Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon is the 12th book in A Tourist Trap Mystery series, and another great addition. Jill Gardner is the owner of Coffee, Books, and More and lives with her police detective boyfriend, Greg.  Amy, Jill's best friend is getting married, and as the maid-of-honor she is keeping busy trying to calm down bridezilla. On top of that,  a women named Nan is found dead the night after Jill and Greg take a painting class with her.   I love this series, and was not disappointed by this book. I highly recommend this book/series to all cozy mystery lovers.  I also recommend that you read them in order to get the most out of the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Summary:
South Cove has a new business in town, a little paint and sip store. And what better welcome can South Cove give this new venture than to have it be the site of the latest murder?! This time around, the prime suspect is none other than resident fortune teller/police secretary/Jill's neighbor. But, did she do it? If not her, than who? 

The 12th installment of this beloved cozy mystery series finds South Cove a whirl of activity. Not only is the town gearing up for St. Patrick's Day, but Amy's wedding is right around the corner. So, a new murder isn't really on anyone's agenda. A night of fun & friendship definitely is. Everyone gathers at the town's newest paint and sip store. Some bring their painting talent, some don't. One attendee, Nan, stands out, though. Mostly because she's drunk. Of course, the locals don't take long on getting whatever info they can about Nan and her husband. As it turns out, they're regular visitors to the town- mainly for the guidance of the local fortune teller/psychic. 

Nan makes the conversations change when she's found dead in the paint and sip the following morning. The hunt is on for the who, what, why. All fingers, clues, start pointing to Jill's neighbor, the fortune teller/police secretary. Knowing her friend didn't do it, Jill refuses to sit back and let her get railroaded. So, off she goes looking for clues. It isn't long before you uncover the reason behind the couple's frequent trips to South Cove. 

As if trying to solve a mystery isn't enough, Jill's best friend, Amy, is the bridezilla turned emotional wreck bride. Due to walk down the aisle in mere weeks, Amy is anything but calm. She's one hysterical mess after another. It only makes matters worse when her fiancé goes missing on her. Unable to get in contact with him, and having very little coming in from his end, Amy wastes no time jumping from one conclusion to another, leaving Jill to deal with the fall out. 

I love this series. I've been with this series from book 1 to now. I always love visiting South Cove and seeing what Lynn has all the residents up to. This book didn't disappoint. It was a fun read that I devoured, as I've done with each installment of this series. Some books have the mystery aspects more front and center than others, but I always get pulled into the plot right away. While Picture Perfect Frame wasn't as action packed as some of the previous books, you still loved finding out Nan's story. I enjoyed learning the back story and how it connected to the present happenings. The ending was anti-climatic for the mystery- there was no fighting confrontation between the killer and anyone, but there didn't need to be. 

I'm looking forward to the next installment. There may be another wedding in the not too distant future for South Cove. Lynn always has me coming back for more!!

Jill might not be good at painting but she is good at solving murders and that's what she does in this latest installment in a long running cozy series that's perfectly enjoyable as a standalone.  From running her coffee/bookshop to helping her friend Amy (who has gone brideszilla) with her wedding, she's a busy woman working hard in a small tourist town (great atmospherics, btw).  That doesn't mean that she won't jump in when her friend Esmerelda is a suspect in the murder of Nan, who was a visitor.  Unlike most cozy detectives, Greg, who happens to be Jill's boyfriend, wants her help.  She's got insight into some things that he just doesn't.  Cozy fans know that neither Nan's husband or Esmerelda was the villain and that there was more to her than met the eye.  Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.  This is fun as much for Jill's interactions with her friends and family as for the mystery.

Picture Perfect Frame is the twelfth book in the Tourist Trap cozy mystery series.  I can honestly say that I have loved every one, including this one.  Jill, the owner of Coffee, Books and More, is always trying to help her boyfriend Greg with his police work, whether he wants the help or not.  LOL The only thing lacking is that I wish we heard more from Esmerelda since she was a suspect.  Every book in this series feels like being around family and friends.  South Cove and its people seem so real.  Looking forward to the next book in the series.

4.5 stars

This is the twelfth book in the Tourist Trap mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.

