Mrs. Malory’s close friend Althea is concerned about the change in her daughter Kathy who works for the vet, and asks Mrs. Malory to talk to Kathy to learn what is wrong. Before she can delve much into that mystery, Malcolm is found dead, and while no one is sad to see him gone, the police still take a dim view of murder. To ensure none of her friends is fingered as a suspect, and knowing how the local police always appreciate her help, Mrs. Malory is off on another investigation, in between pediatrician appointments with her darling new granddaughter Alice.

The Mrs. Malory series is a solid, dependable cozy series, but this entry offers little new. Malcolm is the new man in town and is despicable from the beginning with no redeeming qualities. The suspects that are presented all have the usual motives and the clues are very obvious and will lead the reader in the right direction long before Mrs. Malory puts it all together with the unlikely help of a roof thatcher. Mrs. Malory remains an enjoyable character, always taking care of everyone. Attempts to include some aspect of her personal life, particularly the decision her son Michael has to make about a possible move to London is presented and then solved rather quickly.

While Mrs. Malory is not one to stew over such things, she doesn’t even seem to give it much of a second thought, and when the decision is made has very little visible reaction as well.

One of the more interesting parts of the plot is Kathy and what has been giving her so much trouble. While Mrs. Malory thinks she has some idea, and is partially right, when the entire truth comes out, everyone in the village is surprised, but pleasantly so, and so will readers be. Readers looking for a quick, comfortable read will enjoy this latest entry, but those looking for a more thoughtful mystery may be disappointed.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry