Murder Among Friends

I absolutely can't get enough of Jonnie Jacobs books. If you're a fan too, you'll love it. If it's your first time reading her books - you'll be coming back for more.

"Murder Among Friends" is the 2nd book in the Kate Austen series by Jonnie Jacobs. I was impressed with the first Kate Austen book, "Murder Among Neighbors," but the plot of this second book is even BETTER.The book opens with Kate Austen's pending divorce with "finding himself" husband, Andy. Thankfully, the book doesn't dwell on the divorce, but centers on Kate getting on with her life. She is now working as an art consultant and her relationship with Detective Michael Stone is heating up.Kate arranges to meet business acquaintance/friend - Mona Sterling at Mona's home and finds that Mona has uncharacteristically decided to commit suicide. Kate and friend Sharon begin to gather clues to convince the Walnut Hills Police Dept. that this has been, in fact, a murder. In the meanwhile, she takes in Mona's beligerant teenage daughter, Libby, and must cope with the attitude and language of a young girl who is hurting.One sidenote is that Jonnie Jacobs could have been describing my mother PERFECTLY, when she writes of the older woman, Mrs. Stevenson, who has been living in the neighborhood for years and still addresses the homes by their former owners. My mother is constantly pruning her garden out front so it was bizarre to read about a character that fit her so well! Talk about your realism!The plot was great with this book and takes a very unexpected turn. The characterizations are excellent as well. The personality of Kate Austen is VERY laid-back; very non-threatening, and somewhat a little TOO easy-going for my aggressive style of personality. Kate isn't really what you would call a "leader" or a "mover and shaker."(And it really grates on my nerves that her daughter, Anna, seems to have more control in the household than she does - but this is VERY realistic.) This is unusual because most amateur sleuths are these "Type A" leaders when in reality not everyone is like that. It is rather insightful to get a glimpse as to how individuals such as Kate react and how people respond better to her style of interacting with them.This is a series that is really good and one that you are sure to enjoy.

I just finished this book and must say I really enjoyed it. The characters seem so real and the plot was very good. This is a good book to read if you want something not to dark and heavy with a little humor. Love Kate Austen and can't wait to read the next books in this series. I would like to know what will happen with her relationship with Michael. If your looking for a quick read pick up Jonnie Jacobs books as soon as you can. They will not dissapoint you.