I was a bit surprised to have the crime already committed at the book's open, but that was a good thing. That is unusual. In a genre (such as cozy mysteries), there are certain conventions to which a book will adhere. It follows then that having something to distinguish one's work from amongst the crowd makes people sit up and take notice. I certainly did. My little reading radar was twitching madly!
Rory and Liz's friendship is great. You know they are close because with half a dozen words over the phone from Rory, Liz knows that something is wrong. Of course, communication is as much about what is not said and non-verbal clues, but a good friend would pick up on that.
Each chapter seems to bring a new thread or two (no wait, tole painting and the outdoors figure into this mystery) plant or two to the garden, another color or two to the palette. Why is the body found in Rory's garden? Either she is the murderer or someone is planting evidence (*groan* I know) against her. Does someone hold a grudge against her? (It certainly doesn't look good for Rory as she turns out to be the child of the couple responsible for the chief of police's family's arson deaths.) I am NOT saying the Chief is in any way responsible but does this make it easier for him to believe the mounting evidence against Rory? An interesting psychological angle.
Fatal Brushstrokes is an intriguing start to the Aurora Anderson Mystery Series and a satisfying read in its own right. Freelance computer programmer is a pretty gutsy career choice for a cozy heroine. I know it is written in 3rd person, but I had a very 1st person connection to Rory's experiences. I felt I was seeing what she saw, feeling what she felt, etc. I am excited to see where this series will take us!
Her short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E, Spinetingler Magazine, King's River Life Magazine, Crimson Dagger, and Silver Moon Magazine. A past president of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles, Sybil also co-chaired the 2011 California Crime Writers Conference. In her spare time, she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages (Ancient Egyptian and Coptic are her current areas of interest), and spending time with friends and family.
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This sounds like an interesting new series. Made me think of Columbo - we see the murder first and then go along for the ride in finding out how it is solved.
I love finding a new series to read. This one sounds really promising.
I like the idea of the crime being committed before the story opens. Unconventional is usually an interesting element, for me.
What I really love here is the sound of the friendship between the main characters. I like it when people are so close the other person is practically family!