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This Old Souse: A Bed-and-Breakfast Mystery    by Mary Daheim Amazon.com order for
This Old Souse
by Mary Daheim
Order:  USA  Can
William Morrow, 2004 (2004)
Hardcover

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*   Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth

Fans of Judith McGonigle Flynn and her cousin Renie will rejoice. They are back solving yet another mystery. Their involvment begins innocently enough when their interest in an old, rundown house takes on major proportions. After a cursory visit to indulge their fantasies about why such a grand old house would be allowed to turn to wrack and ruin, Judith finds a dead body in the trunk of her car!

The sleuthing cousins pursue clues that lead them into more hot water - with the police. This Old Souse is a fun romp for fans of the cozy. I like the way the two women are allowed to age through the many books Mary Daheim has turned out. The reader can identify with the aches and pains that us older citizens acquire with age. I did think the story line was a stretch. A little too off the wall to pull it all together. A few strings were left hanging which I assume will be picked up in the next episode. The humor in the book is delightful though. I enjoy a quick wit, and Julia and Renie both have that.

The principal characters are endearing. The bit players are a little confusing as many of the first names began with the same letter. I realized that that was supposed to be a part of the plot, but couldn't figure out the reason for it. All in all though, a fun read.

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