Cinch Up
by Annabelle Hunter
Series: Lark Davis Mysteries #4
Series Rating:
Published by Annabelle Hunter on November 25, 2020
Setting: California
Genres: Cozy Rom-Com Mystery
Pages: 196
Format: Kindle
Goodreads
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon
Also in this series: Leg Up, Load Up, Stir Up, Buck Up, Saddle Up , Jingle Up
Breathe in happiness, breathe out…murder?
Larklyn Davis is happy. Her dressage barn is doing well, her daughter is flourishing, and she’s committed to taking her relationship with Detective Brecken to the next level. Except Gran is still against their relationship. And she doesn’t want Lark anywhere near another murder again. Not that Lark has any plans to investigate another crime anytime soon.
But when local antique seller Henrietta Jamestown is discovered murdered by an item from her own collection, Lark finds herself walking a tightrope between promising Gran that she won't become involved in any more investigations, and her own need to know the truth. To make matters worse, the chief of police is a suspect, and questions arise about the integrity of the police force, putting Brecken’s chances at Chief of Police at risk.
Determined to stop the wild rumors, Lark gathers a team of friends and unlikely allies together to discover the real culprit... And stop the killer from attacking again.
All without Gran finding out. Barrow Bay can keep a secret, right?
Cinch Up by Annabelle Hunter is another example of Ms. Hunter’s humor and wit. I love this wacky town of Barrow Bay.
Who killed Hen? But who will figure it out first?
In this installment, Brecken is acting Police Chief and running the investigation into Hen’s death. He does a fairly good job of doing this, except too many people are involved in the case. Perhaps he should secure the crime scene next time using a covered tent as they do in the United Kingdom. Oh, and he should definitely separate the witnesses and take their phones away. That should buy him at least 15 minutes of peace before Lindsey gets involved.
Hen, a local antique store owner, is found dead in the dumpster behind the storefronts. While Brecken and Lark are waiting for their semi-private yoga session. I say semi because nothing in Barrow Bay is private. Seriously, I think all of the citizens have signed a contract allowing everyone in the town to know their business. They only think that their secrets are actually secret, someone knows, and eventually, they will end up in Lindsey’s blog.
I liked that the sewing circle (well, some of them) and Lark’s crew are working together to find out who killed Hen. The suspects are five people, Phillip (Hen’s husband), Oscar (Hen’s son), Linda (the town secretary), Paul Worth (vendor), and Benny (the Police Chief). However, I wish Lark and her Gran would talk to each other and work out their issues. I missed Gran and her normal antics. She did have some manipulations in play, but they aren’t up to her regular tricks. Although, I hope those maneuvers work as Julia needs some self-confidence and more friends.
“So, you’ve put together a team.” “I’m thinking we go with posse. Like in the old west.” Jen winced. “Didn’t they end up devolving into mobs and stringing up the criminal, sometimes without making sure he was the right one?” “I hadn’t known about that, no. And it seems oddly specific, but I see your point. Team Sleuth it is.” We’d come up with that name when we were teasing Nic and Brecken about our investigating habit. “And our team is Lindsey, me, you, and Missy.” Jen frowned. “I’d feel better if we had more going for us.” “How about us?” The voice behind me made both of us squeal and turn, and like in a movie, there was most of the Sewing Circle. Alice in the lead, her purple hair newly dyed and gleaming in the light. Annie and Aunt Helen were to her right, both in jeans for the first time in my life.
Hunter, Annabelle . Cinch Up (Lark Davis Mysteries Book 4) (p. 166). Kindle Edition.
Five Stars
My rating for Cinch Up by Annabelle Hunter is five stars. I recommend this book! It is wonderfully written, with a mystery that is easy to follow and well-plotted. It’s the characters in this wacky town that steal the show. Not just the sleuth but all of them. I love this wacky, stubborn, beautiful little town and its eccentric citizens.
Lark Davis Mysteries
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Cinch Up by Annabelle Hunter.
Until the next time,
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Jenz 2023 Beachcombers Mystery RC
- Jenz 2023 Cloak and Dagger
- Jenz 2023 Craving the Cozies
- Jenz 2023 Cruisin' thru the Cozies
- Jenz 2023 Finishing the Series
- Jenz 2023 Goodreads RC
- Jenz 2023 Medical Examiner RC
- Jenz 2023 Six Shooter
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