The White Magic Five & Dime (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
When I finished this novel I had to restrain myself from giving Steve Hockensmith and Lisa Falco a standing ovation, I know it would have been futile but I was still tempted. So instead I shall write this:Thank you Steve and Lisa, thank you for writing a cozy mystery and proving it doesn't have to be full of old worn out cliches and horribly predictable love interests, sex scenes and endings.Thank you for writing a cozy-style mystery where I didn't know who did it until it was too late simply because you broke all the cozy writing rules (or are those cliches) and even though I should have seen it I simply discounted it. (I've never had to use my Agatha Christie reading rules while reading a cozy before.)Thank you Steve and Lisa, for writing a real, three dimensional, messed up and yet trying woman as a main character - one who actually grows during the course of this one book and isn't an idiot. Damn. I wasn't even sure that was possible in a light mystery anymore.Thank you for not writing the Tarot off as simply something only idiots believe, nor making it into the all powerful tool of divinity.In short Steve, I'd like to thank you for keeping it real. When shall I expect my next book? Wow, this book really surprised me. It was an impulse check out from the e-library, by an unknown author, involving tarot cards? I figured it would serve as an mildly enjoyable palette cleanser. So I was really shocked that I enjoyed it so much. It's been awhile since I've read a truly enjoyable cozy-type mystery. The only thing that makes me sad is that this is the only (or first?) book in a potential series, so who knows when and if, there will be another one.
What do You think about The White Magic Five & Dime (2014)?
Quick, fun read but I do miss his Holmes on the Range series.
—Leanne
