Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed on 4/2/2017 + 1032 more book reviews

Arsenic with Austen definitely falls into the romantic cozy mystery category. Emily Cavanaugh inherits a fortune from an aunt she hasn't seen in years. The small beach town she remembers fondly for its peace and quiet is still much the same thanks to her aunt, who owned most of the place. There are those who are looking forward to developing, though, and wasn't it odd that Aunt Beatrice died after eating dinner with two of the most zealous promoters? Add in Emily's old flame from her teenage years who is now the sheriff, and a semi-cousin who is also a legatee.
It's a very cozy book and while I tend to want a bit more conflict, I enjoyed it. Emily is a thoroughly nice person who wants only the best for all her new tenants and the town in general. There's no impediment to the reuniting of Emily and her old flame, the villains are mustache-twirling obvious types, and it ends pretty much the way you expect it too. Pretty much, because right at the end there is a sudden burst of Christian piety and forgiveness that really isn't shown before. I did think it odd - forgiveness is blessed I'm sure but offering to pay for a great lawyer for someone who killed two people and tried to kill you...well, that's special. What if they get off?
Anyway. Emily is appealing - the way she deciphers clues and motives based on comparing living people to Jane Austen's characters is cute. There are cats. If you like cozies, worth a look.

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