by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook boxed set of copies of the first 3 books in this series, and a link to purchase Pampered to Death from Amazon.

Having just had a baby five months ago, San Francisco’s premier post-partum detective associates being “pampered” more with diaper changing than with luxurious indulgence. Only her best friend Paula could have convinced Kate Connolly to take a far too advanced yoga class, lured by the promise of a relaxing sauna session to follow. It’s in Pampered to Death’s sauna room that they meet a raucous bridal party, as well as the spa’s owner Jane North. The timing is uncanny, as when screams erupt at the discovery of the bride unconscious in the facial room, Jane immediately hires Kate to investigate and save the spa’s reputation.

Kate may still only be an investigator-in-training earning hours towards her license, but she has had considerable experience with murder. What she immediately discovers is that the late bride seemed to be without enemies; Kelly volunteered for hurricane aftermaths, went on missions to Africa, and organized food drives for the homeless. Kelly even made her groom’s ex-girlfriend a bridesmaid, leading Kate to wonder if the victim was a saint or perhaps overly optimistic towards the good nature of humanity.

As Kate breast-feeds before a funeral and totes along an infant while questioning suspects, she creates an ever-growing to-do list that includes researching County Records along with contacting her babysitter. It’s not surprising that Kate does miss one glaring clue that should be obvious to readers, but caring for a baby while solving a murder would challenge anyone. Kate is fortunate to have such a positive support system close by, as her husband Jim encourages his wife’s unusual stay-at-home occupation, while her mother enthusiastically dates Kate’s boss, former San Francisco Police Officer Albert Galligani.

Readers looking for a unique and yet still believable mystery need to look no further than this reliably strong series. From her first introduction as a very pregnant amateur detective to the almost-professional new mom, Kate has proven to be a source of quick wit, laughter, and intelligent investigations. Like most mothers, she must balance her personal goals with the needs of her child, and Kate is discovering that her love and fear for baby Laurie is infinite. As Kate sees with her own mother, that protective maternal instinct and worry never ends. This is a quick and fun read, with characters who become more enjoyable the more they appear on the page. Prolific author Diana Orgain delivers an entertaining mystery where the spa proves deadly, motherhood is enviable, and the future looks so promising.

To enter to win an ebook boxed set of copies of the first 3 books in this series, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “pampered,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 18, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases using those links. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.