What do you get when you combine Southern charm, chicken pot pie, phony pink handicap permits, cake decorating, stir, and then add in a little Botox? You get Six Feet Under- the terrific new addition to the Kenni Lowry mysteries by Tonya Kappes.
Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows that foul play is on the way when the ghost of her Poppa (the former sheriff of Cottonwood) starts popping back up, since he only ever makes an appearance to her when there is a murder to solve. When Poppa makes an appearance one morning as she is visiting her friend Ben's diner, she knows that trouble won't be far behind.
Ben's diner is buzzing with the news that famous chef Frank Von Lee will soon be arriving to film an episode of his television show Southern Home Cookin'. He will be featuring either the barbecue from a neighboring town, or the famous chicken pot pie recipe belonging to Kenni's Momma. When Von Lee is found dead in his hotel room next to a half-eaten pot pie and an unfavorable review, things don't look very good for Momma. Kenni's partner (and new love interest) Finn overhears a recording where Kenni considers out loud hiding the evidence (because she's really dicussing things with an invisible Poppa), and he decides that Kenni won't be impartial in the investigation. This causes the Mayor to remove Kenni as the official investigating officer on the case. Kenni sees this as an advantage, because now she and Poppa can investigate the case the way she wants to, without the usual restrictions created by her position.
I enjoyed this clever little mystery. There were plenty of funny moments, but there were also quite a few suspects and the story kept me guessing right up until the very end, with a few added surprises I wasn't expecting at all. I liked that the author gave Kenni added depth with the cake decorating classes. Poppa also adds an interesting element to the story without being completely unbelievable. One thing I would like to see is more from Finn. I felt like Kenni handed him the case, and then took it right back. I'd also like to see a bit more development between Kenni and Finn personally, as Finn's character could use a boost.
Overall, this was a quirky, fun read with a good mystery.
I received and ARC of this book and I voluntarily chose to write an honest review.
Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows that foul play is on the way when the ghost of her Poppa (the former sheriff of Cottonwood) starts popping back up, since he only ever makes an appearance to her when there is a murder to solve. When Poppa makes an appearance one morning as she is visiting her friend Ben's diner, she knows that trouble won't be far behind.
Ben's diner is buzzing with the news that famous chef Frank Von Lee will soon be arriving to film an episode of his television show Southern Home Cookin'. He will be featuring either the barbecue from a neighboring town, or the famous chicken pot pie recipe belonging to Kenni's Momma. When Von Lee is found dead in his hotel room next to a half-eaten pot pie and an unfavorable review, things don't look very good for Momma. Kenni's partner (and new love interest) Finn overhears a recording where Kenni considers out loud hiding the evidence (because she's really dicussing things with an invisible Poppa), and he decides that Kenni won't be impartial in the investigation. This causes the Mayor to remove Kenni as the official investigating officer on the case. Kenni sees this as an advantage, because now she and Poppa can investigate the case the way she wants to, without the usual restrictions created by her position.
I enjoyed this clever little mystery. There were plenty of funny moments, but there were also quite a few suspects and the story kept me guessing right up until the very end, with a few added surprises I wasn't expecting at all. I liked that the author gave Kenni added depth with the cake decorating classes. Poppa also adds an interesting element to the story without being completely unbelievable. One thing I would like to see is more from Finn. I felt like Kenni handed him the case, and then took it right back. I'd also like to see a bit more development between Kenni and Finn personally, as Finn's character could use a boost.
Overall, this was a quirky, fun read with a good mystery.
I received and ARC of this book and I voluntarily chose to write an honest review.
Six Feet Under by Tonya Kappes is the fourth book in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kendrick âKenniâ Lowry is the sheriff in Cottonwood, Kentucky. Kenni's mother, Vivian is in a tizzy because the host of the Culinary Channel's Southern Home Cookin', Frank Von Lee is coming to town. Frank, a chef and food critic known for his critical food appraisals, is going to pick between Viv's pot pie or the barbecue joint in nearby Clay's Ferry. Only one of them will be featured on the show. Viv has beautified herself for her meeting with Frank and has now roped Kenni into checking out the competition. The day after her meet and greet with Frank, he is found dead in his hotel room with a partially eaten poisoned pot pie on his desk. A poor review of the pot pie is on the desk as well which puts Vivian at the top of the suspect list. Mayor Chance Ryland has his doubts about Kenni's impartiality (with good reason) and removes her from the case. Deputy Finn Vincent (and Kenni's boyfriend) is put in charge of the murder investigation. That does not stop Kenni and the ghost of her grandfather, Poppa from nosing around. Kenni is determined to clear her mother's name off the suspect list.
Six Feet Under may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. Six Feet Under is a light-hearted, humorous cozy mystery with emphasis on small town dynamics (gossip, greasy and deep-fried food, nosy neighbors, secrets). I found the book nicely written with a good pace. The mystery is simple, and the killer easily identified. There is some misdirection, but the suspect list is limited. Vivian Lowry is an over-the-top, zany character who does not nutty antic after another (Botox, illegal handicap placard, dragging Kenni into her schemes, etc.). If I was Kenni and lived in this town, I would have an out-of-town locksmith change all the locks in my home, install a high-end security system with lights and cameras just to keep the mother out of my home. Kenni does not follow proper police procedures (I believe the only reason she is sheriff is because of her Poppa's history) or the law in some cases. She lets her mother run roughshod over her (I hope Kenni starts developing a backbone soon). Readers who enjoy humorous Southern cozy mysteries, will enjoy reading Six Feet Under.
Six Feet Under may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. Six Feet Under is a light-hearted, humorous cozy mystery with emphasis on small town dynamics (gossip, greasy and deep-fried food, nosy neighbors, secrets). I found the book nicely written with a good pace. The mystery is simple, and the killer easily identified. There is some misdirection, but the suspect list is limited. Vivian Lowry is an over-the-top, zany character who does not nutty antic after another (Botox, illegal handicap placard, dragging Kenni into her schemes, etc.). If I was Kenni and lived in this town, I would have an out-of-town locksmith change all the locks in my home, install a high-end security system with lights and cameras just to keep the mother out of my home. Kenni does not follow proper police procedures (I believe the only reason she is sheriff is because of her Poppa's history) or the law in some cases. She lets her mother run roughshod over her (I hope Kenni starts developing a backbone soon). Readers who enjoy humorous Southern cozy mysteries, will enjoy reading Six Feet Under.
