This was a fantastic sequel! I loved being back in this world with these characters, and this latest mystery! I really enjoyed the wild ways these characters end up dealing with these murder cases, they're so much fun to read!

I really adore Hattie and Ben, they have such a good relationship, and the banter between them is really great, their bond is so good! And then there's Marlon, he's a great love interest, and their interactions were so cute to read!

This setting of a model train convention was interesting to read. That this subculture, like many, is very passionate about the topic, and in this particular case, very detail oriented. I had a great time learning about model trains!

The mystery was compelling, that her moonshine was the method of delivery of poison is not great. But it does make the case personal! I had a great time watching her investigate, pick out the clues, and oh, that reveal was so great to read!

This was another really great book in this series, and I can't wait for more!

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year as I loved book 1 so much, especially for the characters and setting. I’m happy to say book 2 was even better! Hattie is a great main character and I love that she shares sleuthing information with police. This book revolves around a model train convention. Who knew that world was so competitive?

Hattie Hayes is excited about the upcoming Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Train Convention, mostly due to her striking a deal with the organizers to host a mixer featuring liquor from her own Moonshine Shack. She and her Granddaddy, who taught her everything she knows about making moonshine, can’t help but get caught up in the convention goers’ excitement over their hobby too as they distribute flyers publicizing both the event and their distillery. Most importantly though, if these model train enthusiasts from all over the country fall in love with Hattie’s brew, there’s a strong chance they’ll request for it to be carried by their local liquor stores, which could increase her business exponentially.

So it’s a huge blow when one of the model train contestants falls over dead from methanol poisoning, with initial suspicions being that her moonshine is to blame. Hattie is a meticulous brewer however, conscientiously ensuring the highest safety standards for her product, so she knows that Bert Gebhardt didn’t die from any negligence on her end. But the convention goers who had seemed so keen on her drinks are now pouring their moonshine down the drain, taking Hattie’s dreams of expanding her fledgling business with them. Despite words of caution from hunky Officer Marlon Landers, whom Hattie has been dating, as well as their friend Detective Candace “Ace” Pearce, she’s convinced that she needs to investigate in order to clear her name. But what will she do when her efforts put her own life in danger?

This was a tremendously fun cozy novel that lovingly explores the culture behind model trains as well as moonshine distillation. I really enjoyed spending time with Hattie and her Granddaddy as they both schmoozed with and learned a lot from the model train enthusiasts at the convention – Ronnie Wallingford’s exhibit on folk monsters of the United States, “Making Tracks: American Cryptids”, is something I wish I could see in real life! I was also deeply impressed by the empathy Hattie had for the people she was investigating, even as she doggedly followed leads to their painful and sometimes downright dangerous ends. It sounds like the next book in the series might involve a bluegrass festival! I’m definitely looking forward to that.

There were three moonshine cocktail recipes included here and I decided to try out the first two:

QUOTE
Each recipe makes one serving. Use 12 ounce or larger glasses. A shot glass equals 3 tablespoons or 1.5 ounces.

Clown Car

8 ounces of ginger ale
1 shot of cherry-flavored moonshine
1 maraschino cherry

Pour the ginger ale over ice. Stir in the moonshine. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!

Brass Collar

8 ounces of your favorite brand of cola
1 shot of unflavored moonshine
1 navel orange

Pour the cola over ice. Add the moonshine. Cut the orange in half. Squeeze half the orange, or use a juicer, to extract the juice. Stir 2 tablespoons of the juice into the cola. Slice the remaining orange half into circular slices and use one slice as a garnish.
END QUOTE

Having been a professional bartender, I found it pretty easy to make two slightly smaller cocktails than the ten plus ouncers described here. That background, however, made it difficult for me to pour in mixers before liquor. There likely isn’t much taste difference in changing up the pouring order when it comes to moonshine, but it’s certainly more efficient to allow the soda pour to mix the drink up for you instead of needing to grab a spoon to stir your beverage.

That said, I hadn’t had a lot of experience with moonshine previously, so was surprised by how tasty these drinks turned out to be! The Clown Car, named after the slang term for a caboose but featuring a bright red cherry like a clown’s nose, was probably the bigger surprise of the two. I didn’t expect a moonshine packed with maraschino cherries to produce such a tasty cocktail when combined with ginger ale, but it was a very impressive drink! I do, however, think that the Brass Collar – named after bigwig railroad representatives – was even more delicious than the Clown Car, with the fresh orange juice really bringing a special something to an otherwise standard liquor and cola combo. I definitely recommend scraping off any extra pulp into your drink too for a nice little fruity extra.

