The Moonshine Shack Murder (A Southern Homebrew Mystery) by Diane Kelly
About The Moonshine Shack Murder
The Moonshine Shack Murder (A Southern Homebrew Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Publisher: Berkley (July 6, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 0593333225 ISBN-13: 978-0593333228 Digital
ASIN : B08KPKD22T
In this intoxicating new cozy mystery series, the future for modern-day moonshiner Hattie Hayes looks bright--until death darkens the doorstep of her Moonshine Shack.
The Hayes family has made moonshine in Chattanooga since the days of Prohibition, and Hattie is happy to continue the tradition, serving up fun, fruity flavors in mason jars for locals and tourists alike. All signs indicate her new 'shine shop will be a smashing success. What's more, mounted police officer Marlon Landers has taken a shine to Hattie. For the first time ever, the stars seemed to have aligned in both her work and romantic life. But when a body ends up on her store's doorstep alongside a broken jar of her Firefly Moonshine, it just might be lights out for her fledgling business.
The homicide detective can't seem to identify the person who killed the owner of a nearby bar. The only witness is Hattie's longhaired gray cat, and Smoky isn't talking. When the detective learns that the victim and Hattie had a heated exchange shortly before his murder, she becomes her prime suspect.
Lest Hattie end up behind bars like her bootlegging great-grandfather a century before, she must distill the evidence herself and serve the killer a swift shot of justice.
My Review
Following in her family’s footsteps, Hattie Hayes is about to open a brand new store in Chattanooga to sell moonshine. They come in several different fruity flavors and she has many people ready to help her out; including her grandfather, her best friend Kiki and her gray cat Smoky. You can’t ask for a better support system then that.
Then tragedy strikes…after she had fought with the bar owner across the street, he winds up dead in front of her shop. Killed by a broken jar of her moonshine. The police turn their attention right in Hattie’s direction. It’s up to her to prove her innocence and save her shop.
What a fun cozy mystery! This is the beginning of a new series and it’s off to a great start. Each character is well-developed. They are lively, quirky and witty. There’s even a touch of romance in the air for Hattie. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out in the future, but the mystery is the main focus of this story. Exactly how I like my cozy mysteries.
The storyline is compelling giving several different potential killers. I chose one suspect early on and I wasn’t letting go of my suspicions, but I was wrong. LOL My second choice was the real killer. I had so much fun trying to figure things out with Hattie. It’s fast-paced, clever, and filled with humor.
I’ll definitely be back for the next book.
For reading challenges:
Craving for the Cozies Reading Challenge 2021
NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2021
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2021
About Diane Kelly
Diane Kelly writes stories that feature feisty female lead characters and their furry, four-footed friends. Diane is the author of over 30 novels and novellas, including the Death & Taxes, Paw Enforcement, and House Flipper mystery series. In 2021, she’ll launch two new series, the Southern Homebrew moonshine series and the Mountain Lodge Mysteries. Find Diane online at DianeKelly.com, on Twitter and Instagram @DianeKellyBooks, and on Facebook at her Author Diane Kelly page.
Thanks so much for featuring my book today!
ReplyDeleteThat looks good. I like the cover too. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this one too! I thought it was such a fun read and am looking forward to seeing how the series develops!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! Cute cover, thanks for sharing!
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