About the Book
Knock on Wood
(A Superstition Mystery)
2nd in Series
Cozy Mystery
Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: Midnight Ink (October 8, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0738745527
Synopsis from Goodreads...
Rory Chasen, now the manager of the Lucky Dog Boutique in Destiny, California, is delighted when her closest friend Gemma Grayfield, a librarian, comes for a visit. But Gemma arrives early and seems upset. It turns out she has broken up with her boyfriend, Frank Shorester. Gemma is soon hired to manage the Broken Mirror Bookstore. Frank follows her to Destiny, where Gemma is also wooed by two local men. Rory may be a little jealous—until one of those men, Public Affairs Director Lou Landorf, turns up dead. Lou is known for knocking on wood for everything, but despite Destiny being all about superstitions that did not save his life.
Rory tries to help Gemma clear herself of being a murder suspect, even counting on her lucky black and white dog Pluckie to help. But is Gemma guilty of murder—or of just having a run of bad luck?
My Review
Rory is thrilled when her best friend, Gemma Grayfield, pays her a visit in her new home in Destiny, California. Gemma has a chance to see the new store Rory now manages, the Lucky Dog Boutique. She is quite interested when sees how unique and quaint Destiny is – the town is totally absorbed in superstitions – all of them. Not only does Gemma love the town, but the town loves her or at least two men in town do. However, when one of those men turn up dead, she finds herself the prime suspect in the murder. Suddenly, Destiny isn’t looking all that sweet anymore.
Rory and her faithful dog, Pluckie, are beyond shocked when they discover one of Gemma’s suitors dead in the park. It was only the previous night when Gemma had a public argument with the deceased. Now, Rory finds herself in the predicament of proving her friend’s innocence. Unfortunately, the man she’s very attracted to is the lead detective on the case and wants her to stay far away from it.
I enjoyed my return to Destiny. It’s a cute town filled with different superstitions and quite a bit of information about them for the readers. I had no idea there were so many different superstitions out there. It fascinated me to read about them.
Rory is becoming a favorite character of mine. I think it’s realistic how she can’t totally forget her dead fiancé. I want to see her begin a new relationship with the detective, but I think the slowness and “getting to know you” adds to the reality of such a situation.
She is a bit too involved in the investigation, but her determination stems from seeing her best friend being accused of the crime. I did think the police focusing on Gemma is a bit much since there is no hard evidence against her, but it worked to keep the plot going. I have to admit, I was totally taken by surprise to see who the culprit turned out to be.
I’m becoming a big fan of Linda O. Johnston’s books. I really want to sink my teeth into her backlist. This is a clever story with realistic and well-developed characters. The mystery keeps readers guessing. I can’t wait for my next trip to this town.
For reading challenges:
2015 NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge
FTC Disclosure: The publisher and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Linda O. Johnston’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the year. Since then, Linda, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published more short stories, novellas, and 38 romance and mystery novels, including the Pet Rescue Mystery Series, a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and Harlequin Romantic Suspense as well as the Alpha Force paranormal romance miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne. She additionally writes the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink.
Her latest cozy mystery series, the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries also from Midnight Ink, started off in May with BITE THE BISCUIT and KNOCK ON WOOD comes out October 8.
Author Links:
Webpage: www.LindaOJohnston.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaOJohnston
Tour-Wide Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I need to be kept guessing
ReplyDeleteKnock On Wood sounds like a fun read! Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThe idea for the whole town to be superstitious ought to make solving a murder interesting. This sounds like a good series. I'm not sure how I didn't hear of it until now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! The book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing your blog and the book plot. Also thanks for the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to Linda's new release! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be fun to live in this small town.
ReplyDeleteSounds like so much fun and I would love to read it. Thank you for the contest.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Thanks for hosting this terrific giveaway, Yvonne! It sounds like a terrific cozy!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review that has me wanting to continue this series. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis review makes me want to read this book even more! Thank you for being part of the blog tour!! And thank you for sharing about this wonderful little town!
ReplyDelete