Corpse Pose

Was it because I sat on a boat in beautiful Penobscot Bay reading this book that I gave it 5 stars? Even without my own setting I probably would have given it at least 4 and possibly 5 stars. This is the first in a new series. The author doesn't burden us with too much Yoga or too many odd sounding recipes. The main dish vegetarian recipe at the end sounded delicious. The heroine has had a tough year already when she learns her beloved aunt has been murdered. Her relationship with her mother, her aunt's sister, is not great. The characters are well done. The mystery was sufficiently mysterious to keep me unsure about the culprit. There are funny bits and serious bits. I will definitely read more of this series.

I really enjoyed this book. I adored the characters, and found the setting a little different and fun. I figured out who the culprit was, kind of early on, but that didn't take away the fun, or even once in a while, something would happen that would make me think I was wrong, so that was fun too!! I look forward to more books in this series, the way the author left the ending, I have to guess there are many more stories to tell about all the wonderful characters we were introduced to.

Diana Killian already has a winning cozy series on her hands (Poetic Death Mysteries - watch for book #4 due out later this year), so for me the question was whether or not this new Mantra for Murder series would be different enough and interesting enough to warrant an entirely new series. The answer? A resounding `Yes!' In Corpse Pose, Ms. Killian has woven an excellent mystery, a fascinating venue, an edgy and unique cast of characters, and a beautiful story about change, forgiveness, and rebirth. Even those readers who, like me, had to do modified versions of even the simplest Yoga poses in grade school - at the most limber times of our lives - will enjoy meeting and spending time with Anna Jolie and Elysia Alexander. When the book starts out, we learn that A.J. is a successful freelance marketing consultant who's built a thriving business with her ex-husband. She's independent and self-sufficient, having spent her childhood caring for an alcoholic parent who provided little nurturing in return. Growing up, her mother's sister, Diantha Mason (Aunt Di), saw to most of A.J.'s emotional and/or spiritual needs. She was A.J.'s one constant in an otherwise chaotic existence. A phone call from Detective Oberlin of the Stillbrook PD informs A.J. of her aunt's death and shatters the calm she has so carefully constructed. The mystery is deliciously complex, but the characters are what makes the story so intriguing. These are not cookie-cutter characters by any means. They make the story all the more believable by their breadth and depth. All in all, Corpse Pose is an excellent cozy mystery, and I look forward to future escapades featuring this endearing mother-daughter duo and the Sacred Balance Studio. Namaste! Carol Ann Hopkins 4/20/2008

Diana Killian has outdone herself with this first book in her new series. CORPSE POSE has it all from well-written plot, sharp prose, wit and humor that had me rolling with laughter and memorable characters who I definitely want to read more about. As a heroine A.J. is delightful, witty and smart. You don't have to be into yoga to enjoy Ms. Killian's CORPSE POSE, but you may find yourself doing the downward dog before you're finished. Fun, fun, fun! I'm looking forward to the next installment. Michele Scott author of The Wine Lover's Mysteries and The Michaela Bancroft Mysteries

The divorce hit A.J. Alexander hard knowing her husband left her for another man, which also explains why their sex life was almost non-existent. Andy wants to remain pals, but A.J. is in too much hurt to see that happening anytime soon. Tragedy strikes A.J. when her beloved affluent Aunt Dianta Mason, owner of Sacred Balance, dies; A.J. goes to Stillbrook where her aunt lived to arrange the funeral. From the moment she arrives in town, lead detective Jake Oberlin keeps A.J. under a microscope as the prime suspect in her aunt's murder. He constantly interrogates her as she is the only one with a motive, the inheritance. When she goes to her aunt's lawyer she learns why Jake hones in on her as she is the sole beneficiary of an eighteen million dollar estate to include the yoga studio. Lily, an employee's friend and student of her late Aunt is livid because the studio was promised to her and makes that clear to A.J. and her dingbat mother. Apparently Aunt Di had as many friends as enemies, but A.J. plans to find out who loathed her enough to kill her so that Jake will back off. The support cast is one of the major reasons that this series is going to be a hit. For instance mom acts like a moron but has good instincts even as she drives her daughter crazy especially with her desire to have A.J. and Andy get back together. Jake is romantically interested in his prime suspect, but she drives him loony when she investigates; endangering the lives of her and her mother. Andy wants to remain friends with A.J. because he loves her, but not in a sexual way. On top of each person driving everyone else batty, the mystery is well constructed with all the clues in sight, but most readers will misread them as Diana Killian provides a delightfully entertaining amateur sleuth tale. Harriet Klausner