MARRIAGE, MONSTERS-IN-LAW, AND MURDER

Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder by Sara Rosett is the ninth book in An Ellie Avery Mystery series. Ellie's sister-in-law, Summer is getting married to Brian Abernathy. Their wedding will be a four day (wow) event on Camden Island (a barrier island off Georgia) at the Camden Island Resort. Everything is set up, but Summer could assistance with the last minute details and the handling of things on the island (and keeping Brian's mother, Yvonne and his stepmother, Patricia apart). Ellie, an organizer by profession, has agreed to help her (could be a new venture for her business). It looks like it will be a beautiful weekend and then Graham Murphy, the groom's cousin arrives with Julia Banning. Julia and Brian (the groom) dated for a time. Julia then became obsessed with Brian (very stalkerish). Shortly after arriving on the island, incidents begin happening to Summer. First she is attacked with a paintball gun (very painful) and then her "Bride" shirt is discovered to have been laced with ivy resulting in a terrible rash (which goes great with the bruises from the paintball gun pellets). They suspect Julia, but no one has caught her in the act. Then there is an incident with the golf cart. The photographer, Ned Blackson needed to return to the resort and borrowed the bride and groom's golf cart (it was decorated just for them). On the way to the resort it flips over and Ned dies instantly. What if Summer and Brian had been in the golf cart? Detective Redding is assigned the case and he needs to work quickly. After four days all the suspects will disappear. Things are pointing to Julia until she is injured and in a coma. Who is behind these attacks? Ellie is determined to find the culprit so Summer can have her wedding. Will she succeed before the killer strikes again?

Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder was a good cozy mystery. I liked the characters, the pace, and the mystery as well as the lovely setting. It had humor but it was not over-the-top (it was just right). The author provided good clues for the reader to follow. The mystery will really have you thinking and analyzing the clues to find the killer. My favorite character was Ellie's daughter, Livvy. She reminded me of myself at that age (she takes a book or two with her wherever she goes). I give Marriage, Monsters-in-Law and Murder 4.5 out of 5 stars (I more than liked it). I downgraded a little because I was able to solve the mystery early in the book. You can read this book without having enjoyed the previous novels in the series (like me). I had only read the first couple of books in this series. It does not hinder your enjoyment of the novel in any way. I will definitely be reading more books in An Ellie Avery Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.