Running on Empty (Main Street Mysteries)
When her mother begins losing her memory, AnnaLise Griggs returns to her North Carolina hometown of Sutterton, which is plagued by a series of killings. The first to die is a town ne'er-do-well, and the second a Japanese man who was set to open a sushi bar. As the attacks increase, AnnaLise is drawn into the community and realizes she must deal with her mother's worsening infirmity as well as find out who is behind these murders.VERDICT The author of the Maggie Thorsen mysteries (From the Grounds Up) introduces an appealing new amateur sleuth who is calm, good-natured, and nosey for someone else's own good. For readers of G.A. McKevett and Joan Hess. --Library Journal, March 4, 2011Balzo, author of the Maggy Thorsen novels, introduces a new series featuring reporter AnneLise Griggs. After receiving a call from her mother's oldest friend, whom she calls Mama, about her mother's latest mishap, AnneLise returns to her home town, Sutherton, North Carolina. This resort is the site of many accidents involving skiers, fishermen, and other unfortunate tourists. This time AnneLise's   mother, Daisy, has managed to drain almost three pints of blood from Mrs. Bradenham, the town glamour girl, during the local blood drive. It is Labor Day weekend and the traditional picnic is in full swing, but people are dying in uncommon historical numbers. AnneLise must figure out why before her mother becomes the next victim. Balzo has created a lively southern town full of quirky characters and matched them with a lively plot. Readers who enjoy Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott mysteries will have fun with this one. --Booklist, March 3, 2011