Little Shop of Homicide

#47 Book Read in 2012 
Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson


This is the first book in a relatively new cozy mystery series.  Deveraux has returned to her hometown and taken over a dime store and also has a business making specialty gift baskets.  Also in her hometown is Noah, her ex from her younger years.  Their relationship broke up with Dev's father was convicted of a crime.  


When a socialite is murdered using parts of the gift basket Dev was hired to make for her, Dev becomes a prime suspect--especially when the murdered person is the fiancee of Dev's ex.  Luckily her grandmother has a friend with a US Marshal nephew, Jake, and Jake agrees to investigate the murder to prove Dev's innocence.  Dev and Jake begin a romance.  


There are good twists and turns in the mystery investigation.  The characters are interesting and well-written.  I liked the friendship between Dev and her friends Boone and Poppy.  Dev's grandmother provided some comic relief.  Overall, I enjoyed this book and will continue this series.