Lila Dare

2.5**

High school senior Rachel Whitley enlists Grace Terhune, a stylist in the beauty shop where Rachel is the shampoo girl, as a chaperone for a class field trip. The students are going to investigate purported paranormal activity at a local antebellum mansion. It’s said that the spirit of Cyril Rothmere haunts the staircase where he fell (or was pushed) to his death. But instead of a ghost, Rachel finds fellow student Braden McCullers at the base of the same stairs. As he clings to life in the hospital intensive care unit, Rachel asks the ladies at Violetta’s salon to help her investigate what really happened.

I read cozies for the atmosphere – especially when they are set in a small Southern town – and for the quirky cast of characters. BUT, I do expect a reasonable murder mystery, and that where this particular book fell short. I liked the relationships between Grace, her mother ViIoletta (owner of the salon), Althea Jenkins (part-time aesthetician) and Stella Michaelson (manicurist); these are some strong ladies, physically, mentally and emotionally. I also thought the supporting cast of characters – students, school staff, police, etc – were suitably colorful.

But the plot? Well, there really isn’t much of one. The hurricane bearing down on the community was more in evidence that the mystery investigation.

This is book three in the series, though it’s the first one I’ve read, and perhaps the author is running out of ideas. Still, it’s a fast read and I might pick up another if it’s fulfills several challenges (as this one did).… (mer)