Murder Takes the Cake: A Sullivan Investigations Mystery
by Evelyn David
Published by Echelon Press (May release)
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Reviewed by Krista Quinn
Murder Take s the Cake by Evelyn David is the second Sullivan Investigations Mystery—a series that follows private investigator Mac Sullivan and his Irish Wolfhound Whiskey as they investigate murders. In this installment, Mac is investigating his goddaughter Bridget’s claims that someone is trying to kill her just months before her wedding to rich, spoiled Josh Lasky. At the same time, his best friend and Bridget’s dad, Jeff, is missing some caskets from his undertaking business. Mac’s investigates these seemingly unrelated incidents around their hometown of Washington, D.C. But then the investigation takes him to nearby Virginia, as far away as Boston, and back again.
The cast of characters in this mystery is one aspect of the book’s undeniable charm. Detective Mac is a little rough around the edges and a lot grouchy. His young, “gothic” assistant JJ and his loving dog Whiskey add elements of humor and lightheartedness to the story. Rachel, Mac’s love interest, works for Jeff and is tangled up with the missing caskets. She is a practical force in Mac’s life and keeps him grounded. She is one of the most likeable characters in the book. As she begins to help Mac investigate Bridget’s claims and begins to suffer some injuries herself, you’ll find yourself even more interested in the story because you’ll want to know who could be hurting Rachel and why and how it’s all connected to Bridget and her fiancé.
Although there are quite a few characters and it can be difficult to keep them straight at first, each one is so fully developed that it becomes easier as the plot progresses. Ultimately each character feels like an old friend by the time the mystery is solved.
The plot is fast paced—there are a few mysteries going on at the same time—and fun. There is no lack of humor with these characters and in the end, all the storylines come together in a satisfying way.
If you’re a fan of mysteries this one will not disappoint you!
Armchair Interviews agrees.
Author’s Web site: http://www.EvelynDavid.com