4-STAR REVIEW: SPIKED PUNCH by Lesley A. Diehl

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The Description

Maddie Sparks Mystery Series: Book 1
Publication Date: November 14, 2023

On the other side of seventy, Maddie Sparks decides to spice up her life by changing her writing interests from cozy mysteries to romance. She also determines her appearance should reflect this transformation in her writing career. A sassy new haircut and more fashionable clothes complete the newer Maddie Sparks. Before she can begin this new chapter in her life, a stabbing death in the quiet country village she has made her home shocks the town’s residents.

When her son is accused of the murder, Maddie and the acting county sheriff come together to find the real killer. Their relationship soon blooms into more than one of shared determination to solve the murder. As they enjoy a hike in a nearby park, someone shoots the sheriff, barely missing Maddie. Another killer could be loose in the area, and the person may be closer to Maddie than she realizes. Maddie discovers parts of herself she didn’t know existed: real life romance with the sheriff, a talent for sleuthing and room in her life for a fuzzy, orange cat named “Spike.” This recent lease on life may be more exciting and more dangerous than Maddie expects.

The Review

Spiked Punch is the first book in the Maddie Sparks Mystery series by author Lesley A. Diehl. Maddie is a retired librarian who writes cozy mysteries but is getting bored, so she is determined to write a romance novel—spicy scenes and all. The attraction between her and the acting sheriff of her small town, Zack, gives her some fodder for her book.

Maddie’s ex-husband shows up unexpectedly and isn’t at all truthful about why he’s there. She has two grown sons and a granddaughter, who are more mature and nurturing than her parents. As with all mysteries, there are several lines and suspects to follow, and every detail is essential.

Maddie plays at being an amateur sleuth since she writes cozy mysteries but finds that how she solves the crimes in her books doesn’t at all reflect how police pursue their culprits in real life. There were definitely laugh-out-loud moments courtesy of Maddie’s actions and the geriatric sidekick she recruits.

Zack seems to have his hands full whenever Maddie is around. Spike, the cat she finds at the murder victim’s house, has adopted her as his person and seems to understand everything happening around him and what’s being said. He also seems to know who the bad guys are without anything being said!

The story has a good flow, but even with all the details, it seemed a little light on depth. There is closure with the criminals finally being arrested and solving the whodunit along with the motives behind them. Those who are innocent can finally get on with their lives.

With laugh-out-loud moments and a genius cat, Spiked Punch is the perfect cozy mystery read for a cold winter night. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it’s released to see what Maddie’s up to next.

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About The Author Cows, Lesley learned growing up on a farm, have a twisted sense of humor. They chased her when she went to the field to herd them in for milking, and one ate the lovely red mitten her grandmother knitted for her. Determining that agriculture wasn’t a good career choice, instead she uses her country roots and her training as a psychologist to concoct stories designed to make people laugh in the face of murder. “A good chuckle,” says Lesley,” keeps us emotionally well-oiled long into our old age.” She is the author of the Eve Appel mysteries from Camel Press as well as several cozy mystery series and numerous short stories. Go to her webpage to find out more: www.lesleyadiehl.com.