afford very little as she attempts to stay true to her dead mother's legacy. And the first murder doesn't take place until later in the book, but along the way we meet some very odd and quirky characters--some likable, some not. So you just have to let yourself go along for the ride and let Jane entertain you!

In the midst of fighting an eviction from her office and her home,  Jane is dealing with the amorous advances of a good-looking but too young member of her local Y.  The moment he ducks into her store front office to avoid a process server, is when their lives become entangled.  Next up is a case of lawyer fraud - another lawyer, not Jane, you understand.  Before long that lawyer turns up dead, and his 18yo daughter wants Jane to prove he was murdered.

The Hicks' have fashioned an intriguing tale here.  Lots of truly wonderful characters - some you don't like so much - their stories are fascinating and engrossing and, in some cases, amusing too.  I laughed out loud.  I cried into my tissue.  And I obsessively turned page after page.  Jane reminds me of other sleuths I have loved - a bit of Kinsey, a touch of Plum, but with a difference too.  I was pleasantly surprised by this book, I think you will be too!

[Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]

I enjoyed this book. It's different. You really get to know the main character before the murder happens and the investigation begins. The investigation is different from a cozy mystery as it takes place as part of lawyer investigation. It's well written and interesting through out. #KillerSoulMate #NetGalley