When Judith McMonigle Flynn agreed to go with her sister on the maiden run of the Toujours La Tour guided tour of her hometown, she didn't expect her B&B to be the first stop. After listening to the guide go on about murder and mayhem having occured there, discovering the corpse of an exorcist at the second stop really got things off to a roar.

A dead exorcist, a found treasure and another dead body found in the walls of the 100 year old Alhambra Arms, which is currently under renovation, looks to be three separate mysteries...or are they all related? Judith is out to solve them with the help of her cousin Renie. Well, she is trying to solve the body in the wall mystery while her husband works on solving the exocist's murder. Meanwhile Judith can't help but feel that there is more than meets the eye and all things are related.

A fun read from the cozy genre, there are twists, turns and red herrings that can keep you guessing, and laughing as you enjoy your read. ( )

A Streetcar named Expire by Mary Daheim ( Bed and Breakfast 16) is a 2001 Avon Publication.

I am far more familiar with Mary Daheim's Emma Lord series, but I have checked in with the Judith Flynn from time to time.

I came across this one while browsing through my Overdrive account and was reminded of how long it had been since I had read anything from this series and how very far behind in it I am. This one was published way back in 2001 if that tells you anything.

Judith and her cousin Renie are once more putting their heads together to solve a murder. This time there is a current case and a cold case to work and while they don't seem related at all, Judith is convinced the two cases are connected.

I am going to do whatever I can to catch up with this series. Judith and Renie have such outstanding dialogue and the mysteries are definitely a cut above. Judith's relationship with her mother is both sad and humorous, which reminds me... there is an ostrich in this story! Yes, you read that right. So now, if you have not read this book, you will have to find a copy to find out how that plays into the story.

I loved the odd duck characters in this one and the way the author weaves the past in with the present exposing dark secrets and old crimes.

These are stories are so much fun to read, very light, laced with unique humor, and a puzzling mystery. Mary Daheim really has the cozy mystery genre down to a science. I'm so happy I chances across this one and got reacquainted this series. 4 stars ( )

This is a fun little cozy with likeable protagonist, good pacing, and just enough mystery to keep the reader interested and guessing. It's light-hearted humor may not make you laugh out-loud, but it will make you smile.
If you like cozy mysteries, this one is worth the read. ( )