The Diva Runs Out Of Thyme (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
I actually put this down for quite a while because the protagonist stumbling across two bodies in something like two days? Seemed a bit much. But, the police went ahead being methodical instead of doing something annoying like arresting her or even threatening her. (Well, except for the one guy with a really serious attitude problem.) So when I eventually picked it up again, I wound up getting attached to the whole slightly wacky crew and enjoying the rest of the story, which had plenty of twists and turns. The "domestic diva" thing doesn't do a lot for me - even with Sophie's common-sense approach (entertainingly contrasting with Natasha's over-the-top stuff) - but it didn't get in the way much, either. Most of the domestic details were about food, actually, which I do like reading about, so it didn't bother me. I think I'll be going back to this series for a second helping. :) As is common in the cozy mysteries I've read, The Diva Runs Out of Thyme is filled with quirky and eccentric neighbors, intrusive yet lovable family members and an adorable pet or two. The Diva in question is Sophie Winston a divorced event planner who is offered an opportunity to write a "domestic diva" column for the local paper. Her childhood rival and ex-hubby's new gal pal, Natasha Smith (a rather Martha Stewart-ish character), hosts a local "domestic diva" show and is determined to have it broadcast nationwide. So the childhood rivalry/friendship continues.Taking place around Thanksgiving, Sophie finds her home filled with invited and unexpected family, friends and former family. And of course she learns that her home in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA is graced by the presence of her former hubby's aunt's spirit (it was her home and she left it to them). Oh yes and her mother invited an old classmate (who has a major crush on Sophie) to Thanksgiving dinner without telling her. In the midst of the chaos this causes Sophie stumbles across the dead body of a private investigator who has her name in his pocket. Naturally this makes her the prime suspect which allows her to cross swords with two police officers Wolf (whom she finds quite attractive) and Kenner (who is intense, suspicious and hostile). As if all of this was not enough, Sophie is participating in the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown sponsored by Simon Greer, a media mogul Natasha wants to impress so he'll give her a nation-wisde show and who just asked Sophie on a date. He also turns up dead shortly thereafter.As if all this isn't enough on one person's plate Sophie has to deal with a romance between an elderly neighbor and her former mother-in-law, a possible poisoning at dinner, a sneaky future brother-in-law and the fall-out from Natasha's burnt home.Filled with nosy neighbors, fun family meals, hilarious hijinks and cranky cops, this book is a fun read although it really does throw a lot at the reader. Many of the characters are rather one-dimensional and the police often seem semi-competent at best but I loved the descriptions of Old Town Alexandria and its history as well as Sophie's casually sophisticated approach to cooking and entertaining. I think I've found a new cozy mystery series.
What do You think about The Diva Runs Out Of Thyme (2008)?
Loved it! Cozies are becoming favorites! Great characters, very real and endearing :)
—Juhi
Love , love this book. It so cute and enjoyable. On to the next one!!
—Parham
I liked this book. Looking forward to reading the next one.
—alitahir
really enjoyable read. looking forward to next book
—Parker
Very cute! Looking forward to more in this series.
—Duncan
