By Sharon Linnéa
Netgalley is really like the Wild West to me. I try to keep my profile up to date, and I work hard to keep my feedback rating above 80%. But I still feel like there is no rhyme or reason to getting my requests approved. All that to say, the Netgalley spirits decided to give me Death in Tranquility, which I requested based mostly on the cover... I had no idea what I was getting into. So, I gave it a shot. I’ll tell you right now it’s not an action packed thriller mystery – which is normally my jam. However, if you like cozy mysteries, you will probably enjoy this one. Also, bonus: there are cocktail recipes with each chapter.
Honestly, who better to solve a mystery than a good bartender? They probably hear all kinds of juicy conversations. Avalon Nash is the good bartender in this story. She’s on the run from her mysterious past (her method of escape is a train, which I found strange for a modern day mystery, but I went with it). While waiting for her next train in the quaint town of Tranquility, she stops in at MacTavish’s bar and suddenly becomes a central witness to a murder investigation, a new bar tender, and an amateur sleuth. Let's not forget, she also has a mysterious and undisclosed past, too. She uncovers pretty much all of the town's mysteries within a few days of staying there, which is impressive considering life-long citizens of this town don't even know some of these things.
While I felt this story could use more character development, I did love the plot. It was full of red herrings and twists and kept me interested - but also scratching my head. I felt like Tranquility, as a town, was a character in its own right, and I loved meeting all of its citizens for the first time through Avalon’s eyes. I felt that the author really captured the small town vibe, where everyone knows everyone else. And every town has an unsolved mystery, right?
I admit I struggled with this one at first because I felt like Avalon was too aloof. I didn’t know anything about her and neither did anyone else. But as the story progressed, she started to reveal her secrets alongside the mystery she was involved in solving. I recommend if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries! It was a quick and entertaining read.
Find Death in Tranquility on Amazon.
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