This is a small town murder mystery with an interesting twist – we can follow both the detective and the suspect, knowing more than each one does while trying to connect the dots ourselves.
But it seems like the main goal of this book is to introduce a place, and the people that live there. Characters and locations are introduced, there is a lot about gardening, books, and a local library. I felt like the writer was trying to make a cozy environment, and it seems like there are six other books after this one set in the the same place, so I guess it worked.
I’m not sure I liked the main character – the detective – in this book. He has some stereotypical cop qualities (divorced, can’t make a relationship work, burned out from life in the big city) and he seems quick to anger in a very relaxed and cozy little town.
The writing is quite good, though, and it often describes scents and nature – with a special emphasis on gardening and plants.
The murder mystery itself wasn’t a big surprise – more an exercise in seeing these people in their natural environment and getting to know them.
In the end I think I enjoyed this book somewhat – I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series or not but if the next book comes up at the library and I’m between books, I guess I’d pick it up.
Next I am reading I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.
