I love an inherited ramshackle premise and on the basis of that alone I picked up this book. It took me a bit to get into. I didn't connect with Mallory or feel invested in the mystery right away. However, as the story went on I began to really enjoy this one and really enjoy spending time with Mallory and her sister Rachel. I liked how Mallory got involved in the investigation - she didn't want to cause trouble but at the same time she just couldn't resist asking questions and looking for answers. Now that she and Rachel have finally made their decisions about what they want to do career-wise I suspect that this series is going to be really fun - and luckily there are several books after this one to dive into!

The first in the series. When Mallory discovers her fiancé has been cheating on her, it is 3 weeks before their wedding. Obviously she calls it off. When his grandma leaves her the family house, things get ugly. Good story and a interesting cozy mystery. Highly recommend this book and author, look forward to reading more in the series.

1. Engaged in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore #1 Wedding Planner Mystery (2016)

I read this ages ages and accidentally missed it off my last roundup. This was my second favourite cozy read of last year. It introduces Mallory Shepard and her sister Rachel and is set in Port Quincy, Pennsylvania.

What I particularly liked about his book is that, usually we meet the heroine when she's moved to her new home to start afresh and then we get the back-story. In this book however we follow Mallory through her problems alongside her: cheating fiance, loss of job etc.

Mallory inherits a crumbling mansion which may have oil in its grounds. This could solve her money worries but she rejects the offer made by the oil company and next thing you know there's a dead man on the front lawn.

This has a complicated plot, cats and a hunky neighbour with a smart teenage daughter. What more could you ask for? I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Murder Wears White.

This book has made me a huge fan of Stephanie Blackmore! Engaged in Death is a part of the Wedding Planner Series by Ms. Blackmore. I love the main character, Mallory, she feels so relatable that you can't help but root for her. If you are a fan of "cozy mysteries " then do yourself a favor and pick up this book! You will not be disappointed!