Christa Reads and Writes: Book Review: PURLS BEFORE SWINE A Clear Creek Mystery Book 3 by Rebecca McKinnon

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Book Review: PURLS BEFORE SWINE A Clear Creek Mystery Book 3 by Rebecca McKinnon

About the Book

Autumn has arrived in the Rocky Mountains. The resort that was almost the death of the small town of Clear Creek is trying to mend relations by hosting a local artisan show.

Jemma has been asked to create a display showing beginner projects all the way up to expert. Hoping to knit up attention for the shops in Clear Creek, she agrees. The last thing she expects is to trip over a body in the middle of the exhibits.

Curiosity piqued, she wants to know how someone was killed under the watchful eyes of the resort’s security staff — headed by the man she loves.

Even though her past experiences have taught Jemma she doesn’t want to be anywhere near a killer, when Deputy Chase surprises everyone by asking for her help she can’t bring herself to say no. Because if the killer isn’t bound off before the resort guests leave, someone will get away with murder.

Review

Jemma's excited about the artisan show and meeting some of the other artisans like herself, her art in knitting. She's put a lot of time into the display with business cards handy. When she's not at the exhibit hall she's at her shop. At least one visitor is very interested in her creations and Jemma arranges a time to show her something for her upcoming wedding.

Excitement of a different sort comes when Jemma discovers a dead body. The head of security for the resort, her love interest, isn't too thrilled but the Deputy asks Jemma to help. She can't hardly say no. As she listens and gathers information for Deputy Chase, she pushes limits and the guilty get nervous.

This was a fun and entertaining read with Jemma agreeing to help Chase and promising her love that she will be passively involved - just keeping her eyes and ears open. Not quite. Jemma's both curious and smart - a likable main character. The relationships among the returning characters genuine.

McKinnon sets a steady pace and the plot is well-developed. There are multiple red herrings, but when all is said and done, the resolution makes sense. If you like cozy mysteries, this one will not disappoint. It is the third in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone mystery - there are no cliffhangers. What changes from book to book are the relationships.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author

Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.