Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond (Murder, She Wrote #53) by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran

Rating:  Liked It!
Source: Publisher

Description:  After traveling to Bethesda for a mystery writers' conference, Jessica Fletcher decides she's earned a vacation and takes a train to Columbia, South Carolina, to visit her old college friend Dolores, who has recently married her third husband, Willis Nickens, a wealthy and cutthroat businessman. They've moved into an opulent historic home with plenty of space for guests, and Jessica is ready for a week of shopping, gossiping, and relaxing at the grand estate.

But the morning after she arrives, Jessica discovers Willis facedown in the koi pond, and despite what the police think, she's sure foul play is involved. She hadn't known Willis long, but it's clear to her that he didn't concern himself with making friends. The question isn't if her friend's husband was murdered but by whom.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've been really enjoying this series and was thrilled to see a cozy author taking over.

My Impression:  I was so excited to start this one when I saw a cozy mystery author would be taking over the series.  While I had enjoyed the previous author his work was a little more thriller-y then I expected from Jessica Fletcher.  It was fun but this book mirrored the show more closely in feel.  

In this book Jessica is visiting an old friend who is newly married.  Instead of the charming prince Jessica had heard about the new husband seems to be nothing short of a bully - something everyone but his besotted wife is aware of.  It's not particularly shocking when after a very awkward and unpleasant dinner he is discovered dead in the koi pond.  Suspects are thick on the ground but the local sheriff seems zeroed in on just one - the new bride and Jessica's old friend.  So of course Jessica has to get involved!

This was a fun read with lots of yummy food descriptions and even more interrogations.  I did guess who the killer was and why but I enjoyed the read enough that that didn't bother me.  The secondary characters are a bit flat and I would have enjoyed a bit more of an explanation as to what was going on between the killer and victim.  However, this was such a fun fast paced read that these felt like pretty minor issues.  I'm really hoping that Moran continues with this and I'm especially looking forward to one set in Cabot Cove!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I'm really looking forward to the next book!

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries - and especially if you are familiar with the television show - I think you would really enjoy this read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *