Christa Reads and Writes: Blog Tour/Review: A PALETTE FOR MURDER (An Aurora Anderson Mystery) by Sybil Johnson

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Blog Tour/Review: A PALETTE FOR MURDER (An Aurora Anderson Mystery) by Sybil Johnson

A Palette for Murder (An Aurora Anderson Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

3rd in Series

Henery Press (January 31, 2017)

Paperback: 268 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1635111415

E-Book ASIN: B01M74ZIL3

SYNOPSIS:

A killer heat wave settles over Seagull Lane…

Summer’s sizzling in Vista Beach, the home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. The abnormally high temperatures are hard on everyone in the quiet Los Angeles county beach community, especially the city’s homeless population. Residents are doing everything they can to stay cool, including leaving windows open to catch the faintest breeze. Not the best idea when a string of burglaries is plaguing nearby towns.

Still, Rory doesn’t expect to find her neighbor’s body just a few doors down. When suspicion falls on a friend and fellow painter, Rory must discover the truth before the police paint the wrong picture and send her friend away permanently.

REVIEW:

When there is a murder and some think her good friend might be the killer based on an argument, Rory starts investigating despite the nice Detective's frequent requests that she stop. Then her friend Kit is found under the dock unconscious, a victim as well. Kit is homeless and has muttered something about the night of the murder and the victim, but it's not looking good for him. Rory arranges for the care of his dog, Buddy, and tries to find any relatives or the girl named Zoe.
In her quest for the killer and Kit's history (not to mention who hit him in the head), she stumbles on a lot of clues.

This is an enjoyable read with interesting characters and plot turns. There are the usual suspects, but Johnson keeps you guessing until the end. The good and bad energy is well-balanced and the pace is steady. Readers of cozy mysteries will enjoy this one. This is the third in the Aurora Anderson Mystery series, but can be read as a stand alone without any problem.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sybil Johnson’s love affair with reading began in kindergarten with “The Three Little Pigs.” Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science. After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Her short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E and Spinetingler Magazine, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with friends and family.