Publication Date: February 18, 2025
When Bay Browning helps direct the Flourish College summer theater production, “Shakespeare’s Couch,” she doesn’t plan for murder at the first practice.
Someone wants revenge against the elite cast members, as more terror unfolds on stage and backstage with each rehearsal. What should be a lighthearted parody on The Bard and his characters is cursed from the start, even without someone shouting “Macbeth” in the theater. Detective Downing takes charge of the crime, but Bay and her puzzle-solving cohort, Jen Yoo, follow their own script behind the scenes. Cassandra, Bay’s extraordinary sister, makes her own dramatic entrance on the case. After all, Cass is now the personal assistant to one of the elites living the high life on the bluff above Prairie Ridge. How many tragic scenes will be scripted before the villain faces the final curtain?
Cozy mysteries are my wheelhouse, and I especially enjoyed Shake-speared In the Park, the second book in the Bay Browning Mystery series by author Joy Ann Ribar.
I liked the story arc—good versus evil, the haves versus the have-nots, and power plays between the wealthy and privileged against the Average Joe. The story moved quickly, had a good flow, and was well-written.
Bay and Detective Downing are obviously attracted to each other, and I enjoyed their flirty exchanges. I love a little romance mixed into the mystery.
Bay’s sister, Cassandra, is also a fantastic character. She is fleshed out and realistic. She turned her life around, owned up to her mistakes, and was willing to work hard. I also like that she can “feel” the energy in the room. Is she an empath? Is she magical? Anything is possible.
Each new chapter begins with a Shakespeare quote, foreshadowing what may be in store for the reader.
Shake-speared In the Park is a quirky and delightful read. It will appeal to cozy mystery readers and possibly Shakespeare lovers, too.
Joy Ann Ribar is an RV author, writing on the road wherever her husband and their Winnebago View wanders. Joy’s cocktail of careers includes news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and aquaponics greenhouse technician, all of which prove useful in penning mysteries. Her cozy Deep Lakes Mysteries, feature baker/vintner Frankie Champagne, who moonlights as an investigative reporter. Joy’s Bay Browning Mysteries blend edgy, traditional, and paranormal elements twisted around classical literary themes. Joy loves to bake, read, research wines, and explore nature. Her writing has received awards and recognition from WWA, PenCraft Book Awards, Book Fest, Reader’s Favorite, and Chanticleer Cozy and Not-So-Cozy awards.
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