Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Tower’s first date in a long time, with a sheriff nonetheless, goes south when a body turns up—a body of a waiter Mel just happened to visit with earlier in the day. Of course, Mel quickly adopts the role of a small-town sleuth, determined to get to the bottom of the murder, and sweeps her blossoming romance with Sheriff Cole Lawrence along for the journey.
Prose: Sheffield’s writing is chock full of Midwest nostalgia, with cheese curds, sun, and pontoon boats strewn throughout the energetic plot. The zippy prose keeps pace with the narrative, bouncing in and out of Mel’s thoughts while driving home a surprising ending.
Originality: The appealing characters give this novel serious lift, making the mystery sing with a curious charm—while still providing enough suspense to keep readers guessing.
Character/Execution: Mel steals the spotlight throughout, with a down-home appeal that makes her relatable and genuine. Cole is a steady, warming influence, and together the pair make the perfect addition to this cozy mystery.[
Date Submitted: May 23, 2024
