The Moonshine Shack Murder (A Southern Homebrew Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Berkley (July 6, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

Synopsis

In this intoxicating new cozy mystery series, the future for modern-day moonshiner Hattie Hayes looks bright–until death darkens the doorstep of her Moonshine Shack.

The Hayes family has made moonshine in Chattanooga since the days of Prohibition, and Hattie is happy to continue the tradition, serving up fun, fruity flavors in mason jars for locals and tourists alike. All signs indicate her new ‘shine shop will be a smashing success. What’s more, mounted police officer Marlon Landers has taken a shine to Hattie. For the first time ever, the stars seemed to have aligned in both her work and romantic life. But when a body ends up on her store’s doorstep alongside a broken jar of her Firefly Moonshine, it just might be lights out for her fledgling business.

The homicide detective can’t seem to identify the person who killed the owner of a nearby bar. The only witness is Hattie’s longhaired gray cat, and Smoky isn’t talking. When the detective learns that the victim and Hattie had a heated exchange shortly before his murder, she becomes her prime suspect.

Lest Hattie end up behind bars like her bootlegging great-grandfather a century before, she must distill the evidence herself and serve the killer a swift shot of justice.

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Review

I have always loved Diane Kelly’s books and was wondering if this series would rival her other series. The answer? Yes it does! I loved everything about this book – the characters, the moonshine, the animals, the quick wit and snarky dialogue, and even the town.

I never thought about moonshine as a career but was instantly intrigued and loved the descriptions of the different flavors. I want a moonshine shack in my town so I can taste the flavors! I thought it was great to have the recipe to be one that has been handed down the family and that an ancestor was arrested for making shine during prohibition.

I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and not sure if I can pick a favorite yet. Hattie is a strong self-assured business woman taking a chance on the moonshine business. Marlon is the hunky police officer that has a tie to Hattie’s family (no spoilers here!). Grandpa is spunky and cracks me up at every turn. Kiki, one of Hattie’s best friends, is snarky but loyal and I love that about her. There is also “Ace” the police detective that pulls no punches but I think she admires Hattie despite everything. I even liked Miranda, a waitress that worked for the owner that was murdered. And we can’t forget the four legged characters – Charlotte the police horse and Smoky, Hattie’s cat.

The dialogue is witty and even snarky at times and I loved it. I especially enjoyed learning about moonshine and want to know more. I especially understood the conversations between Hattie and Miranda regarding setting up a business, accounting, and the like since I work for a CPA that does this sort of thing.

The mystery is enticing and I wondered who might have done in the bar owner. There are many possibilities and I didn’t guess the right character as the killer. I thought something was up regarding the situation surrounding the killer and the victim, but I didn’t quite put it all togther. Looking back there are a few clues that might point you in the right direction, but nothing too obvious. The action really heats up near the end as the killer is revealed and Hattie finds herself in harms way.

There couldn’t be a cozy without a potential love interest for the protagonist. Hattie and Marlon are definitely interested in each other and I can’t wait to see where this goes.

We give this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

Diane Kelly writes stories that feature feisty female lead characters and their furry, four-footed friends. Diane is the author of over 30 novels and novellas, including the Death & Taxes, Paw Enforcement, and House Flipper mystery series. In 2021, she’ll launch two new series, the Southern Homebrew moonshine series and the Mountain Lodge Mysteries.

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