DAIRY, DAIRY, QUITE CONTRARY BY AMY LILLARD
Looking for a fresh start, advice columnist Sissy Yoder heads to small-town Yoder, Kansas, to help in her aunt’s café. But when a milkman is murdered, the newcomer becomes the prime suspect . . .
After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed .
MY REVIEW
Cozy mysteries are fun to read because the characters are sometimes quirky, usually in a small town setting and of course there is a mystery to solve. The author captures my attention with the details of the town and our star character known as Sissy. I loved Sissy’s attitude and adored her little side kick named Duke. Together they start over in this small town hoping for a new beginning. I wasn’t sure that her aunt was thrilled to have her stay with her but maybe Sissy and her dog will grow on her. Even though Bethel is a bit grumpy she didn’t fool me. She loved having Sissy there so she wouldn’t be so lonely.
Working at the Sunflower Cafe will help Sissy get to know people. I have to stop and insert something. I absolutely adore the name of the cafe. Doesn’t it just scream welcome? The story gives us a glimpse of small town life with a laid back atmosphere. That all changes when a body is discovered. Of course Sissy is the first suspect since she found the body but others start popping up as the death of the milkman shocks the town. It is time for Sissy to get to work to solve this mystery. I liked how the author leads us on a trail of secrets, accusations and a list of suspicious characters in this first book of the series.
I will say that the author has a hit on her hands as this series starts off with Sissy and Duke being introduced to small town living complete with an unfortunate death. I wish i could say I knew who the guilty person was, but the author outsmarted me. I was shocked at who did it and how sad it made me feel when the reason was revealed. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^
When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.
An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.
