I originally gave this two stars when I thought it was written in the 90s. Imagine my surprise to find its much more recent. Too recent for the female leads to be this obsessed with thinness and calories. I don't mind the occasional comment, but this was every. single. time food was mentioned.

But, I could probably have overlooked it if the mystery itself was good, but there were several "twists" that just made absolutely no sense. The murderer was obvious from the beginning and there really weren't any red herrings to throw a reader off the scent. I guess this was the author's first foray into mystery so I might read the second in this series to see if it improves. ( )

A quick read. Lots of characters to keep track of. ( )

A nice light read.

Not mushy. My grandmother introduced me to Devereaux years ago. I haven't read and since she died. This was a nice reintroduction. My Nanny would have enjoyed it. ( )

This is my first Medlar mystery. Love the three main characters. Author (a favorite of mine for many years) always provides a fulfilling experience with plenty of everything. Narration is well done.

The small town of Lachlan, Florida, was rocked last year when two bodies were uncovered in the roots of a fallen tree. Despite their lack of investigative experience, Sara Medlar; her niece, Kate; and Jack Wyatt found themselves at the center of the mystery, working together to reveal the truth behind a decades-old secret in the sleepy town. After a narrow escape, they vowed to never again involve themselves in something so dangerous-until Janet Beeson is murdered. When Janet's body is discovered, everyone is shocked by the violence of the attack. The sweet little old woman has been shot, stabbed and poisoned, but no one can imagine who would want to harm one of the town's kindest, most helpful residents. Sara, Kate and Jack are determined to leave this case to the professionals. But they are soon bombarded by townspeople eager to tell their stories and clear their names with the trio who solved the Morris murders. Even the sheriff is hoping they'll lend their skills to a crime that seems to have no explanation and no motive. And once the town gets talking, they begin to see that there are more secrets buried in quiet Lachlan than anyone could have imagined. ( )

An easy read but with too many characters and dialogue that tries too hard to be cute and clever. A very non-offensive murder mystery with small town pettiness, secrets, & grudges and an unbelievable plot device. ( )