Murder Ink

Murder Ink by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson the 6th A Victoria Square Mystery. I had not read the previous books in A Victoria Square Mystery, and I felt I was missing some needed background information. I believe this series is best if read in order. Katie Bonner is strong, female entrepreneur. She has Artisans Alley and now Tealicious plus she is the head of the Victoria Square Merchants Association. I liked seeing Katie make a move for independence in one important aspect of her life (I do not want to spoil it for you). Katie is dating Andy Rust who owns Angelo’s Pizzeria, but there are a few obstacles in the way of their happily ever after. A big one is Andy’s assistant manager, Erikka who wants Andy for herself. Ray is attracted to Katie, but his daughters are openly hostile towards Katie. Then there is the new chef at Tealicious who creates delectable items for the tearoom guests, is very kind, and looks like a movie star. Katie has several romance possibilities if she is open to them. I find the characters developed and realistic. The death of Ken Fenton sends Katie on a merry chase. When Detective Schuler focuses on Ray Davenport as the killer, Katie dons her investigator cap once again so she can find the true culprit. The first order of business is learning more about Ken Fenton and his brother, Paul. Katie is curious as to why Paul picked McKinlay Mill for his tattoo parlor. There are a limited number of suspects in this whodunit. The more Katie learns, the shorter the list becomes. She also finds herself in harm’s way which adds suspense and excitement to the story. I believe that the mystery touches on a subject that is topical and realistic. I would have enjoyed a mystery that was slightly more challenging to solve. But I did find it intriguing and there were interesting elements. If people would only take their intelligence and creativity and use it for good instead of evil the world would be a different place. I liked the authors writing style which made for a pleasing to read cozy mystery. There is a lovely cozy feel to the story as Katie spends time with friends, boyfriend, working, investigating, reading, eating, baking and spending time with her cats. Fans of A Victoria Square Mystery series as well as newcomers will be happy with Murder Ink. Murder Ink is an engaging cozy mystery with a person with a predilection for peppermint, a terrifying tattoo artist, charming cats, a determined detective and romantic rivals.

When a tattoo parlor plans on opening up on Victoria Square, some of the merchants have concerns. Things get a little hot during a merchant meeting between the tattoo parlor’s owner, Paul and the other merchants. Ray volunteers to approach the building's owner to try to purchase the building before Paul can. The meeting comes to blows between Ray and Paul's brother Ken, so Katie decides to take matters into her own hands and maybe convenience Paul to relocate on his own. When she arrives Ken isn't happy he doesn’t appreciate Katie butting into his brother’s business so he turns his saw on to drown out her voice. When Ken turns on the saw everything goes wrong. Ken dies, Katie is hurt, and Ray becomes the prime suspect. Can Katie find the real person behind Ken’s death? This is a wonderful addition to the Victoria Square Series. Katie is spreading herself thin with all her business responsibilities which are affecting her personal relationships. Who hasn’t been there at one time? Katie is a wonderful protagonist she is pragmatic, kind-hearted, and driven by her dreams. Victoria Square feels like a small town all on its own. The merchants feel like old friends even the newly introduced characters. The story is well written and fast pace. This was a quick but enjoyable read. I recommend this book to fans of the series, Lorraine Barlette, and cozy mysteries. I voluntarily agreed to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.