A young widow residing in the well-off “Old Town” section of Washington, D. C., Augusta Hawke is also the successful author of a long running mystery series. While she isn’t a recluse exactly, Augusta likes to spend most days writing and doesn’t socialize much. She prefers the comforts of her home, where she (is a little embarrassed to admit it) lives vicariously by watching the comings and goings of her busy neighbors. Her prime entertainment comes from Niko and Zora Norman, new parents to an infant who live across the courtyard and don’t draw their blinds. Overall, the Normans are pretty boring usually—until they go missing without a trace, leaving their child alone.
After Augusta is questioned by handsome Detective Steve Narduzzi about what she might have seen, she starts thinking like one of her characters – was the couple kidnapped? are they both dead? Augusta can’t resist an unfinished mystery, and so she gets into disguise and starts asking questions! When her investigations put her own life in danger, will Augusta regret sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong, or has she just found a new favorite hobby?
Augusta Hawke by G. M. Malliet is the witty, compelling and satisfying first entry in a cozy mystery series. Augusta is a fantastic heroine who is funny and likable and self-deprecating, with an interesting backstory that is enticingly revealed in snippets to the reader as Augusta contemplates each crime-solving move.
Book two in the series, Invitation to a Killer, is already out! Talk about instant gratification.
Until next time, keep reading.
-Carol
Read it or Weep 