This mix of moonshine and model trains keeps my interest. I like Hattie and her grandpa, and the peek into the world of model trains is pretty interesting. I don't like the way Hattie's thinking goes off in very scattered directions. One moment she's sure it's this person, and then she changes her mind and it's someone else. But that's offset by some really nice writing in parts. "Still, something swirled in my mind, a dark wisp of an idea that dissipated before it could take shape, like a puff from a train's smokestack." All in all, a quick and enjoyable read.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“The Proof Is in the Poison” the 2nd instalment in A Southern Homebrew Mystery series by Diane Kelly. This is first book I have read in the series, and it can be read as a standalone. I have since purchased the previous one so I can be all caught up in time for book 3.

Moonshine shop owner Hattie Hayes is ready to lend a hand when a mystery starts brewing at a train convention in Chattanooga, TN.

I liked Hattie and her cat Smoky and we can’t forget her granddaddy ( I loved him). I also enjoyed the setting of Chattanooga, Tennessee. There is a great cast of side characters Marlon, Charlotte the horse, Kiki, Nora and Ace.

The mystery is interesting and had lots of twists which kept me guessing. I had no idea who the killer was till Hattie did. I’m looking forward to the next book , and seeing what’s in store for Hattie and the Moonshine Shack.

I highly recommend this cozy series to all my friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Berkley Publishing and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.