Kristina A. reviewed on 6/4/2017 + 1528 more book reviews

One Fete in the Grave by Vickie Fee is the third book in A Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series. Liv McKay is enjoying the fireworks on the Fourth of July with her husband, Larry Joe when they hear a scream. Helen Maples (the screamer) is standing in front of a portable bathroom. When Sheriff Davidson and Deputy Horton run over and look inside, they find Councilman Bubba Rowland inside. Councilman Rowland is dead and looks like he perished from a shotgun wound. Liv was responsible for the town's annual Fourth of July day long festival and is first to be questioned. Sheriff Davidson wants to know if Liv witnessed any altercations with the victim (and unsurprisingly there were a couple). On Sunday Liv and Larry Joe are invited to dinner at her mother, Virginia's home. At the end of the meal, Virginia and her boyfriend, Earl announce that they are getting married. But the good wishes are short-lived when it is discovered that Earl's rifle was the murder weapon. Virginia wants Liv to clear Earl's name so they can move forward with their wedding. It turns out that many people wished Bubba harm. He was not a well-liked man and he abused his position on the city council. While narrowing down the suspect list, Liv keeps Virginia busy with wedding plans. Virginia has some over-the-top ideas for her special day (which includes swans and a Viking gondola). Will Liv find the killer or will her mother's wedding venue be the local jail?

One Fete in the Grave is easy to read and can easily be a stand-alone. A Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series is for readers who prefer novels that are humorous and light in content. I was a little bored by this one. The mystery was not complex and is easily solved (the clues are not subtle and killer stands out). Several things are repeated throughout the book. They include the events of the Fourth of July, Emma's dislike of Earl, and the new development (a secondary storyline). Food descriptions seem to dominate the story. I really do not need a description of every meal Liv ingests especially since she eats from Taco Belles frequently (yes, I spelled it correctly). I give One Fete in the Grave 3 out of 5 stars. I prefer novels that have more depth, less repetition of information, and a mystery that is difficult to solve. If you prefer a light hearted, humorous cozy mystery, then pick up a copy of One Fete in the Grave.

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