Gone with the Groom: A Cozy Mystery

Sasha's back! Along with Annie, Sheila, and the rest of Clarksborough, PA. And like seeing old friends, we're happy they're here. After Sasha and Annie save the day in The Wedding Caper, this dachshund/mother duo now has a missing groom on their hands. Annie's daughter Brandi is just about to marry "said groom" (to use Annie's vernacular) when it happens. The devoted Christian mother of two twin daughters and a son, as well as the extremely submissive wife of Warren, Annie manages to fulfill her never ending duties as mother-of-the-bride while trying to find her missing future son-in-law, Scott. Last time Sasha was the center of attention, involved in most of Annie's antics. But this time Sasha makes only a scant appearance in the story during the first half, even when the scenes take place in her home, where the dog should be around somewhere. Then it's almost as if Thompson remembers her mid-stream, and Sasha is rushed to the hospital after getting into a bottle of heart medication. We see for the first time in this book the love and concern Annie and Warren had for Sasha all along. And from this point on, Sasha once again becomes an entertaining and integral part of the sleuthing for the rest of the story. In fact, she ends up having an even more prominent role in solving the crime. Annie's thoughts and observations are humorous and relatable. "A tightening in my gut signaled a problem. I shouldn't have skipped breakfast-not on a day like today. I needed protein-or at the very least, artificial sweetener..." and her well intended but unsuccessful efforts to get to the gym in order to fit into her dress for the wedding are a constant source of guilt for her, but in a funny way. Try not to notice that although Scott's cell phone sends a few cryptic messages, the police never check for pings, which might give them its location. And we've got a cornucopia of possible suspects here. The pharmaceutical company Scott works for is having trouble getting FDA approval for its new drug, and the companies very existence depends on it. Could Scott's concerns about the dangerous side effects caused someone to get him out of the way? And what about Brandi's new job at the real estate agency, and the scam she is discovering? Scott's mother is running for city council of her home town. Could her crooked political opponents have tried to distract her by kidnaping Scott? Could his estranged biological father, who has just surfaced after years of absence have something to do with it? Or did he just get cold feet and become a runaway groom? With the wedding fast approaching on Valentine's Day, should they cancel it or continue to pay the vendors? There is a deep bond between the women in the story, both spiritual and emotional, as they gather around the hurting family. We see them stand by each other, forgive past hurts, hold one another up in prayer, and share each other's burdens. These women are guided by the Spirit, comforted by the Scriptures, and eventu

Sasha and Annie Peterson are off again in another quest for truth. Janice Thompson has again given us a delightful tale as Annie seeks the real reason behind the disappearance of her future son-in-law only a few weeks before the big day. Using all the skills learned in her internet detective course, Annie sets out to find the young man. No way will she believe he simply left her beautiful daughter. When all of his and her family descend on the Peterson home a few days before the wedding, they all have their own ideas about the disappearance. Annie has a list of suspects that range from someone out for revenge against the groom's politician mother to his long lost father to his friends playing a prank. Even his boss and the company he works for come under suspicion before it's all over. Annie has her work cut out for her, but she rises to the task with her ever faithful dog, Sasha, and saves the day as well as the wedding. Get on board for a fun ride and see if you can unravel the clues Annie finds.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (7/07) You are cordially invited to the wedding of Brandi Peterson and Scott Cunningham on February 14. That's only 2 weeks away and the Peterson house is very chaotic. Rather than just the regular preparations for the wedding, the family is also involved in a missing-person search. The missing person is none other than Scott Cunningham, groom-to-be. Brandi's parents, Annie and Warren, are playing host to Brad and Nadine, Scott's mother and stepfather. Having the future in-laws staying with the other in-laws can create interesting memories. It's a full house when Annie's parents arrive from the Deep South for the big event, if there is still to be a wedding. Annie is known to be quite a sleuth. Well, she's going to have to use all her skills and Sasa, her dachshund, to sniff out clues and find Scott before the big day. Annie is nicknamed Agatha Annie. She is not a professional detective and finds her some strange, and some very hilarious, situations along the way. Janice A Thompson has created a wonderful book. "Gone with the Groom" combines mystery, humor, a fantastic storyline and unforgettable characters. With its many twists and turns, "Gone with the Groom" will keep you involved from cover to cover. The Peterson family's faith in God is tested throughout the book, but with the help of their church family and faith in God, they will get through this time of their life. Perhaps they will even be blessed through this trial. Plan now to check in with the Peterson's for the biggest event in Brandi's lifetime!

With the Groom by Janice Thompson is the new book in the Bridal Mayhem series. Annie Peterson is in the countdown of the final two weeks until her daughter's wedding, when the groom-to-be disappears. Is this a prank by his groomsmen, related to the mysterious goings-on at the pharmaceutical company where he works, a plan by his mother's political rivals, or does his recently discovered father have something to do with it? Annie is an extremely engaging character with her openness and optimism. Her love for her daughters and God shines through with every page (as does Thompson's for her own daughters). The plot zips along, and Annie shares most of the clues with the reader, just enough are held back to keep the reader guessing. So many subplots are included, but Thompson juggles them with ease, and it promises that sequels are in the works. Annie's emphasis on turning to God before jumping to conclusions or making major decisions is a nice alternative to many other Christian cozy mysteries on the market. This series starring Agatha Annie is sure to please!

Janice A. Thompson creates a delightful read with this cozy mystery. It is the second of three novels based on the character Annie Peterson and her twin daughters' weddings. Annie Peterson loves her daughter's fiancé, Scott. One of the things she likes best about him is his sense of humor - but there's nothing funny when he disappears two weeks before the wedding. When his car is found abandoned, Annie's daughter, Brandi, is frantic and calls on mom for help. Fresh from solving a mystery involving a missing $25,000, Annie begins taking notes about Scott's disappearance. Soon her house fills up with guests, Scott's parents and Brandi's grandparents, which just adds to Annie's stress level. Is Scott's disappearance just cold feet? Or is it something more sinister? Can Annie solve the mystery, with the help of some wacky friends and her faithful dog, or will her daughter's wedding dreams end in ruin? Thompson's gentle sense of humor permeates this novel and ties into southern references including Annie's mother, who serves grits for breakfast every morning. This reader found herself laughing aloud more than once. A charming cast of characters is handled deftly by Thompson, who manages the whole passel with style and shows how a supportive family can band together in hard times. Between witty dialogue and fast action sequences, this novel kept my attention until the very (happy) end. Gone with the Groom is a great read for those who enjoy cozy whodunits with a bit of flair.