Susan C. Yarina Reviews

Added August 6, 2004

The Slinky Sleuths Book 1: The House that Jack Built

Author: Susan C. Yarina
Publisher: Treble Heart Books
Available At: www.trebleheartbooks.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML
Price: $12.95 paperback, $5.50 ebook
ISBN: 1-931742-51-0
Author Email/Website: susanyarina.com
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Readers who enter The House that Jack Built will find a cozy mystery with a hint of romance, a touch of the paranormal, and some "purr-fectly" wonderful characters!

Annie Hill decided to relocate her fledgling detective agency to the small town of Clarion, Illinois. Although she was surprised at the rental price for the Cedar House, her checking account rejoiced. She soon discovers that while the house is physically sound, there are some cracks into the supernatural world. These ghostly tenants, who can be seen through her living room mirror, are trying to tell her something. Will she be able to solve the mystery so these ghosts can finally rest in peace?

Author Susan C. Yarina has the beginnings of a wonderful series here! Annie Hill is delightfully cute and smart. After breaking up with her overbearing fiancé in the early part of the book, readers will root for her as she starts a new life in a new town. Her very capable and warm-hearted office manager, Keela, is someone that we all would love to have in our lives.

Yet, it's the slinky sleuths that will sneak in and steal readers' hearts. These two felines, named Agatha and Alfred after certain mystery writers, take an active part in helping Annie solve this case. Readers will be treated to their thoughts, and watch as they maneuver the humans and help them to understand the clues. Cat lovers will smile and laugh out loud at some of the cats' "dialogue".

The author has a talent for creating characters that are both memorable as well as necessary for the story. The townspeople of Clarion are superb! A trip to the local library in this town will uncover some unique people, like historian, Quinten Duffy. There is also a blossoming romance between Annie and firefighter, Rick Warrick. Besides adding a touch of love, Rick also knows some of the town's history, which helps Annie solve the mystery.

This reviewer wants to be first in line for the next book in this series, called Not I, Said the Little Red Hen. Yet, the author has graciously provided readers with some "comfort" until the next book is released. At the end of this story are recipes for Annie's Cinnamon Waffles, as well as Grandma's Honey Pumpkin Pie. So, if this reviewer needs to wait for the next cozy mystery, at least I'll have some comfort food!

The House that Jack Built is the perfect foundation for a great new series!

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