“Murder at the Moonshine Inn” is the second book in the Hazel Rose Book Group Mystery series by Maggie King.  Despite the cover, this is the quintessential cozy mystery.

As the story opens, high-powered executive, Roxanne Howard, is killed outside the Moonshine Inn, a redneck bar.  Roxanne’s sister, Nina, attempts to enlist Hazel to help find the killer, because she had been successful in the past. Hazel at first says, “No, hire a professional PI.” Then realizing her recently found cousin, Brad, is the prime suspect, she cautiously decides to help, despite the fact that he won’t give her the time of day.

Hazel’s husband, Vince, is a retired policeman, turned true crime writer and Hazel is a romance writer. Vince helps out with being able to get some information from his buddies at the police department. Hazel enlists her book club to help her.

The women divvy up who they will interview and go in pairs for safety.  Then once a week they Skype each other to share information and get new assignments.  When a second murder occurs, the stakes rise and the group steps up their investigation.

As with all good cozies, the strength of the story lies in the interesting characters. The women of the book club and all of the suspects have interesting stories to tell.

This is a great puzzle mystery with many twists and turns.  I didn’t figure out who did it until the end.

Four stars out of five.

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In accordance with FTC guidelines for reviewers, I would like to clarify that this book was provided to me by the publisher free of charge.  I am not compensated by the author or publisher for my review. All they expect is an honest review of the work.