I have shunned cozies for years. I like edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, gritty psychological thrillers. Gillian Flynn or Robert Galbraith or Mary Kubica.
But cozies? A small town, amateur sleuth, and sewing, baking, and/or pets?
B O R I N G
That being said, when Cruel Candy was published and a friend recommended it, I grabbed a copy. Midway through, I discovered not only that cozies are interesting, but I might just fall in love with a grumpy Corgi named Watson. I even sought out a couple of videos with excited corgis. Now, when I hear about Watson and his antics, I have an image in my mind.
And small town? Estes Park in Colorado sounds beautiful, especially in the winter. A snow globe, Fred says. Winnifred Page has left Kansas City and several heartbreaks behind and moved to this small town to live near her mother, her stepfather, and her twin stepsisters. Fred is settling into her grandmother’s cabin and plans on opening a bookstore named after Watson – The Cozy Corgi.
If I ever started my own retail business, it would be a bookstore. A used bookstore somewhere I could help indulge people’s love of literature and try to help new readers discover a book or author they have never heard of.
Fred has that same dream, and her new storefront is a perfect location. With many different rooms, nooks, and fireplaces this is the right place at the right time for Fred. Rustic town, homey bookstore, friendly neighbours, loving family, a loyal companion…what else could a woman want?
Well, not a dead body, that’s for sure.
Fred has been in town mere days when a local candy store owner, Opal, is found dead in a kitchen on the second floor of what used to be a taxidermy store but is now set to become Fred’s bookstore. Despite being the daughter of a murdered police detective, Fred has no intention of following in her father’s footsteps – professionally or as an amateur.
Or so she thinks.
But when a member of her family falls under suspicion, her natural instincts and curiosity kick in and she and Watson begin to ask questions.
Enter Sergeant Brandon Wexler and Wildlife Officer Leo Lopez. Hunky, gorgeous, and very different law enforcement officers who show romantic interest in Fred. She hadn’t come to Estes Park to find romance, but enjoys the flirting by the two men.
There are moments of seriousness – someone is murdered – and moments of levity – naked pictures accidentally posted on Instagram, anyone?
While on the case, Fred heads into a marijuana dispensary and I love the description: “It was like Whole Foods and Apple had a night of passion and produced a drug-wielding baby.”
Yes, there is humour, wonderful and vivid images, and justice. I’ll be honest – I did not guess who the killer was, but maybe I need to listen to more cozies to get better at it.
Angie Hickman is a narrator I haven’t had the pleasure of listening to before. She was perfect for Fred and did a great job with the other characters as well, especially the elderly women. Angie did a great job portraying Gary’s laid-back manner which contrasts so beautifully to his husband – Fred’s uncle Percival. My only little issue is her voice for Katie. I don’t see Katie as having such a high voice. Just a small complaint.
I highly recommend this audio book. If you love cozies, you will be thrilled. If you’re new to them or hesitant because of their reputation, I think this audio will change your mind.
Finally, for the record, mayonnaise DOES NOT belong on grilled cheese and there is a great bonus at the end of the audio. A recipe that made me salivate, and if I knew how to turn on an oven, I might consider baking.