Every so often, some cosy crime fiction is just the ticket. I read this while on holiday recently, and it made for ideal reading to relax with. It is the first in the Tourist Trap series and introduces Jill Gardner, who runs the local book and coffee shop.

At some points it was glaringly predictable, particularly regarding the romance element of the story. However, the 'who dunnit' aspect came as a surprise to me at the reveal, which perhaps it shouldn't have done had I not had my mind so firmly in holiday mode.

The author has written several other series including the Kitchen Witch Mysteries, the Cat Latimer series and the Farm to Fork mystery series. Guidebook to Murder was the winner of the 2015 Reader's Crown for Mystery Fiction. The following book in the series is Mission to Murder, which I might just keep on ice until my next holiday.

This is a very easy read. It's a typical cozy mystery with a number of twists and turns that might keep you guessing. It will keep you entertained relaxing on the beach.

Guidebook to Murder is the first book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series. It is a great cozy mystery and a wonderful start to the series. The location is a charming California town on the coast where you picture yourself visiting.
Our protagonist is Jill who is a very strong independent woman. She runs her bookshop and enjoys her quiet life. Her elderly friend is being pressured to sell her home by the city council and developers When the friend dies and wills her the house , she inherits a set of problems that have her life upended in every direction.. She is at odds with the city council and with the local police.
I enjoyed every aspect of this mystery. .I thought the mystery itself was well crafted and intriguing. The characters fit the part perfectly and add to the story.. I look forward to the next in series . .