Helen Drake's Reviews > April Fool's Alibi

This latest in the Holiday Mystery Cozy series is darker than earlier installments even though it revolves around April Fools. It’s a complex mystery that is well written but doesn’t have the same charm as most of its predecessors. There are fewer lighter moments with the exception of Dave the Rooster and his antics. Violet’s mother who usually adds a bit of levity had a minor role in this story.

I missed the storyline around the Merry Maker. This character only shows up in the final summation chapter. It was an excellent summation as usual, but I enjoy the antics involved in choosing where the Merry Maker sign will be placed and how Violet and Darren manage to get the sign in place.

The characters are interesting but there is more emphasis on new characters except for Violet, Darren, Radley, the newer Junction Journal Reporter and Goldie, the trolley operator.

I do enjoy this series and look forward to the next installment. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy.