Death in the Ozarks
Sally Witherspoon Mystery, #1
by
Erik S. Meyers
Murder at the biker bar!
Death in the Ozarks is the first novel in author Erik S. Meyers's entertaining Sally Witherspoon Mysteries and is a fine debut for the series. The author creates a great small hometown vibe and introduces readers to a direct and confident new amateur sleuth.
Sally Witherspoon, a transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, has been in Berry Springs, Arkansas, deep in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, for 15 years. In that time, she has built herself a successful second career as the owner of a biker bar with the help of her old college friend and business partner, Bill Arnold. When she discovers Bill's body behind the bar after closing one Saturday night, she is understandably invested in finding his killer. Still, I felt she was way too eager and convinced she was the only person who could solve the case.
The plot moves quickly, with Bill's murder occurring early in the story, and Sally wastes no time jumping into investigator mode. The author does a great job developing the town of Berry Springs, presenting the leading citizens and secondary characters through their appearance at Sally's Smashers biker bar during the opening chapter, and additional residents are introduced as they are encountered during her investigation. The author also does justice to the scenic Ozark setting, and the plethora of bikers typically found enjoying the forested mountain byways.
I recommend DEATH IN THE OZARKS to cozy mystery readers, especially those who like bikes, bikers, biker bars, and the beauty of the Ozark region.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.