By Book or By Crook

There are so many characters that I love to hate in here and only one of them is murdered. The solution isn't hidden, but it isn't obvious either. There is a love triangle, which I normally hate, but thank goodness Ms. Gates doesn't press the issue. I want to read the next one now!

Overall, a fun light mystery that definitely kept me guessing. Lucy is a likable heroine even if she does struggle with occasionally needing to summon all her courage to speak her opinions (as evidenced by a boyfriend who thought he knew her well enough to propose and then got a bad surprise). I liked how she struggled with missing her family and yet didn't want to involve them because of their overbearing, overgenerous ways.

The mystery is definitely light with only a brief scene with a body and then a series of thefts.

I really appreciated the lack of profanity and vulgar language. This would be appropriate for teens as well as adults.

Content: drinking wine/beer/etc

This is my favorite cozy mystery series!