Posted in 4 paws, Cozy, mystery, Review on September 8, 2019

 

 

Who Shot the Serif? (Hand Lettering Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Independently Published (July 7, 2019)
Paperback: 218 pages

Synopsis

When Jamie Lang finds one of her hand lettered quotes on the window of her shop, Flourish, with a hole shot through a serif, she knows someone’s trying to drive her business into red ink. Jamie confronts Earleen Culp, the ruthless owner of the local stationery shop, in front of the most popular breakfast spot in the small town of Cedar Valley. Of course, Earleen professes shock and innocence, so when she’s found dead in front of Jamie’s home the next morning, Jamie becomes the prime suspect.

Jamie’s one cross-stroke short of acquittal, and even her best friend has her doubts. But Jamie’s not the only one in town with a motive for wanting Earleen silenced for good. To clear her name, Jamie’s going to need every last drop of ink in her quill.

With the hot police chief Ridge, and her makeup artist friend Nora on her side, she’s prepared to go out with a flourish if that’s what it takes to catch the real murderer. She’s desperate to save her hand lettering business, but will her quest lead her right into a killer’s snare?

 

Review

This new series has plenty of suspects but only one killer, but who could it be?

I quite enjoyed the first book in this new series, from the clever writing to the killer hiding in plain sight.  Then there is Jamie’s business, hand lettering, something I admire but cannot do myself.  I think I should have paid more attention to my cursive in grade school!

Jamie is falsely accused of murdering her arch nemesis, Earleen.  Earleen is someone everyone loved to hate and there were plenty of people that would not have minded a bit if something happened to her or she went away somewhere.  Unfortunately, her death on Jamie’s door puts Jamie smack dab in the middle of the case trying to clear her name and save her business.  She is very methodical with her research into other possibilities but does not unearth the correct person until it is almost too late.

There is even a potential love interest, Ridge, but there is a mention of his twin brother, Rut, and that something tragic happened to him because he is dead, but no real details.  I am assuming that will come in future books.  At least I hope so!

We give this new series 4 paws up and can’t wait to learn more hand lettering techniques.

 

Click on the image to download a free mini mystery eBook from Amazon

 

 

About the Author

Jessa Archer writes sweet, funny, warm-hearted cozy mysteries because she loves a good puzzle and can’t stand the sight of blood. Her characters are witty, adventurous, and crafty in the nicest way. You’ll find her sleuths hand lettering inspirational quotes, trying to lower golf handicaps, enjoying a scone at a favorite teashop, knitting a sweater, or showing off a dramatic side in local theater.

Jessa’s done many things in her long career, including a stint as a journalist and practicing law. But her favorite job is spinning mysteries. She loves playing small town sleuth and transporting readers to a world where the scones are delicious, wine pairs with hand lettering, and justice always prevails.

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