I am always excited to return to South Cove. This has to be one of my favorite series right now. I thought the mystery was excellent and it really kept my attention but I was surprised Esmerelda wasn’t more involved in the story considering she was the m ain suspect though most of the book. I missed seeing Jill’s Aunt and Esmerelda most of all. They usually play much bigger roles in the storyline. I think the addition of the new employee took the place of these other two recurring character’s screen time. I hope they don’t fall out of the series. I love seeing them crop up from time to time. They can give a plot that “bam” surprise or sudden insight Jill needs in her time of wondering about whodunit.

Definitely recommend this series. Wish there were more books. I will have to reread the entire series to get my fill of South Cove and keep me ready for the next book in the series. It is the community in this book that keeps you coming back for more! So good.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon is the 12th in her Tourist Trap series.  The series centers on Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books and More in South Cove California.  The cast of returning characters all make an appearance.  Jill and her long-time boyfriend, Greg, are attending a paint and sip function. Nan, one of the attendees, has overindulged in the sip portion of the evening.  Greg, being the lead detective in South Cove, keeps an eye on her and makes sure she and her husband have a ride back to their room at a local bed and breakfast.  All is well until the next morning when Nan’s body is discovered inside the paint and sip business.  Greg handles the police investigation but Jill steps in as an amateur sleuth because one of her friends seems to top the suspect list. 
The Tourist Trap series always has the same premise.  But the stories are all different enough that I never get bored.  This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries.  It is a fun, quick read.  I always look forward to a new Tourist Trap book.  It is by far my favorite series in her library.

Picture Perfect Frame is a great cozy mystery featuring Jill Gardner and her Coffee, Books, and More shop in South Cove.  It has an interesting cast of characters including my favorite, her boyfriend Greg who is also a policeman.  The mystery is solid with plenty of twists and turns.  This is my first in the  Tourist Trap Mystery series and I look forward to reading the rest.

I love the Tourist Trap series by Lynn Cahoon and have been following Jill Gardner's adventures in South Cove, California from the beginning. This installment begins with Jill dealing with changes at her cafe/bookstore, Coffee, Books and More and trying to balance old and new staff. She also has the drama of her bff Amy's wedding. She's Amy's maid of honor and is constantly reassuring and soothing her worries.  On top of everything the town is gearing up for it's St Patrick's Day Festival and welcoming a new arts business into the community. The mystery begins when one of the art store patraints and a client of Esmeralda turns up dead. Esmeralda needs Jill's help to clear her name. 

The mystery itself was entertaining, I loved the interactions with Deek and Toby and I found Evie an interesting new character. I missed Aunt Jackie in this one and found there could have been more done to develop Esmeralda's story as she is such an interesting character. 

Still, I enjoyed the book as usual and Lynn Cahoon set up a lot of interesting storylines for the next book in the series including a very special cliff hanger. I can't wait!

South Cove is gearing up for a St. Patrick's Day festival. Esmerelda is a suspect in a murder and Jill is determined to find the true killer. The town is divided on Esmerelda’s guilt. The characters are interesting and fun. This book can be read as a stand alone however I would encourage people to start at the beginning of this amazing series. 
#PicturePerfectFrame #NetGalley

Several new characters pop up in this book with new employees and new businesses open, but not everyone is fitting in as well as they had hoped especially when it looks like someone has killed a tourist. Jill and Greg are back on the investigation hunt in a hurry when it looks like a local is on the hook with the public and might just get ran out of town. Great characters, interesting plot and great twists to keep you guessing. While you could definitely read and enjoy this book on it's own, you would be missing out on tons of reading pleasure and great character development as backstories are filled in a bit more for each of the various characters in each book.

It's Spring time in South Cove. Jill Gardner and her boyfriend Greg King are enjoying  a paint and sip event  at the new business Drunken Art Studio, sponsored by newcomers Meredith and Neal Cole.There they meet a drunk pair Steve and Nan Gunter. Greg is hoping they don't get under the wheel so when Neal offers to drive them to their room Greg is relieved and enjoys the class. The next morning Nan is found dead inside the studio and all signs point to Esmeralda the town dispatcher and local fortune teller. This puts the town into division. Some say she's a witch, burn her at the stake while others can't even imagine her doing a crime.. Jill isn't about to sit back and let an innocent woman go to prison but there are far too clues as to anyone else. Can she help solve the crime or will she become the next victim. ?  Great series and realistic characters.

