Ax To Grind is the third installment in the Kenni Lowry mystery series set in Cottonwood, Kemtucky featuring Sheriff Kenni Lowry. Kenni is running for re-election against her former Deputy Lonnie Lemar and much to her chagrin her Mama has taken over the position of campaign manager.
Things have been quiet in Cottonwood lately with no sign of Kenni's Poppa, her ghostly grandfather and the town's former Sheriff. When Poppa suddenly appears in her truck's backseat Kenni has a sinking feeling that another murder is on the horizon. It's only a matter of hours before Kenni is called to the Stone estate, home of the town's reclusive and well known romance author Beryle Stone.
Beryle had recently passed away and her assistant Cecily Hoover is in charge of hosting an auction of the author's worldly possessions drawing many fans to Cottonwood. Rumor has it that Beryle has written a tell-tale manuscript detailing many deep dark secrets the townsfolk have worked hard to keep under wraps. The manuscript is missing, Cecily is found dead bludgeoned by an ax and Lonnie's wife Paige is unconscious having also been brutally attacked.
Lonnie vows to solve the murder before Kenni thus capturing the election, but Kenni and her clan is having none of it. With the aid of Poppa, current Deputy Finn Vincent and her trusty sidekick and darling bloodhound Duke, Kenni begins her investigation aided in part by an offhand comment made by Kiwi the green macaw owned by Innkeeper Darby Gray.
A fast paced storyline filled with laugh out loud moments and a delightful cast of characters. Just the right touch of romance, furry and feathered friends, and a feel good look into small town living. A good stand alone mystery but don't miss the chance to catch up on the other two books in the series.
Things have been quiet in Cottonwood lately with no sign of Kenni's Poppa, her ghostly grandfather and the town's former Sheriff. When Poppa suddenly appears in her truck's backseat Kenni has a sinking feeling that another murder is on the horizon. It's only a matter of hours before Kenni is called to the Stone estate, home of the town's reclusive and well known romance author Beryle Stone.
Beryle had recently passed away and her assistant Cecily Hoover is in charge of hosting an auction of the author's worldly possessions drawing many fans to Cottonwood. Rumor has it that Beryle has written a tell-tale manuscript detailing many deep dark secrets the townsfolk have worked hard to keep under wraps. The manuscript is missing, Cecily is found dead bludgeoned by an ax and Lonnie's wife Paige is unconscious having also been brutally attacked.
Lonnie vows to solve the murder before Kenni thus capturing the election, but Kenni and her clan is having none of it. With the aid of Poppa, current Deputy Finn Vincent and her trusty sidekick and darling bloodhound Duke, Kenni begins her investigation aided in part by an offhand comment made by Kiwi the green macaw owned by Innkeeper Darby Gray.
A fast paced storyline filled with laugh out loud moments and a delightful cast of characters. Just the right touch of romance, furry and feathered friends, and a feel good look into small town living. A good stand alone mystery but don't miss the chance to catch up on the other two books in the series.
Ax to Grind by Tonya Kappes is the third story in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kenni Lowry is the sheriff in Cottonwood, Kentucky. It is time to start her re-election campaign and her mother is pulling out all the stops (imagine giant sign and a bull hornâjust for starters) since Kenni's former deputy, Lonnie Lemar is running against her. Kenni is at an award ceremony honoring her dog, Duke when she is approached by Cecily Hoover, Beryle Stone's assistant. Beryle, a famous author, passed away a week ago and her estate is to be auctioned off. Beryle had finished a tell-all book that will expose secrets and Cecily is afraid someone will try to steal it. The one problem is Beryle hid the manuscript and Cecily has been unable to locate it. Before the book can be found, Cecily turns up dead in the alley behind Ruby's Antiques and Paige Lemar is unconscious inside. Poppa, Kenni's grandfather, returns to help her with the case. The killer obviously does not wish the manuscript to see the light of day (much less be published). Kenni along with Deputy Finn Vincent (and let's not forget Poppa) dig into Beryle's past to find Cecily's killer.
Ax to Grind may be the third installment in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the necessary background on Kenni as well as summaries of what occurred in the first two books in the series. I found the book to be a slow starter, but the pace picked up the further I got into the story. The zaniness factor was ramped up in Ax to Grind (much to my disappointment). Kenni's mother needs to be reined in (my mother thought her antics were hysterical, and she told me I lack a sense of humor). If I was Kenni, I would change my house locks (using an out-of-town locksmith) and get an untraceable phone number (to thwart her mother). The mystery was cleverly set up, but I wish there had been a good twist to surprise me. I identified the killer before the third chapter in the book. There are a limited number of suspects and there are big clues that point to the killer. Most readers will be able to solve the crime before the reveal. I love the paranormal element (Poppa) and wish there was more of it in the story. I feel that Poppa would be a great resource to Kenni if used properly. A Kenni Lowry Mystery series portrays what life is like in small Southern towns. For those readers who enjoy light, comical cozy mysteries, pick up a copy of Ax to Grind.
Ax to Grind may be the third installment in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the necessary background on Kenni as well as summaries of what occurred in the first two books in the series. I found the book to be a slow starter, but the pace picked up the further I got into the story. The zaniness factor was ramped up in Ax to Grind (much to my disappointment). Kenni's mother needs to be reined in (my mother thought her antics were hysterical, and she told me I lack a sense of humor). If I was Kenni, I would change my house locks (using an out-of-town locksmith) and get an untraceable phone number (to thwart her mother). The mystery was cleverly set up, but I wish there had been a good twist to surprise me. I identified the killer before the third chapter in the book. There are a limited number of suspects and there are big clues that point to the killer. Most readers will be able to solve the crime before the reveal. I love the paranormal element (Poppa) and wish there was more of it in the story. I feel that Poppa would be a great resource to Kenni if used properly. A Kenni Lowry Mystery series portrays what life is like in small Southern towns. For those readers who enjoy light, comical cozy mysteries, pick up a copy of Ax to Grind.