Next week, we go even further south to bake up a healthy dessert while uncovering the deadly secrets behind a reality show murder. Do join me!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

I enjoyed this fast-paced 2nd in series even more than the first! The characters, especially Hattie and her grandfather, are engaging and endearing. Having become invested in Hattie in the series debut, this novel solidified that I want to see more of this protagonist. The model railroad convention in Chattanooga was a fascinating and fun setting, almost tempting me to look for a show to enjoy. The train theme is throughout, including songs with trains and train terminology or adages. The mystery was intriguing, and I had to cheer for Hattie as she tried to find the real killer.

It has been interesting to learn about moonshine in this series! Moonshine is in Hattie’s blood. She learned how to make it from her grandfather, Ben, when she was growing up. She left her stable office job to do what she loves, produce and sell moonshine in the family tradition. She was very careful when she made it, and those who drank it thought she made the perfect product in various fruit flavors.

Hattie spent the first morning of the model railroad convention handing out flyers for her product to collectors and vendors. The hotel bar would use her moonshine in a special mixer that first night with special train-themed drinks. She and Ben learned there was much more to the model train/ railroad hobby than they thought. They met many enthusiasts, some whose wives were involved in it with them. Other wives had their own activities together while their husbands spent the hours in various model train/ railroad themed workshops or seeing other people’s setups.

Hattie and Ben watched enthusiasts in various stages of setting up their latest railroad models for which they hoped to win first place. One man was Bert, who they had seen yelling at one of the housekeeping staff in the hotel that morning. He wasn’t very personable; his wife Dana was friendly and proud of the ribbons and trophies Bert won over the years. Even when Bert was rude to her, she recovered quickly and made excuses for him.

The mixer at the hotel bar was a success, and afterwards Dana and some of the wives came to the Moonshine Shack to try the ‘shine samples and use their convention discounts. A couple mornings later, judging began on some of the contests. Dana told them that Bert was so nervous about the judging that he drank half a jar of ‘shine the night before, plus a couple shots that morning, and oh, did he look like it. Before the judges made it to his booth, however, Bert fell over dead. By the end of the day, Detective “Ace” regretfully shut down the ‘shine shack pending tests on her product. Bert died from methanol poisoning, and the culprit was thought to be the ‘shine. Dana had only a small amount the night before and had a little bit of methanol in her system as well, for which the hospital treated her.

It was horrifying for Hattie to think she may have made a dreadful mistake that killed someone. She thought about Marlon, who she had recently begun dating. A police officer, he frequently rides his horse on his beat. He might have to arrest her if they can’t discover a different source of poison, just like his great-granddaddy, a sheriff, had once arrested her great-granddaddy, a moonshiner, during Prohibition.

The author has gifted us with a great, three-dimensional cast of characters, most of whom feel like new friends. I like the close relationships Hattie has with her grandfather and her friends. I also enjoy Smoky, Hattie’s pet and the shack’s feline mascot. Even though Marlon and Hattie are getting to know each other, he believes in her attention to the details of producing ‘shine, and Ace, the detective, is willing to listen to and utilize information Hattie finds.

The humor brings welcome relief from some of the more stressful moments, including Hattie reading stories to her friend Kate’s infant son and changing them to reflect 21st century women. I liked learning more about the moonshine business. I was stunned when Hattie confronted a couple people at the convention, all but outright accusing them of killing Bert! The irony of the chase was not lost on this reader; it was equally frightening and funny. The ending of this Southern cozy mystery is very satisfying, leaving no loose ends. I can’t wait to see the next mystery in this series, and highly recommend this one!

In the engaging cozy mystery THE PROOF IS IN THE POISON by Diane Kelly, Hattie, her feisty grandpa, and Smoky the grumpy cat run a rustic moonshine business (blackberry moonshine? YES PLEASE!). When a model train festival comes to town, Hattie dons her kitschiest overalls and heads on down the track to peddle her 'shine. Her booming business turns into a train wreck when one of the contestants drops dead and Hattie's moonshine is suspect #1. To clear her name, she launches an investigation that culminates in the BEST CHASE SCENE EVER.

