A Trip with Trouble is the second book in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge Mystery series. And I loved it!
It's Fall in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountain town of Beach Mountain. Misty Murphy, 50, has started a new life for herself after her divorce and her sons going off to college, and now runs a mountain retreat lodge. She is hosting a women's motorcycle club, and almost immediately after the club's arrival, strange things happen, like odd phone calls, a strange van driving by, etc. When a terrible accident occurs, Misty helps law enforcement determine whether it was truly an accident or murder.
I like Diane Kelly's books, but I especially enjoyed this one! Descriptive and well-written, this had all the cozy seasonal Fall vibes, from the steaming cider to the falling leaves. The intriguing plot and mild suspense kept me hooked. I found the unusual murder interesting, and I liked Misty. She's relatable and grounded, and I enjoyed connecting with this warm, intelligent, mature sleuth. The secondary characters were all vividly written, and I loved reading about the all-female biker club! A solid whodunnit with a large pool of suspects, some red herrings, and a few twists, this is an excellent addition to what's become a favorite new series, though it's easily read as a stand-alone. Pick this one up for the perfect Fall cozy mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this ARC.
My steep came from a tea company I found on Instagram, The NecessiTeas --Coco Lavender Leche is a delicious black tea blend with caramel, coconut, and lavender. It tastes like an elevated dessert or gourmet candy!
This and other delicious teas are available at www.thenecessiteas.com
Publication Date is October 25, 2022
SYNOPSIS:
The second in a charming and engrossing cozy series from Diane Kelly, A Trip with Trouble proves that in the Blue Ridge Mountains, life in the fast lane could end in a crash.
When the ladies of the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club take over the Mountaintop Lodge for their annual autumn ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Misty Murphy couldn’t be more thrilled. Every room is full and the adventurous women even invite Misty and her assistant Brynn to join them on a ride to admire the colorful fall foliage. Hotel handyman Rocky Crowder is happy to keep an eye on the lodge for the day, and the ladies set out for a fun ride on the scenic road.
The skies are clear, the air is crisp, and the leaves are gorgeous. But what starts as a perfect ride turns worrisome when the tail gunner – the last rider in their group – fails to show up at the Craggy Gardens overlook. Cell phone service is spotty in the remote, mountainous area, and the group is unable to connect with their friend. Might the missing woman have simply run out of gas? Or is something far more sinister afoot?
The ladies are determined to locate their ride or die, and Misty is equally determined to help them. But will they be able to solve the mystery when the scenic route seems intent on hiding its secrets?
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