Book Review: The Icing on the Corpse by Liz Mugavero (Pawsitively Organic Mysteries #3)

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Developing characters in a mystery that comes together very well

Cons: Pacing a bit slow at the beginning, but everything is important in the end

The Bottom Line:

A fall of a push?

That’s what Stan must figure out

Fun pet themed cozy

Celebration Ruined by Accident.  Or Was It Murder?

When I think about Groundhog Day, I usually think of Pennsylvania, however The Icing on the Corpse, the newest in the Pawsitively Organic mystery series, takes us to a celebration up in Connecticut that is interrupted by murder.  That’s a great thing for us since this is a fun addition to the series.

Frog Ledge is one of the only communities in Connecticut to celebrate Groundhog Day, and they go all out.  Kristan “Stan” Connor is thrilled to be asked to make the official gift from the town to the groundhog, a true honor for anyone but especially a newcomer.  However, this year the festivities are cut short when Helga Oliver is found dead in the basement of the town museum after having fallen down the stairs.

Helga was the town historian and well loved by everyone in the community.  In fact, several people viewed her as a surrogate mother or grandmother, including Stan’s boyfriend Jake and his family.  While everyone in town seems convinced that it was a tragic accident, Stan’s friend Betty is certain it was murder, and she offers some pretty compelling evidence to support her claim.  Could she be right?  If so, can Stan figure out who the killer is?

Since this is the third in the series, these characters, two and four legged, are becoming friends, and it was great to pop in and see them again.  The returning cast is just as fun as before, and we get to see some different sides to a couple of them.  I appreciate that.  Of course, the book is filled with fresh suspects, and they seem just as real as the returning characters.

The plot feels like it takes a while to get going, but that’s because the author is introducing some plot threads that become important to the story later on.  I figured this was the case, and as the book moves along, the pace definitely improves with the twists and clues become more frequent.  The climax was wonderful, and I liked how the sub-plots were resolved as well.

I will admit that I found the doggy wedding that Stan was asked to cater a bit eye rolling, but that’s more because my allergies have kept me from truly loving dogs and cats than anything else.  Honestly, it’s a very small sub-plot and I’ve got to admit I found parts of it cute even if I’m not part of the audience that would get it.

For pet owners, there are three treat recipes in the back of the book so you can pamper your own pets with healthy and delicious treats.

While this book will appeal to pet lovers the most, the characters and story will draw in any reader looking for a fun mystery.  If that’s you, pick up The Icing on the Corpse today.

From here, you'll want to check out more of the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries in order.

NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway:

I'm going to host a giveaway to one lucky reader who leaves me a comment.  The winner will get either an ebook (international) or physical copy (US only) of the book.  Just let me know if you prefer dogs or cats for pets.  Be sure to give me your e-mail address so I can get it touch with you if you win.

Me?  I'd much rather have a cat, although my allergies to both dogs and cats would make me miserable either way.

I will do the drawing on Tuesday, April 7th, so you have until then to enter.