Memories and Murder
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4.5 • 178 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
It’s October in South Cove, California, and the locals in the quaint resort seem to be happily pairing off in the lull before the holidays. Everyone, that is, except for Jill Gardner’s elderly aunt, who just dumped her besotted fiancé—and she won’t say why.
When Jill hosts a talk at Coffee, Books, and More on the topic of elder abuse, all that’s really on her mind is lunch. But the topic hits close to home when she discovers Aunt Jackie has been getting mysterious calls. Jill’s certain the caller is a con artist, of course, but her feisty aunt claims to understand this, though she’s still shaken—and Harrold’s still heartbroken. Who’s behind the scam and why was her aunt targeted? When a volunteer from the Senior Project is found murdered, Jill’s detective boyfriend is on the case—and it soon becomes clear no one is safe when a caller from beyond becomes a killer in their midst.
Praise for The Tourist Trap Mysteries
“I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly . . . [A] wonderfully appealing series.”
—Dru’s Book Musings
“Light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged.”
—The Young Folks
Customer Reviews
Pretty good read
There were a few weird things with the month being October and references to the holidays, but the mystery itself was quite good.
The 10th A Tourist Trap Mystery
Memories and Murder by Lynn Cahoon is the tenth A Tourist Trap Mystery. Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California where she is currently worried about her Aunt Jackie. Jackie suddenly called off her engagement to Harrold Snider and refuses to explain why. After a little coaxing from Jill, Jackie confesses that she has been getting some disturbing calls. If the identity of this individual is correct, then Jackie could not marry Harrold. Jill had just heard a lecture about elder fraud, and she believes someone is targeting her aunt. Jill contacts her boyfriend, Detective Greg King so they can look into the matter. Unfortunately, a volunteer at the Senior Project is murdered that evening which becomes Greg’s priority. Jill is not one to standby, so she begins to do some sleuthing on her own. Memories and Murder can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. The author provides the necessary background information on the main characters. Memories and Murder is easy to read thanks to the author’s conversational writing style and smooth flow of the story. The mystery was different because it addresses the issue of elder fraud. People, unfortunately, try to take advantage of those who are not as technologically savvy and who are more trusting. Jackie is lucky that she has Jill and such caring friends. Jill is positive that someone is taking advantage of Jackie and she begins going research online as well as talking to some people in town. Jill got lucky when people approached her with information because they had heard of Jackie’s predicament. I would have liked some more active sleuthing on Jill’s part. I enjoyed Deek’s participation and how he added to the case. Deek is a hard worker and a good addition to Jill’s business. I like how everything tied together to provide a satisfying conclusion. I am curious about Jill’s decisions making regarding Coffee, Books and More. Deek will ask to add a book group, and Jill tells him to check with Aunt Jackie since it will happen in the evenings when she works. Since Jill owns the business, I feel she should make the decision. I just found it odd and unfair to Deek since Aunt Jackie is not his biggest fan (yet). There are plenty of cozy moments with Jill enjoying endless cups of coffee, indulging in Sadie’s confections, taking Emma for runs, helping Amy work on her wedding including a disastrous crafting session, time with Greg, talking with new hire Deek, and reading advance reader copies that have been sent to the store. Memories and Murder is a comfortable cozy mystery with curious calls, a mysterious murder, copious quantities of coffee, plentiful pastries, wedding work, a cute canine, and a busy boyfriend.