This story surprised me in how much suspense the author was able to create in a "cozy" mystery. There's a bit of trope–a very organized big-city woman inherits a chicken farm in Hawaii and goes there with the intent to clean up the house and farm, sell it off, and return to the city. Of course, she comes to love the land, the community, the chickens, and there's a love interest to consider. Then the oldest man on the island dies at her farm when she isn't there and she feels responsible. But maybe he was murdered–and she can't rest or leave until she figures out how and why he died.

The chickens! Okay, not really. But the main character names the first hen she meets Tikka (as in Tikka Masala) and the rooster who guards her home she names Curry. When this city woman slows down enough to take in the beauty and intelligence of her chickens, and the beauty and connections between the people in the community, she begins to look at life a little differently.

I also loved the people in the community, the main character's special gift of seeing colors differently from others–which isn't a big deal in the story, but it is a part of who she is and it's a nice touch to make this normal but likeable main-lander just a little bit special.

There are sketches of a chicken or chick on each chapter page-they're beautiful and add to the charm of the book. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good murder mystery in a beautiful setting with some romance and personal growth thrown in for good measure. I loved it.

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Created Jan 20, 2024 at 9:13pm • Submit your own review...