Author: Victoria Laurie
Published: November 28, 2023 by Kensington Cozies
Format: Kindle, 307 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Life Coach Mystery #5
First Sentence: “Now will you call him?” Gilley pleaded.
Blurb: Gilley’s whirlwind romance with creative director Stuart Jacobs began in Paris, where Stuart was sourcing fabric for the world-renowned Texas Rose Festival, which he is heading-up for the first time. The festival is nothing short of spectacular, bringing in half a million people (and their wallets) to see the artistic displays, and exquisite gowns and jewels worn by the Rose Queen and her court. Stuart and his crew seem to have it all under control. But the night Cat arrives in Texas, someone is shot in cold blood, and a member of Stuart’s staff is named the prime suspect! The Rose Festival is too important to the city’s economy to cancel, so while Stuart scrambles to prevent the festival from derailing, Cat and Gilley launch their own investigation into the murder. With a parade of potential suspects to parse, and an even longer list of motives, they bring in East Hampton Police Detective Steve Shepherd to help. As rumors of arson, burglary, and professional sabotage swirl around the already fraught festival planning; Cat and her team immerse themselves in the cutthroat pageantry to identify the killer, who has already picked their next victim. (GoodReads)
My Opinion: Victoria Laurie’s latest work has a distinct flavor, setting it apart from previous entries in the Cat and Gilley series. Not only has she swapped the roles of the duo, but she has also woven in social commentary. Laurie fearlessly calls out brutality and discrimination within Texas law enforcement, and though not calling out for change, is making her readers aware of its existence. There is also an in-depth narrative of psychics. Laurie, a professional psychic, takes her time defending their abilities and existence.
Gilley, once the skittish Scooby-do personality, now is the beacon of reason. Meanwhile, Cat—usually steadfast and confident—finds herself wavering, adding l a new layer to their enduring friendship.
Early on, a murder sets the stage for the investigation. Yet, as we move from scene to scene, we find ourselves entangled in multiple storylines. This web of narratives, while occasionally overly descriptive, maintains a smooth flow.
From a previous mention on Laurie’s podcast, this appears to be the last we will see, for a while at least, of the Cat and Gilley saga. The author has her eye on fresh horizons and has mentioned new material. “See No Evil,” an addition to the A Psychic Eye Mystery series, is out now, and the upcoming fall release of “A Trinket for the Taking.”
Blurb: Gilley’s whirlwind romance with creative director Stuart Jacobs began in Paris, where Stuart was sourcing fabric for the world-renowned Texas Rose Festival, which he is heading-up for the first time. The festival is nothing short of spectacular, bringing in half a million people (and their wallets) to see the artistic displays, and exquisite gowns and jewels worn by the Rose Queen and her court. Stuart and his crew seem to have it all under control. But the night Cat arrives in Texas, someone is shot in cold blood, and a member of Stuart’s staff is named the prime suspect! The Rose Festival is too important to the city’s economy to cancel, so while Stuart scrambles to prevent the festival from derailing, Cat and Gilley launch their own investigation into the murder. With a parade of potential suspects to parse, and an even longer list of motives, they bring in East Hampton Police Detective Steve Shepherd to help. As rumors of arson, burglary, and professional sabotage swirl around the already fraught festival planning; Cat and her team immerse themselves in the cutthroat pageantry to identify the killer, who has already picked their next victim. (GoodReads)
My Opinion: Victoria Laurie’s latest work has a distinct flavor, setting it apart from previous entries in the Cat and Gilley series. Not only has she swapped the roles of the duo, but she has also woven in social commentary. Laurie fearlessly calls out brutality and discrimination within Texas law enforcement, and though not calling out for change, is making her readers aware of its existence. There is also an in-depth narrative of psychics. Laurie, a professional psychic, takes her time defending their abilities and existence.
Gilley, once the skittish Scooby-do personality, now is the beacon of reason. Meanwhile, Cat—usually steadfast and confident—finds herself wavering, adding l a new layer to their enduring friendship.
Early on, a murder sets the stage for the investigation. Yet, as we move from scene to scene, we find ourselves entangled in multiple storylines. This web of narratives, while occasionally overly descriptive, maintains a smooth flow.
From a previous mention on Laurie’s podcast, this appears to be the last we will see, for a while at least, of the Cat and Gilley saga. The author has her eye on fresh horizons and has mentioned new material. “See No Evil,” an addition to the A Psychic Eye Mystery series, is out now, and the upcoming fall release of “A Trinket for the Taking.”
