Trouble in store

3.5 stars.

A light, engaging mystery set in historical Arizona. Melanie Ross goes to northern Arizona after losing her job, to the mercantile her cousin and his longtime friend and partner owned. Only, to her surprise, the partner has also died, and the partner's nephew thinks he owns the place outright. Melanie has nowhere else to go and thus hangs on tenaciously to her claim as half-owner, since she is her cousin's heir.

And then strange things start happening, followed by a murder literally on their back step. And the cozy historical turns quite suddenly into a murder-mystery.

This is classic mystery writing—no gore, no deep creepiness, but plenty of danger for the favorite main characters—that reminded me of some older-style books I've enjoyed. It's also got a nice, squeaky-clean romance that leaves you feeling happy yet is suitable for all ages. I'll be reading more by this author.