Staying Home Is a Killer

This book was entertaining and held my interest throughout. Looking forward to next in series. A different slant as the characters are members of military families.

On her way to see her husband who is with the 52nd Air Refueling squadron, stay-at-home mom Ellie Avery meets her daughter's babysitter Penny Follette. Instead of fading into the woodwork, she is all aglow promising to tell Ellie her secret later. She gives Ellie a bag of chocolate covered coffees beans and she promptly sets it down in the area where the squadron has its drinks and food. Later that day Ellie receives a phone call from a friend saying that Penny committed suicide. When a stunned Ellie listens to her phone messages, Penny's is full of vigor as she informs her that she is pregnant. Ellie is certain that her friend didn't kill herself as the enthusiasm is too great. A tox screen shows she was poisoned. Georgia, who is part of the squadron, drinks the coffee Ellie left behind and is rushed to the hospital because she was poisoned. Ellie soon becomes a suspect as she is the only link between the two women. Things get worse when she finds a third body, the general's wife who was also murdered. In between poisonings, Ellie is the victim of serious malicious pranks by someone who wants her to turn over "it" to him; since she doesn't know what it is, she begins sleuthing in earnest to prevent anyone else especially her and her family from becoming victim number four. Anyone who is a stay at home mom with a husband in the service who goes TDY frequently will empathize with Ellie who has to deal with all the family problems by herself. Sara Rosett is a great storyteller as she creates a magnificent protagonist who is a bloodhound once she gets the scent. The author infuses her delightful cozy with humor as a tension relieving technique that works so well that readers will eagerly awaits the next installment in this special Washington State cozy. Harriet Klausner

Ellie Avery, military wife and the mother of a two-year-old daughter, has a habit of turning up in the thick of a murder and that gets the attention of the police. And Ellie would prefer to avoid police contact. Her history with the police has not been the best. When Ellie's friend Penny Follette is found dead of an apparent suicide, Ellie knows it's murder because Penny left a message on Ellie's answering machine that proves it. Penny wasn't depressed, but she was pregnant and that alone would prevent her from taking her own life. Following Penny's death a female pilot is poisoned and the young wife of a military 'big shot' is murdered. Ellie uncovers a myriad of suspects with plenty of secrets. And then there's the shady art dealer, Middle Eastern artifacts and an ancient manuscript that might be more valuable than anyone could ever imagine. Throw in a nosey neighbor, a husband on a military mission, a missing dog and threats to her personal safety. Ellie had better solve the mystery before she's the next victim. If you like cozy mysteries that have plenty of action and lots of suspects and clues, Staying Home Is A Killer will be a fun romp through murder and mayhem. Armchair Interviews says: This is a mystery with a "mommy lit" flavor. A fun read