Playing Possum
by Lois Schmitt
February 1-28, 2022 Virtual Book Tour
Murder, Mayhem, and Missing Animals.
When animals mysteriously disappear from the Pendwell Wildlife Refuge, former English teacher turned magazine reporter Kristy Farrell is on the case. Days later, the body of the refuge’s director is found in a grassy clearing.
Kristy, assisted by her veterinarian daughter, investigates and discovers strong motives among the suspects, including greed, infidelity, betrayal, and blackmail.
As Kristy delves further, she finds herself up against the powerful Pendwell family, especially matriarch Victoria Buckley Pendwell, chair of the refuge board of trustees, and Victoria’s son, Austin Pendwell, who is slated to run for the state senate.
But ferreting out the murderer and finding the missing animals aren’t Kristy only challenges. While researching a story on puppy mills, she uncovers criminal activity that reaches far beyond the neighborhood pet store.
Meanwhile, strange things are happening back at the refuge, and soon a second murder occurs. Kristy is thwarted in her attempts to discover the murderer by her old nemesis, the blustery Detective Wolfe.
Kristy perseveres and as she unearths shady deals and dark secrets, Kristy slowly draws the killer out of the shadows.
Praise for Playing Possum:
"Lois Schmitt's Playing Possum does cozies proud. Fresh and traditional all at once."
-Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of Sleepless City
"In her third book of the series, writer Lois Schmitt has crafted an intricately-plotted mystery full of twists and humor, with a cast of colorful characters, set in a wildlife refuge rehab center. Cozy fans, and especially followers of Schmitt's animal lovers' mysteries, will find great entertainment in Playing Possum."
-Phyllis Gobbell, award-winning author of the Jordan Mayfair Mysteries
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My Thoughts:
This is a first of Lois Schmitt and the Kristy Farrell Mystery series and now I need to go back and read the first two! I love a mystery that includes several circumstances that need unraveling. This book fulfilled my need to constantly be pulled in different directions, suspecting everyone, and trusting no one. I had my suspicions, but there was nothing concrete.
The animal aspect added a softened touch with a mystery twist to the mayhem going on with the murder. When people get involved, things sure do get messy! Kristy could often be a little nosy and too obvious with her investigation at time, but she definitely has a knack for getting the answers to solve the crime.
I read this in one afternoon because it was far too good to put down as one mystery twisted into many different branches. I can't wait to dive into the first two books and hopefully there will be a fourth ready when I'm finished!
I received a complimentary review copy on behalf of PICT. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
A mystery fan since she read her first Nancy Drew, Lois Schmitt combined a love of mysteries with a love of animals in her series featuring animal magazine reporter Kristy Farrell. Lois is member of several wildlife conservation and humane organizations, as well as Mystery Writers of America. She received 2nd runner-up for the Killer Nashville Claymore award for her second book in the series entitled Something Fishy, She previously served as media spokesperson for a local consumer affairs agency and currently teaches at a community college. Lois lives in Massapequa, Long Island with her family, which includes a 120 pound Bernese Mountain dog. This dog bears a striking resemblance to Archie, a dog of many breeds featured in her Kristy Farrell Mystery Series.
Catch Up With Lois Schmitt:
LoisSchmitt.com Goodreads Instagram: @loisschmittmysteries Twitter: @schmittmystery Facebook: @LoisSchmittAuthor
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Lois Schmitt. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.