Book Review: Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns Clark (Million Dollar Mysteries #2)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Great characters, twists of the plot in the second half

Cons: Writing style

The Bottom Line:

Writing is still stiff

But strong characters and plot

Pull you into it

Take My Advice, Read This Book

Callie Webber is just beginning to move on with her life. After the tragic accident that killer her husband, she's taken a job at the J.O.S.H.U.A. Foundation investigating non-profits. She travels around the country, makes sure these organizations use money well, and then gives them a grant from the foundation.

When Callie Webber is at home on the Chesapeake, she volunteers with Advancing Attire, a non-profit that helps poor women get started in office jobs by providing appropriate clothes and advise on interviewing. Callie's latest client is Shayna. When Shayna calls one afternoon, she's upset because her boyfriend, Eddie, is missing. When they do find Eddie, he's dead in the trunk of Shayna's car. Now Callie's unexpected week off has become quite full. With the police naturally focusing their attention on Shayna, Callie must find evidence that proves this young woman is innocent. When she does find something, it leads her down a road she never would have imagined, and into more danger then she can handle alone.

Meanwhile, Callie is putting her job skills to good work investigating a national non-profit that claims it will help Advancing Attire expand its office space. And she's trying to deal with disappointment from not getting to meet her mysterious boss, Tom.

This is the second book in the Million Dollar Mysteries. Like the first book, the plot starts slow. It steadily gains speed and by the climax, it's impossible to put down. I actually made myself late meeting some friends to finish the book. And, while I saw the final scene coming, I couldn't help but smile as I read it.

The characters help keep the reader engaged before the story becomes a run away train. Over the course of the series, Callie really grows through the after math of her husband's death. In this particular book, she is forced to face the isolation she's placed herself in since that day. Shayna is a realistic poor character. She's made some bad choices in her life but is working hard to overcome them. The other characters are fairly realistic as well.

The biggest drawback is the writing style. While it is better then the first book, it can still be a little rough. Still, I didn't notice it for long.

This series is a Christian mystery series. Unlike some series I've read, the Christian aspect is a natural part of the characters and the story and not forced into the proceedings.

Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels is a captivating read in a great series.

You'll definitely want to read the rest of the Million Dollar Mysteries in order.