This is one of my first cozy mystery series that I ever started reading. I am invested in these characters' lives and the mysteries are now taking a back seat. I definitely did not see the ending or the who-did-it coming. I thought the twist was well done and surprising. I already can't wait for the next book!

Tricia Miles has just received a second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. The first was from her friend with benefits, Marshall Chambers, and the second from her ex-lover, police chief Grant Baker. She's still weighing her options when she hears the sound of an engine roaring down Main Street. It's a big white pickup truck that aims for and hits Marshall as he's walking back to his apartment. Tragically, he's killed, leaving Tricia feeling bereft and guilty. She retreats to her sister, Angelica's, apartment to wait for Baker to update her on what happened. While there, Tricia takes Angelica's dog out for a comfort call behind the building, and the same white pickup roars up the alley and just misses hitting Tricia. Still shaken by that news, Tricia returns to Haven't Got a Clue and is met by federal marshal Kirby, who tells her that Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything Marshall told Tricia was a lie—in particular, that he was a widower. Was his death an act of revenge? Murders start to pile up and Tricia finally figures it out, but is she too late?

I have followed this series from the beginning and have loved each one. The characters are like old friends. There are a lot of surprises in this one, and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read it. I can't wait for the next installment!

I feel like I say this with every book but this series continues to get better and better. I can't say much without spoiling things but let's just say my jaw dropped and tears ran down my face.

I have been with this series from the beginning, and while it has never been lighthearted, this entry seems particularly dark. A hallmark of the Booktown Mysteries has been that the murderers can be literally anyone, even characters who previously seemed to be average, affable citizens. While the perpetrator in this one has not been particularly affable, he/she is on the "you'd least expect it" list.

In addition, the books have featured a lot of betrayal in the life of main character bookstore owner Tricia Miles. She has endured an abusive childhood, a broken marriage, cheating boyfriends (who usually wind up murdered by someone else's hand), and, in this one, betrayal by her own family members (even the beloved Mr. Everett even seems to line up against her).

I enjoy a main character who is not 20, not silly, and leads a less than charmed existence. I just hope that some light breaks through the clouds of Tricia's life in future books.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.