The Big Dirt Nap

The author has continued on with some of her original characters - which is a big plus as I thought she had the makings of a good ensemble. I could have wished for more of a development between the cop and the main sleuth but perhaps that will be in future installments. I was surprised and not pleased that the author left gardening out of this book. It is her "hook" and also seems to be her own personal experience and yet it is notably missing - unlike her first book. Once again, I felt the author invested too much time to a cause - this time Native American rights and the horror of the "gambling" income they receive. In her first book, it was the plight of Mexicans who are in this country illegally. Being preached at in a "cosy" mystery doesn't make for a fun read. Another nit is that the author focused on the homeless guy and on her client's husband and then dropped both like yesterday's news. I was looking for something a little more interesting and twisted from these references - perhaps some plot lines that were deleted in editing? On the other hand, I do like this writer's style and her sense of humor. I was happy to visit some old friends from "Pushing Up Daisies" and just wished for a few more of these friends. I liked the addition of the "bikers" and hope to see them again in the future. I will certainly be looking forward to and buying more of her books and hope that someday I can start giving her 5 stars.

Paula Holliday's friend Lucy has invited her for an all-expense-paid trip to the Titans Hotel. Lucy is there to do an investigative story on the hotel and Paula, who owns Dirty Business gardening and landscape company, is there to see the famed corpse flower on display at the hotel. Shortly after Paula arrives she runs into Nick Vigoriti. A good looking ladies man who refuses to accept the brush off and doggedly tries to pick her up. Next thing you know the police are knocking on Paula's door because Nick is dead. And worse yet, Lucy is missing. Somehow the two are tied together but when the police refuse to investigate the disappearance Paula starts asking questions that make people nervous. Judging a book by the cover is supposed to be a no-no but I did and I was not all that excited about reading this book. Boy was I mistaken. This book is hilarious. Paula cracked me up from the opening line to the very end. I'll share my favorite scene so you get an idea... With both Paula and Lucy in full Goth make up (don't ask LOL) they scare the heck out of a convenience store clerk. Paula then terrifies him further when she calls him by name. "Chill. You name's on your shirt." I peeled off a few dollars, then hurried Lucy out of the store, but not before sticking my head back in and telling the frightened clerk to have a nice day. The book is filled with those kinds of witty interactions and I couldn't get enough. The characters are well described that I could easily picture each and every one. This was the second book in the Dirty Business mystery series and it stands alone as I have not yet read book one, Pushing Up Daisies, which is now on my wish list. I highly recommend this one to all cozy mystery lovers.

Rosemary Harris has done it again. After her debut last year, the second installment in her Dirty Business Mystery series definitely does not disappoint. From page one it is a nonstop feast of wit, humor, and of course mystery - a whodunnit without any lulls that starts out strong, keeps going at a brisk pace, and delivers an exciting ending, all without ever taking itself too seriously. The Big Dirt Nap is a real treat and I can't wait for number three.

Rosemary Harris is both an author and an entertainer. Not only has she spun a great mystery, but at times you can almost hear her laughing as she writes. Not many detectives get haughty over knowing when to plant tulips.

Lush, layered, and textured, THE BIG DIRT NAP is one of those rare reads that will delight not only cozy lovers but all crime fiction fans. Rosemary Harris is a tremendous new talent in the traditional mystery arena. A unique new voice; sort of a touch of Dorothy Cannell with a dash of Susan Wittig Albert and a pinch of Carolyn Hart. Laugh-out-loud funny at times, yet sophisticated. Had Nora Charles a granddaughter, with a green thumb, she'd be Harris's sleuth, Paula Holliday. With a contemporary dame cracking wise, and a relentless plot that never lets up, THE BIG DIRT NAP is one great whodunnit. Rosemary Harris will be a perennial favorite, and I eagerly await her next novel.