Dead in the Water

This is the first book (even though it isn't the first one I've read) in a rural Oklahoma-themed mystery series. This is one fantastic and fun series. I especially love this series because it takes place in a rural community, very much like the one I grew up in, in NorthEast Texas Piney Woods. Because I no longer live in a rural community (I hope to one day move back), it is nice to "visit" the ranch and the small town in these books. In this first book (which is really awesome), Amanda Hazard, the main character, moves to Vamoose, Oklahoma. She is an accountant. She finds a dead body (I will not say who, where, etc. as to not ruin it for those who haven't read it) and she suspects murder rather than just a simple heart attack. She is determined to figure this out, much to deputy Nick Thorn's disapproval. Amanda and Nick start out like oil and water. Nick doesn't support her theories or her efforts. She has to move mountains to convince him of anything. Will Amanda and Nick ever get along? This book was fun and cozy. I especially love the Last Chance Cafe and Velma's beauty shop. Those are two cozy spots in town. I also love the ranches, the cows, the hay. The beauty shop disasters are funny and fun. Amanda's and Nick's well-deserved country, cozy breakfast was fun. One particular part of the book that I liked was Nick's cozy, comfortable, warm bedroom. I felt warm and comfortable just reading about it. It kind of reminded me of a similar scene in "Cream Puff Murder" by Joanne Fluke where Hannah, due to circumstances, was forced to be in Norman's warm, comfortable, cozy bedroom. Similar situation here, due to circumstances, Amanda is forced into this cozy situation. The whole book was wonderful! The lifestyle and jargon in these books are exactly the same as it is where I grew up. I read a few of these books out of order, but I'm now going back to the beginning and reading the remaining books in order. I look forward to them. I love them! And oh, where I grew up, we had plenty of country music. Vamoose even has a citizen, Billie Jane Baxter, who became a famous country music star in Nashville. And how awesome is that?