Bonus: There are moonshine cocktail recipes in the back and a hot love interest on horseback.

A model train convention is coming to Chattanooga, TN and Hattie Hayes is ready for it. She’s trying to make her new moonshine shop a success and plans to do some advertising at the convention. Along with her grandfather, they spread the news about the shop to all who attend the show.

Things take a nasty turn when one of the model train vendors ends up dead and Hattie’s moonshine is taking the blame for it. Someone poisoned his moonshine and Hattie is accused of the crime. It’s up to Hattie to prove her innocence for the sake of her shop and, of course, for her own freedom.

This is the second book in this series and it’s just as fun as the first one. The mystery storyline is contained in this book so you won’t feel lost if you didn’t read the first book. The author, also, gives the reader some background information in this one. However, I suggest you read the first one since this is such a cute series.

Hattie is a unique character and she’s surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast. Her grandfather is a fun loving guy on a scooter. Hattie even has a cat named Smokey who loves hanging around the moonshine shop.

This book got off to a slow start for me as there was much information on model trains. I thought it was a bit too much, but then the story really took off. Hattie’s a bit too nosy sometimes, but what amateur sleuth isn’t? Not to mention she has every reason in the world to want to find out who the killer is since it appears they are framing her for murder.

There’s an explosive finale as Hattie takes matters into her own hands. It’s all fun and exciting. Hattie even has a little romance going on and it’s very sweet. This is a charming mystery that kept me guessing until the end.





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Proof is in the Poison: A Southern Homebrew Mystery
By Diane Kelly
Berkley
June 2022

Review by Cynthia Chow

Having legitimized her family’s moonshine operations through their Moonshine Shack in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Hattie Hayes is focusing on developing new flavors and ways to promote the business. Chattanooga Choo-Choo Model Train Convention seems like the perfect location to appeal to those nostalgic for their old-fashioned moonshine beverages, so Hattie and her Granddaddy are kicking off events with a Monday Moonshine Mixer. Some of the attendees could definitely use a relaxing swig of Granddaddy’s Ole-Timey Corn Liquor, as Bert Gebhardt is aggressively protective over his trains, Ronnie Wallingford is infuriated by Bert’s refusal to sell him a caboose, and accuses one of the model trains of not being accurately to scale. Contentions are simmering at an otherwise fun-filled event of toy collectors, so perhaps it was only a matter of time before Bert was the one to collapse during the convention. His death due to methanol poisoning quickly casts a shadow on Hattie and her moonshine, with Detective Candace “Ace” Pearce immediately confiscating their beverages for analysis.

Even though the Moonshine Shack’s potent concoctions are ultimately found to be innocent and untampered, Hattie can’t help but feel that the whispers of guilt threatens their business. So with encouragement from her besties Kiki and Kate Pardue, Hattie begins looking into the rivalries and competitiveness within this very expensive hobby. The obsessiveness of the toy train collectors made “train widows” out of their put-upon and overlooked wives, who had grown accustomed to spouses’ unending pursuit to perfect and complete their sets. Hunky mounted Police Officer Landers warns Hattie away from investigating without actually expecting her to listen, making him the perfect boyfriend who accepts her impulsively strong will.

This second in the series doesn’t feature viewpoints from non-human companions like the author’s House-Flipper, Mountain Lodge, or Paw-Enforcement mystery series, but it does have that fantastic humor and sparkling dialogue of her Tara Holloway novels. While The Moonshine Shack Murder revealed just how ignorant most are about moonshine, its legality, and its varieties, here readers teach readers everything they didn’t know they needed to know about Model Trains. Those with fond memories of playing with their grandparents’ (dangerously) metal and electronically powered train sets will revel in the fascinating details over styles, values, and elaborate recreations of real-life scenes. This fun and extremely compelling exploration of the world of model toy collectors is never overshadowed by Hattie’s investigation though, as she entertainingly and yet realistically follows clues and predictable suspects. While certain players are identified early on as the most probable suspects, contradicting alibis and evidence quickly complicate the solution. Warm emotional moments can be found not just within the friendships between Hattie and her BFFs, but with Hattie’s mission to surprise her Granddaddy with a souped-up scooter. Author Diane Kelly can always be relied upon for her scenes of fast banter and witty interactions as romance simmers away in the background. Model trains, moonshine, and an exciting chase scene all ensure for a very exciting and funny second entry in this unique mystery series.

