Scorched Eggs by Laura Childs

You probably know from past reviews that I love Laura Childs. Her Cackleberry Club Mystery series is one of my favorites. Guess who just finished reading part six, Scorched Eggs? That's right, I did and I just know you are going to want to too.

From the back of the book:

In Laura Childs’s New York Times bestselling mystery series, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni—co-owners of the Cackleberry Club Café—are equally good at serving up breakfast and serving up justice. This time they turn up the heat on a deadly firebug…

As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker—and friend to the Cackleberry Club—Hannah Venable.

Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose—was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.

Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives…

My thoughts:

Suzanne, Petra, and Toni make this so much fun. They have a genuine friendship that feels real and the banter between them lightens the mood and always makes me smile. I can seriously hear them talking. I know people who are like them and it is such a a joy. Laura Childs is one of my favorite cozy writers and that is because she creates a world you can clearly imagine and characters that you feel like you know.

The mystery, as always, is well written. I did solve this one but it was more of a feeling than anything else. That you can get a feeling about a character shows a great deal of expertise on the part of the writer. There is a lot going on in this story but it is easy to follow even with everything spinning around the characters. In fact, all of the action makes it rather exciting. This is one you won't want to miss.

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.