Too preachy, too political, too slow. ( )

Back on track. Much better than the last two, but still room to improve. ( )

People are moving into Crozet with lots of money to burn. They are building huge homes with no regard to the lifestyle or history of the area. Also no manners.

Carla Paulson is one of these newcomers. She has hired local architect, Tazio Chappars, to design and build her new estate. A good gig, except for the fact that Tazio is dealing with an over demanding client and the most difficult building inspector in Abermarle County.

Things really get topsy-turvy for Tazio when her client is found stabbed to death at a gala charity event and Tazio is standing over her holding the knife.

Anyone who knows Tazio doesn't believe she did it, but the circumstances of the scene of the crime, and that many knew Tazio was having a difficult time with her client say otherwise.

Harry is determined to find out who the killer is. Fair, Harry's husband, is determined to keep Harry safe. Meanwhile the furry sleuths, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tee Tucker perform their own investigation and also try to keep Harry out of trouble.

There are some interesting secrets that are discovered, during the investigation. Secrets common to a number of Crozet citizens, that the owner don't want revealed.

This is a series I've enjoyed over the years. An entertaining cozy with some good twists and turns. ( )

This is my umpteenth Mrs. Murphy Mystery. I kind of don't know why I keep reading them, because they always frustrate me - her political "this-is-the-way-the-world-works" expositions are beyond heavy-handed and boring as fuck. I guess the appeal is that it's easy to drop into - I know all the characters so all I have to do is learn a few new ones (who are always killed or end up being the killers) and then try to figure out how Harry will almost be killed trying to solve the mystery and how her pets will save her butt. A mediocre summer read. ;) ( )

I enjoyed this book and didn't mind the storyline about the OB/GYN. I do think there are a lot of corrupt local officials in Crozet. The one thing that bothered me was the ending seemed rushed and you never really find out what happened to Taszio. I assume the charges were dropped but it wasn't clear in the book. ( )