This was such a fun cozy! Most of this one takes place at a model train convention, which normally would not interest me, but Diane Kelly does a fantastic job of making the setting fun and including new characters connected with the convention. I loved the way our protagonist, Hattie, helped to solve the murder without being dense or irritating. I really enjoyed watching the development of her relationships with Marlon and Ace. Kelly does a great job of incorporating the history of moonshine into the story without being overbearing or making it feel like a history lesson. My one con is that I did get bored with Hattie's repetitive thoughts of the suspects and their motives. The ending was a wild ride (literally), and I am excited for book 3!

After falling in love with Hattie and her little corner of Chattanooga while reading The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly, I knew I needed to continue this series. So, when I saw The Proof is in the Poison, I snatched it up.

Once again, Hattie is suspect number one when one of the participants at the train convention dies, and it appears Hattie’s moonshine poisoned him. Hattie is determined to clear her name and save her business. While I felt it was a bit of a crutch to have Hattie as a suspect for the second time in this new series, it did validate her snooping. I hope for the next book in the series, Hattie is not once again suspected. That said, the mystery was solid, and it was enjoyable to follow Hattie on her sleuthing.

The train convention was fun. It introduced a quirky set of characters—from the man who was murdered to all the suspects. Ms. Kelly obviously did a fair amount of research to bring this convention to life, tossing in several model train details that rounded out the story and tying the Moonshine Shack into the convention with a moonshine mixer was creative. To top it off, a couple of train-moonshine-themed recipes are also included in the book.

As I did in the first book, I appreciated that Hattie actually solves the mystery and just doesn’t stumble into the solution. The whole end scene with the murderer getting caught was so fitting and quite the ride. Everything tied up nicely, and it was just all-around a satisfying read.

I’m also enjoying Hattie’s growth—personally, in her business, and in her relationship with Marlon. She is a relatable character with an interesting business and quite a variety of people in her circle of friends and family. They all round out this world created by Ms. Kelly, and I can’t wait to continue to get to know them better in future books.

The Proof is in the Poison is another solid mystery by Diane Kelly with an interesting plot and great characters. I highly recommend checking out this book and series.

Moonshine shop owner Hattie Hayes is ready to lend a hand when a mystery starts brewing at a train convention in Chattanooga, TN, in this charming cozy mystery series. I honestly had no idea all that goes into moonshine. Hattie finds herself under suspicion as well as her business when a competitor dies after drinking her moonshine. She will not rest until she clears her name as well as her moonshine.
#TheProofIsinthePoison #NetGalley

Whenever I read a book written by Diane Kelly, I always learn something new. Her second book in the Southern Homebrew Mystery Series The Proof Is In the Poison, is both intriguing and informative. When a competitor at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Train Convention dies after drinking some of Hattie Hayes’ moonshine, Hattie goes to great lengths to protect her reputation and guarantee the success of her newly opened Moonshine Shack. Along the way, the reader learns about 1. The competitive world of model train exhibits; 2. How poison is readily found in many common household cleaners; and best of all, 3. How to make several fun cocktails using flavored moonshine.

5-Stars. This book was published on June 7, 2022. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Books for my advanced reader copy.

Chattanooga is a train lover's dream and throw in a model train convention and it's even better. Since trains are such a huge part of the culture of the town I really enjoyed how the author pulled that into this book and it made the absolute perfect setup for a murder.

Hattie has big plans on how to promote her moonshine shop with the train convention and at the beginning it looks like everything is going well- that is until a participant falls over dead and Hattie's shine is to blame. Hattie reluctantly gets pulled into the investigation in order to save her shop. I'm not a huge train fan but I did find all the model train information really interesting and I enjoyed all the characters that the convention brought in. The side characters are also a lot of fun - especially Hattie's grandfather.

The mystery was interesting and did keep me guessing as there were more than a few people who weren't going to be shedding tears over the victim's death. I enjoyed the read and the virtual visit to Chattanooga.

