Full disclosure, I was provided a copy of this book by the author or their representative, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
An Estate Sale find dredges up the past
When a trip to an estate sale nets a particularly interesting ginger jar, Maggie Chessman and her bestie Jane are off to a local antique store to have it appraised. When they arrive, they find the store silent and locked but the pair are not to be deterred and enter through a back door to try to find the owner. What they find is a dead body, and if that wasn’t shocking enough, Maggie recognizes the deceased as her childhood abuser. Without trying to become suspect number one, Maggie and Jane with the help of Maggie’s therapist attempt to unravel the mystery and pinpoint the true killer. But it will not be easy, especially with Maggie’s cop boyfriend ever suspicious as to why his girlfriend seems to attract dead bodies.
In Mint Condition is the third in a series of novellas by author M.L. Ortega and is a quick, entertaining read. When I began reading the story, I was unaware that this was part of a larger series and would have been quite interested in reading the previous stories before delving into this one. Even coming in “mid-stream” the story was easy to follow, and I didn’t feel too disconnected with the action when the previous events were mentioned. The main characters were likeable, especially Maggie. Her tenacity both in the estate sales and in her amateur sleuthing was charming and made her someone that I could empathize with and root for. The additional element of the deceased being linked with Maggie’s past also added a twist that I am not sure I have seen in a story of this type before. Ortega’s addition of this point really drives home a serious topic that is more widespread and prevalent than most people realize. Overall, I liked the story and would be interested in reading more with this cast of characters.
If you like your Cozies light, with a bit of intrigue but also unafraid to tackle a current hot button topic, In Mint Condition is a good choice.
Jennly Reads 