I enjoy discovering authors I have not yet read. Each writer has a different style, different tone, different sense of humor. My introduction to Maia Chance was Bad Housekeeping, first in her new series, Agnes and Effie Mysteries. It is an entertaining story of a great-aunt and her niece.

Agnes Blythe was just dumped by her fiance when her great-aunt Effie rolled into town. Out of a job and a place to live, Agnes takes her aunt up on the offer to help renovate an old property, turning it into an inn. But when they find a woman murdered on the back patio, Agnes and Effie become the prime suspects in her death. 

Intent on clearing their names before they get arrested, Agnes investigates the other subjects, the ones the police are not looking into. Effie not only tags along, but encourages Agnes to keep looking, even when they run into trouble. Agnes’ cousin and the handsome guy she’s had a crush on since high school also lend a hand. But in the end, it still might get them arrested or even killed.

Of all the characters, I loved Aunt Effie most. A chain-smoking seventy-something, she filled the page with her good humor and outspoken ideas, especially in regards to Agnes’ relationship troubles and development. I also found it unique that Agnes’ crush was a regular citizen instead of being in law enforcement or a laywer, as seems common in cozies.

So, if you’re looking for a new series, try the Agnes and Effie Mysteries. Bad Housekeeping was a fun introduction to a new cast of characters. If they survive this first book, that is.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I got this book from the library. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”