Tumbling Blocks (Benni Harper Mystery)

Once you start this series it is hard to put down each book to follow the main characters and all the mystery and excitement in their lives.

This captivating series is just so fun to read. I look forward to each book as they come out. I hope they never end.

I have to admit I am a fan of Benni Harper. This cozy isn't to fluffy, has some meat to it, good storyline. I like the way Gabe is developing. If you follow this series, you will enjoy this new installment. If you have never read her books, you might be confused. Start from the beginning so you can become familiar with all the characters that are in the book. There did seem to be a couple of storylines going on in this one, but they were easy to follow. Recommended.

Tumbling Blocks explores the "outsider" art world, the dynamics of family, and features an adorable corgi puppy named Boo. I found myself wanting to look up every artist Earlene referred to, and especially the fictional character of Abe Adam Finch, as the painting the museum receives was mesmerizing in its unique description. I liked the role the museum played in this story, and the 49 Club ladies. I also enjoyed the time spent with Gabe's mother, a character who always seemed a little intimidating to me before. Here I learned another side of her complicated history with Gabe and came to see her in a different light. This book would make a great mother's day present, no matter what age the mother is.

I agree with everyone that this is another great book by Earlene Fowler and the insight into Gabe and his mother was one we have been wanting to see. As always, the relationships always take the main focus of her books so the mystery is background to the growth of the main characters. I did figure out who did it early but I didn't get the full understanding of the motive until the end. So you may think you know the answer but I'm betting you'll be surprised by the real why. I wish she had more time to spend on every one of my favorites in each book because Elvia is pregnant and that was fun and I'd love to have had more time with her but her books would be a thousand pages long if I got all I wanted in every book. Earlene's own dog gets his debut as Boo the puppy and that was so much fun as well. If you love the Benni Harper now Ortiz books, this will be no exception, it will be a warm welcome back to the fold.

I always love Earlene Fowler's book and her newest is not a disappointment. We get to explore Gabe's family and background a little more in this book, which is a nice shift from the usual focus on Benni's. I will admit that the mystery this time was actually pretty obvious. I normally NEVER guess any ending, but I could tell you what the answer was by about page 20. Not saying it wasn't an interesting mystery, just fairly easy to see. Elvia and Emory's baby should also add something fun to this series. I look forward to the next book to see more on this topic. I hope the series will continue to explore Gabe's backstory as well - maybe more on his sisters. I know I fell in love with the character of Becky in Kansas Troubles. This is a great book, especially if you are followers of the Benni Harper series, but even if you aren't this is a fun and enjoyable book. Definitely pick it up next time you are out!