One of the most enjoyable mysteries I’ve read in a while. I wouldn’t exactly call it a ‘cozy’ mystery, but it definitely wasn’t much of a horror mystery either. Truly loved the story of Madeline and her return to Enigma, Georgia.


After pursuing a career in the theatre, Aunt Rose opened a bookstore in Enigma. It’s an old Victorian home where the first floor serves as a store, and the second floor as a home. Rose had a successful run selling books and textbooks for the local college. When she passed, the bookstore went to her niece Madeline.


Madeline returns to Enigma after her own somewhat successful career in the theatre. Kindred spirits were Madeline and her Aunt Rose. Madeline isn’t quite sure what her next act is, so she latches onto the inheritance and heads home. She isn’t in Enigma but minutes, when the gazebo behind the house is in flames. Arson. Then she gets a troubling phone call late at night threatening to burn the rest of the house down.


Not the return she imagined.


With her Aunt Rose’s best friend Philomena and the new Methodist minister Gloria, Madeline is going to tackle figuring out who wants her out of Enigma. Along the way she’ll also have a murder to solve. It does get sticky down in those parts.


Very fun. Very engaging. With so much humor and grace, this story was a pleasure to read. I don’t think I’ve read any P.J. Nelson before, but I can guarantee this won’t be the last.