The Proof is in the Poison by Diane Kelly is the second A Southern Homebrew Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you have not had the time to read The Moonshine Shack Murder. I thought The Proof is in the Poison was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I like Hattie Hayes and her grandfather, Ben. They are delightful, lively characters especially Ben. Granddaddy as Hattie calls him is a hoot. I like the premise for this cozy mystery. Hattie owns the Moonshine Shack where she sells the moonshine she creates. I love the description of her store especially the façade. She has made it look like an old moonshine shack in the mountains (like her ancestors had). The Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Train Convention is in town, and it is an opportunity for Hattie to promote her moonshine. Hattie has arranged to have a mixer at the hotel where many of the conventioneers are staying with coupons to encourage people to visit her shop. She even came up with unique moonshine cocktails with fun names. I enjoyed the descriptions of the model trains, displays, and items for sale. I learned quite a bit about model trains. I loved the train references and puns throughout the story. The author really managed to work in train metaphors throughout the story. There is a great line that ends that book that I especially enjoyed. I found all the information on moonshine to be fascinating. The author knows her history on this topic. The historical details add depth and interest to the story. The mystery was fun. I will admit that it is a cinch to solve. However, I enjoyed the crime and following Hattie as she worked on solving it. I like how Hattie’s mind works. I think, though, that she needs to work on her questioning technique. Hattie needs to be more subtle, so she does not alienate potential clients. The reveal scene was a delight. I laughed quite a bit. I appreciated that she kept Ace (the detective on the case) in the loop. I am glad that Hattie has a good working relationship with the detective on the case. Of course, Hattie has a close relationship with Marlon. I think it is a great touch that he is a mounted officer. There was some repetition regarding the suspects and the case details. Those details do not need to be repeated so frequently. I found the method of murder to be unique. It was clever how it was laid out. We get to learn some interesting information regarding it as well (I would say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). There are recipes at the end for the three drinks served at the convention mixer (railroad themed drinks). I am looking forward to Hattie’s next escapade. All aboard for Hattie’s latest adventure in The Proof is in the Poison with clown car cocktails, railroad replicas, acrimonious competitors, a boorish bully, railway trivia, an exterminated engineer, killer hooch, and a smoky disclosure.

The Proof is in the Poison is a fantastic and exciting addition to the Southern Homebrew Mystery Series.


Hattie Hayes is taking advantage of the Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Train convention being at the convention center down the block. Handing out flyers, hosting a mixer and mingling with the convention goers is a great way to drum up some business for The Moonshine Shake. Haddie and her lovable and Teacher of all things moonshine, Granddaddy on his scooter take the convention by storm. They were even able to manage to drum up some business and turn some people onto some shine. When a convention goer ends up dead, fingers are pointed towards Hattie and her BlackBerry moonshine. To save her name and her business, Hattie decides to do a little sleuthing of her own ”while” helping out Detective Ace find out who killed this train hobbyist.


I very much enjoyed The Proof is in the Poison. Diane Kelly is an amazing writer and it definitely shows in everything she does. I truly could care less about model trains but yet she found a way to have me interested in the topic. Am I going to go and get a model train now, no I will not but it was a different twist and fun twist for a cozy. Hattie is an amazing character. She is proud of what she does. Even though she knows that she should stay out of it she pushes her way in and finds the answers that help solve the mystery. I really enjoyed the amount of time that Hattie and Marlon spent together in the story whether it be helping to clear her name or showing up so she could appease a group of convention goers . He is definitely a good sport and I definitely love the touch of romance that’s within the story. Granddaddy may be my favorite character. He is hilarious and hysterical. I love when he gets fired up and how he’s willing at 90 years old to still stand up for everything he believes in. A fun note to add- blackberries are my favorite berry and I do love BlackBerry moonshine. The recipes included within the book sound amazing and I am very much looking forward to trying some of these fabulous sounding drinks.

Another fun adventure with Hattie and Granddaddy! I recently read the first book and enjoyed it so much, I was happy to be able to get hold of this ARC for this book releasing next Tuesday. I get such a kick out of Granddaddy and his enthusiasm for pretty much everything. I could just picture him zipping around that model train show on his scooter. And the whole idea of a model train convention, let's just say Sheldon would be in paradise. (actually so would my husband lol).

I was definitely wrong in my guessing whodunit and didn't really think about this person much until Hattie started suspecting them. I love how ideas just come to her no matter where she's at, even on horseback with her boyfriend Marlon. Although what a great guy to have around when she got a case idea, right? I really like Det. Ace now and how she included Hattie in the investigation--although her reasoning for letting Hattie help was totally spot-on, I still had to giggle at it and thinking yep, perfect reason for strong-willed Hattie.

