Barbara Marr Mysteries Boxed Set

Delightful four book set revolving around suburban wife and mom, who finds herself and friends immersed in crime solving within their community. Each book is a well developed stand alone, but does flow seemlessly if one wishes to read consecutively. This is an enjoyable author, one I will I return to often.

The main character is cute and clever, or so she thinks. She's really not.
The plot line is silly, (silly being preposterous). My biggest issue is with the monkeys. Dead monkeys abound. Monkeys, and cats, used for animal research. Animal bodies everywhere. It's talked about a lot, but not one character feels bad about them. No one even says awwww, poor things.
The author, by bringing this situation into the plot, had a great chance to highlight a problem regarding animal research, perhaps make a statement. But - nothing.
Granted - I quit reading ten pages before the ending because I found it to be such crap. Perhaps these housewives go off and save the caged monkeys and change the world of animal research. But I doubt it - it might get in the way of their carpool time.
When I'm offered a box set by Book Hub for a low price, I know it's not going to be incredible. But this book offended my senses so much, I think I'll go back to paying regular price for books. This one just plain sucked!