I think the cookies might have been spiked with truth serum.

Jill and our other friends from South Cove have come a long way from A Guide Book For Murder and this throwback novella takes us back to where it all started: Jill’s fateful first visit to the town, her first brush with murder and a certain handsome detective and the amazing Miss Emily. So much fun! ( )

This was a delightful prequel to the much-loved Tourist Town mystery series by gifted and talented writer, Lynn Cahoon. Due out in April, 2024, the book sets the stage beautifully for this seasoned series such that I am now eager to continue on with the other books within it.

In this introductory novella, the reader is introduced to Jill Gardner, a young, hard-working family law attorney, who is again overlooked during the most recent partner selection. It didn't appear that she would be making partner anytime soon. Her mentor encourages her to take a much overdo vacation and off she goes to the California seaside where she settles into the South Bay Cove B&B for two-weeks of much needed R&R. While out for a stroll in South Bay Cove, she observes a heated argument between the local bookstore owner and his landlord. She is soon introduced to the dishy detective, Greg King, as he observed the same unfortunate disturbance. It isn't long before there's a murder in town, which just happens to be a former client of Jill's. Of course, Jill cannot help herself and gets involved with helping to solve the case - anything to interact with the dishy detective.

Perhaps the most delightful aspect of this story is the introduction to all the wonderful and sometimes quirky characters who are sure to play parts in the other books in series. The local characters, for the most part, are charming, caring and considerate, thus making South Bay Cove a great place to settle into, perhaps for the long haul. The writing is solid and engaging. The mise en scène beautifully set, described and enticing. All in all, this book is a great start to a fun mystery series. ( )