Book 114, 2023
Autumn Alibi by Jennifer David Hesse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stayed up late last night to finish reading Autumn Alibi by Jennifer David Hesse. It's the 6th installment in her "Wiccan Wheel" series of cozy paranormal mysteries. The main character is solitary witch Keli Milanni.
Keli has plenty to be grateful for, as her fledgling law practice is taking off. When a former co-worker asks her to assist on an estate case, Keli agrees. Recently deceased Elaine Turnbull has left her considerable assets to her granddaughter, Lana, but Lana ran away at the age of 17 and hasn't had contact with the family for years. Keli's boyfriend, Wes, knew Lana in school, and he agrees to work that angle while Keli and Crenshaw begin cataloging the estate's assets. When a member of the household insists that Elaine had drawn up a new will, a new wrinkle is added to the case. Soon Keli is poring over Elaine's journals, observing the odd dynamics of the household, and wondering if Elaine's death may have been murder. As if that wasn't enough, her stalker seems to have returned, vandalizing the cars of Keli's friends and acquaintances. With help from others in the Wiccan community, Keli sets out to solve the case.
Very interesting story. There were two distinct storylines, but they melded together nicely. Characters were three-dimensional, from familiar characters to newly introduced ones. The plot was engrossing and kept my attention.
Favorite line: I'd been surprised so many times in the past few days, it was becoming my new normal.
Excellent book, five stars.