When the three besties got together, we met little Colton who was probably cutting his teeth on solving a mystery with his auntie Hattie. I like that Kate didn't let being a mom slow her down in wanting to be with her buddies and sleuth a little. It was just pack the kiddo and take off. And I just thought, a baby in a stroller makes a great cover. Who'd suspect a baby of being a little sleuth?

There was a pretty exciting chase before the actual showdown which was pretty peaceful, the showdown not the chase, lol. Hattie and Marlon's date at the end took them past some posters that highlighted the next event that I look forward to reading about in the next book!

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

Once again Diane Kelly shows us what an amazing writer she is when it comes to characters in The Proof is in the Poison, book two in the Southern Homebrew Mysteries. I love that the main character, Hattie, actually shares information with the police. Although it helps that the hunky, horse riding officer is her boyfriend. But in this book she’s even more helpful to the Sheriff, Ace, which is leading to a great relationship between the two of them… way better than in the first book. Then there’s Smoky, the cat who travels with Hattie to her Moonshine Shack, and Granddaddy, who is a wonderful bit of comic relief and full of knowledge about ‘shine and the area.

Kelly also does a fantastic job introducing all the new characters that are involved in the train convention. They all have lots of depth and feel like they have been in the series since the first book.

I also enjoy how Kelly incorporates all the moonshine history and recipes, along with regional history and descriptions. They really add an in depth layer to the series, and I love reading books where I learn new things. And in this one the reader gets to learn a lot about miniature trains too!

Unfortunately I did find myself skimming a lot because of how repetitious Hattie was going over the suspects and their motives. I know this happens in every cozy mystery, but I felt like it was even more than usual in this one. I was going to give The Proof is in the Poison three stars instead of the four that I gave because of all the skimming I did… but I really do love the characters and think they, along with all the history and descriptions are so well written that I decided to go up a star.

In the second book in the series, we find Hattie & her grandfather caught up in another murder. This time the plot is centered around a train convention, which was fine, but not something I really want to read about. Hattie & the rest of the characters made it fun, though. Hattie is spending more time thinking about her relationship with Marlon while trying to clear her name. On another note, I do wish that Marlon would stop calling Hattie “filly”. Some might find it cute, but I find it somewhat demeaning.

The book can be read as a stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC of the book. This review can also be found on my Goodreads page.

3.5 stars, rounded up. Book 2 in this cozy series settles in with the characters, all of whom I really enjoy, from Hattie and her spirited grandfather to Marlon and his horse, and I enjoy the moonshine stories and setting. The premise of setting this entire book around a train show didn't really capture me, but I like the rest of the elements of this book and series enough to hope there's more to come.

Chattanooga is playing host to a model train convention and Hattie Hayes is hoping to lay tracks from the convention center directly to the front door of the 'Shine Shack. Unfortunately one of the train enthusiasts keels over after enjoying some of Hattie's fruit 'shine and the police order her business shuttered until they get to the bottom of what happened to Bert Gebhardt.

The Southern Homebrew series is the first I've read by Kelly and I have really enjoyed it. This series is classic cozy mystery fare: young lady starting a business on her own, quirky friends, elderly mentor, grumpy-but-adorable pet, sexy beau, and a bloodless crime ridding the cast of a merciless villain. Hattie pokes around, annoying local police, and spots one clue after another until the final ah-ha moment when she ties everything together. It's perfect! While I do appreciate authors trying new twists and changing up the settings or backgrounds, reading a cozy that goes exactly how you'd expect it to go is... cozy.

While I have not read Kelly's other series, I highly recommend this one to anyone who's a cozy purist such as myself. This book was a quick, fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

The Proof Is in the Poison is the second book in author Diane Kelly's Southern Homebrew Mysteries series. Main character Hattie Hayes has opened the Moonshine Shack. With the Chattanooga Choo Choo Train Convention happening in town Hattie is looking forward to lots of sales of her moonshine.
Then someone puts a poison in one of her moonshine jars and miserable Bert Gebhardt turns up dead. I enjoyed learning about moonshine. I really like the characters in this book and I am thrilled that the animal spotlighted is Charlotte the horse. This was a fun whodunit to read!