Review: A must read for cozy aficionados!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 4, 2012
Jenna Bennett's A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS is one of the best cozy mysteries I have read this year. The only thing it's lacking is a cat, a dog, or even a ferret!Savannah Martin, divorced Southern Belle, is trying to make her way in the world by selling real estate. The business is hard to break into and she is doing phone duty at the office when a call comes in from a man waiting for a realtor that didn't show up for their appointment. Savannah jumps at the chance for a possible client and hurries over to the listing to find former classmate (and hunk) Rafe Collier waiting for her. Once in the house, it becomes clear why the realtor was a no-show, she's found dead inside, her throat cut. Because the deceased was a nasty person with dubious business practices, the list of suspects grows.This is a well plotted, fast paced read, with twists and turns that keep you on your toes. The characterization was great, these are recognizable people that you could run into anywhere. The look into the world of real estate from the other side is spot on, writing what you know is smart! The romantic (and sexual) tension between Savannah and Rafe is so tantalizing. I will be continuing with this series because I want to be there when they finally realize this was meant to be, despite the fact that racially mixed couples have a very hard time finding acceptance, especially from traditionally raised families.Well done!