by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of Cast Iron Alibi, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Reunions, Renovations, and Romeos!
Jaymie (Leighton) Müller and her CFFs (College Friends Forever) had enjoyed gathering for an annual late summer camping trip ever since their days at the university, but for the past three years adult responsibilities had taken precedent. This year, however, seemed a perfect opportunity to bring back their annual girls-only tradition. Jayme’s husband and step-daughter would be out of the country, so it would be a great distraction. But…is it prophetic that the campground had to cancel their reservation and all other camping options were full? Instead, Rose Tree Cottage, the family’s vacation rental, was available, so dilemma solved! If Jaymie had any inkling about the uninvited guests, old annoyances, surprise exes, and more anguish than joy, she might have suggested a postponement. Jaymie is excited to see her old friends again, all well established in careers or family life, and with everyone gathering on her turf, she has lots of fun activities planned. “…it seems so long ago now. I hope we all get along.”

Valetta “Val” Nibley, Jaymie’s long-time friend, shares her passion for “thrift stores and vintage tchotchkes.” She is also passionate about cats, and has designed a “catio” addition just for her cats. Her brother Brock brought in two local contractors to review the details and provide an estimate for the project. But, the two men got off to a rocky start criticizing Val’s plans; even her own brother didn’t hire the two for renovations he was planning. The worst was Val and Jaymie overhearing the misogynistic “locker room” talk from the “Neanderthal twins,” Mario and Kory, with boasts of cheating and online secrets, and questioning a girlfriend’s claim of paternity. So, it’s not entirely a shock to discover the body in a house fire…one of the “Neanderthal twins” is dead! Worse yet…one of Jaymie’s girlfriends may have known the victim…intimately. Motive?

Cast Iron Alibi earns 5/5 Vintage Turquoise Shasta Trailers…Entertaining Fun!
I am a fan of Victoria Hamilton and her Vintage Kitchen Mystery series captivated by the drama exploding on various fronts, diverse group of “good, bad, and ugly” characters, and contemporary issues of this ninth book. The murder was well plotted with several suspects with legitimate motives to sift through, descriptive style and dialogue that illustrates well the tone and personalities. Although not my favorite narrative, the third-person perspective was a surprising delight and suit the fact that there were so many characters woven into the mystery. It is easy to keep track of everyone using the Cast of Characters list included at the front of the book. And the ending…I didn’t see that coming!

BONUS! Ending with a wonderful treat from Jaymie’s Vintage Eats column: Hobo Packets: Kid-Friendly [Adults, too] Camp Meal. She describes her fondest memories of the Hobo Packets along with the importance for starting a good fire, suggestions for customizing the packets for everyone’s tastes, and directions for assembling the meal with protein, vegetables, and seasonings. I highly recommend this book!

Be a Big Victoria Hamilton Fan!
“Cozy Up to a good mystery,” Victoria says. “There was never a time when I didn’t want to be a writer, and it was how I always defined myself.” Victoria Hamilton pens four delightful, engaging series that I am a real fan. This nine-book Vintage Kitchen Mystery and six-book Merry Muffin Mysteries are also produced as audiobooks. She also has the three-book Teapot Collector Mystery, and a new favorite the three-book Lady Anne Mystery about a feisty Georgian-era spinster who “travels England hunting werewolves, ghostbusting and exposing gypsy curses.” Something for every cozy taste and beyond!

Facebook—Author Victoria Hamilton
Website—Victoria Hamilton Mysteries
Blog—Victoria Hamilton Mysteries

To enter to win an ebook copy of Cast Iron Alibi, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “cast iron,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 11, 2020. Only US entries and you must be at least 18 to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. 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.