News and Nectarines (Paperback)

My issue was a lot of repetition of the suspects and motives. Readers don't need a recap every five pages.

Tilly is a wonderful character and the plot for this story keeps you guessing until the very end. Interesting characters and setting.

Let me begin by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Sure, there were parts of it that got a little tedious, but I would assume that is reality in a small town where everyone knows everybody yet they are eyeing one another wondering, "Could (s)he be the killer?" Yes, you may know everyone, and everyone may know you; but there is clearly a murderer because it is highly doubtful that the corpse killed himself. I understand that DOES happen, but when it's a murder on the heels of another crime, it's more likely to be someone else: one of the many "someones" everybody knows.Tilly is a familiar figure in town. It's hard to be anonymous in a small town when you are the only reporter with the only newspaper. Even more gossip worthy is why she lives alone in the house where she was going to raise a family. So pretty much everyone knows Tilly and all her business.There were some parts of the story that I found cute. I mean seriously, how much more can one woman do to keep her cows in the yard? She can't help it if they love the neighbors' nectarines. When I was little, Grandma was none too happy to find Buttermilk (a cow) eating the clean sheets off the clothesline in the back yard! So I feel a certain kinship with Minnie and her pet cows, Tulip and Sunflower.However, even though the story takes place in a small town where "everyone knows everyone else's business" it won't be long before we realize that this isn't quite true. Turns out there are some people with explosive secrets that won't be secrets much longer. Some things can only be hidden for so long, and when they are revealed, they will have an impact on the entire town.The reader will have to piece together what the citizens of Oak Peak, the history of the town's holiday celebrations, a couple of wandering cows (Tulip and Sunflower), and a nearly decimated nectarine orchard have to do with one another. Add to that a fire and a murder, and you have a lot happening in Small Town, USA. A number of suspects will emerge, but that doesn't go well for our reporter, Tilly. Hopefully someone will figure everything out quickly or Tilly might be back in jail for an extended stay.Nothing out of line in the story. No sex, no gore, and no objectionable language. Just a good ol' little murder on the heels of an explosion that has everyone wondering what the heck is happening. Settle back with a refreshing glass of tea and let the story unfold. Will you know whodunit before the story ends? I didn't, but I certainly enjoyed the read!

Great characters and storyline. Shortest read for me in a while! Kept me guessing until the end. Can't wait to read the next one.

Plenty of slap stick humor and over the top conclusions to make it seem like an I love Lucy show. It was a little crazy but a good time .