Shooting at Loons

Shooting at Loons (Deborah Knott Mysteries) I just found this series and this is the second book I have read. I have been trying to read the book in order. At first, I loved "Bootlegger's Daughter" but thought I would stop at that book but couldn't get Deborah out of my mind. I have continued with these wonderful books. "Shooting at Loons" was a good cozy book with great charactors. I can't wait to read the next books. I have ordered "Southern Discomfort" which was the second in this series and then hope to find the other in order of publishing date. I recommend this series highly.

As a somewhat recent resident of Raleigh (4 1/2 years, though that almost makes me a native), and lifelong mystery lover, I truly enjoy reading Maron's books set throughout North Carolina. I stumbled upon her Deborah Knott series at the library and have devoured the entire series in less than a year. (I rarely dedicate myself to one author or one series.)But to correct Jerry Bull, this book is set on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, not the Outer Banks. It just so happens that I spent the weekend at the Crystal Coast while reading "Loons" and have spent some time at the Outer Banks -- they are two different areas of the coast.

I love to read books that have locations of which I am familar. That is how I came to pick up this read. I am not sorry that I did so. Ms Maron developes her characters so well that the reader cares what happens to them. Granted, her writing is light and easy to finish, however sometimes this escape is what is needed. After reading "Loons", I went on to other books in this series. I have yet to be disappointed in the author's writing.

While not as strong as other installments in this series, this is yet another enjoyable book from this wonderful author. The main characters are warm and likeable and the Southern settings attractive and evocative. The plot in this book takes somewhat second place to the characterisations and environment but still makes its strong point.My recommendation is that no Judge Deborah Knott story should ever be passed over unread.

I really enjoyed finding this author and this book in particular. It was set in an interesting, an unusual setting (at least for us Californians)and was full of general information that displayed an understanding of the subject. The characters were agreeable and disagreeable as appropriate to the plot. The plot itself could have been a bit more well drawn, but overall this was a fun, easy to read diversion. I would recommend it to anyone who is not interested in having nightmares, but is interested in a mystery to solve.