Picture Perfect Frame (Tourist Trap Mystery #12) by Lynn Cahoon
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Release Date: March 16, 2021 

Picture Perfect Frame is the twelfth book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. I had not read the previous books in the series, but was able to quickly jump into this one as a standalone book!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The characters were very likable, the storyline was great and the mystery was fascinating.

I look forward to reading the other books in the future (and the previous books). I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a great cozy mystery!

I'm so grateful to Lynn Cahoon, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Visiting South Cove is always such a pleasure.  A fast paced well written cozy. I love the characters.  Looking forward to my next visit. Thanks #netgalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy these characters and the cozy feel of the town. I like how things evolve for each character in every book.
I'd like more of Esmeralda and her guide, but then I really enjoy paranormal cozies. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome back to South Cove and the eclectic cast of characters which are anchored by the ever curious Jill. These cozy mystery series by Lynn Cahoon never disappoint. They are diverting and entertaining. She ends this Tourist Trap book on a cliffhanger so don't miss out!

I am becoming a huge fan of the cozy mystery genre due to books like this. You can read this as an escape from the everyday in a weekend. A  really good mystery.

I enjoy all my visits to South Cove and this one was no exception. The story moved at a good pace and I was left guessing until the very end. <spoiler> Despite the fact that Esmerelda was a suspect, I felt like she was a very small part of the story and she’s still a big mystery. I wish we had gotten to know more about her. The whole thing with Amy’s wedding is getting annoying and I am so glad that's all over with. </spoiler>.  Looking forward to the next one.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#PicturePerfectFrame #NetGalley

Picture Perfect Frame is the 12th book in Lynn Cahoon's Tourist trap series. South Cove is gearing up for a St. Patrick's Day festival and all the favorite characters are there--- plus two newcomers. The business operators are in decorating mode when the unthinkable happens---a murder. Esmerelda is front and center in this episode and Jill is determined to clear her name.
As with every book in this series the enjoyment comes from the close knit characters, the small town atmosphere and the race to discover the culprit. The clues and misdirection add to the mystery, while the fast pace adds to the suspense. I enjoyed this book so much! I am already looking forward to the next wonderful installment.
Thank you to #NetGalley #PicturePerfectFrame #KensingtonPublishing for giving me an ARC of this book. All views expressed are my own. I review books that I enjoy so that others may enjoy them, too.

I love the Tourist Trap cozy mystery series by Lynn Cahoon and book 12-Picture Perfect Frame is a great addition. Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books and More. Her boyfriend, Greg King, is the South Cove Police Chief. South Cove is having a St Patricks Day Festival and all of the businesses are participating. There is a new business, Paint and Sip and Jill and Greg are there for an opening event. There is a couple there who cause a scene and the wife ends up dead. Esmerelda quits working at the police station which has both Greg and Jill worried.  On top of all of that, Jill is the Maid of Honor for her best friend Amy's upcoming wedding and Amy is an emotional bridezilla.  This all keeps Jill busy, but not too busy to look into the murder case.. The relationship between Jill and her Aunt Jackie is a little odd in this book but a lot of the characters from previous books make an appearance. The series has all the great parts of cozy mysteries- likable characters, family, friendship, romance, and an intriguing cozy mystery. The mystery is solved but I wasn't sure until the end. The book ends with Amy and Justin's wedding and a surprise. This was an enjoyable book and it was nice to revisit South Cove and the characters we have come to love! #NetGalley #PicturePerfectFrame #LynnCahoon

Jill Gardner has a full schedule - she's helping her best friend Amy with her upcoming wedding, preparing for the St. Patrick's Day Street Fair, running her business - Coffee, Books and More - and trying to figure out why her neighbor and friend Esmeralda is suddenly talking about leaving South Cove.  When a woman Jill met briefly is murdered, she can add amateur sleuth to the " to do" list.

Jill is  a wonderfully written character and has grown into a successful business woman and sleuth.  My favorite thing about her is that she doesn't rush into trouble and is thoughtful and clever when solving a mystery.  The author has created a "real" character that the reader can identify with - Jill is independent, smart and  kind but  has her insecurities as we all do. 

In this book, her Aunt Jackie does not play as large a part, but she's adjusting to married life.  I alternately grinned and sympathized when Jill was dealing with her good friend and "bride to be"  Amy.  The rest of the CBM crew Toby, Deeke there  and a new barista, Evie is a good addition to the team. And of course, the lovable canine buddy, Emma is there too!

I'm looking forward to the next trip to South Cove!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.