Sand Trapped: Book #6 in the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series

A Cozy Mystery That’s a Real Hit! First they warned Jocelyn Johnson. Then they ticketed Jocelyn Johnson. Then someone murdered Jocelyn Johnson. And Cara Mia Delgatto was looking for a lost ball when found Jocelyn “JJ” Johnson face down in a sand trap. Gave a whole new meaning to “take a drop.” It wasn’t a surprise. The neighbors hated JJ for the reckless way she drove her golf cart. Sure, she lived on the grounds of a swanky golf club, and yes, she had tons of money, but JJ ruined flowerbeds, terrorized grandkids, and made a nuisance of herself. Except…except…she’s quiet now. Lying there in the dirt at Hole #6. Someone bashed in JJ’s head. (Who would risk ruining an expensive Homna golf club like that?) Cara doesn’t want to get involved. But when Gerta Hunsickler is named the prime suspect, and Gerta’s husband is so angry at his wife that he’s starting divorce proceedings, Cara can’t sit on her hands. She knows what it’s like to be unfairly accused. So she promises to take a swing at it and see if she can hit a long drive down the fairway of justice! Meanwhile, back at The Treasure Chest, Cara’s friends are busy creating fabulous and fun Mother’s Day gifts. There are two brides-to-be working for Cara, and their two mothers-in-law-to-be have decided not to play nice. Can you say, “Mama’s boy” ten times really fast? I thought you could. If you love warm-hearted, clean books, that feature female amateur sleuths, fur babies, family, and friends, you’ll love this charming DIY/recycling/upcycling series set on the Southeast Coast of Florida.

Reading is My Super Power Editorial Review — This was my first book in this series – and by this author – but Sand Trapped won’t be my last. I loved Joanna Campbell Slan’s writing voice and the way the first person narration gave me quick insight into Cara’s personality without having to tell me. The family feel of Cara’s upcycle store, The Treasure Chest, provides the book warmth in spite of the murder mystery. And, speaking of that, the plot kept me guessing, though I did pick up on some clues that Cara missed the first time around. Though this is the sixth book in the series, it works really well as a standalone. A fun cozy mystery and a new author for me to follow!