A Murder and Maggie MacGill

by

Rebecca Lee Smith

An out-of-work elementary school art teacher becomes a suspect in a murder case!

A Murder and Maggie MacGill is a fun, cozy mystery by Rebecca Lee Smith that features former elementary school art teacher Maggie MacGill and the close-knit community of Wrenhaven, Tennessee. When the wealthiest woman in town dies unexpectedly and leaves her fortune to Maggie, bypassing her grandsons and other family members and retainers, talk goes around town that Maggie may have had a hand in Mrs. Grayson's death. 

Maggie is an engaging and relatable young woman, with everyday worries as well as those resulting from a recent stretch of bad luck. Not only did she discover her boyfriend's grandmother's body, but she also lost her job due to budget cuts and her boyfriend to a Hooter's waitress (his soulmate – like he even has a soul!) With her father recuperating from an injury and unable to work as a painting contractor, and her brother's new restaurant still struggling to get off the ground, she's the sole breadwinner for the present. When Constance Grayson leaves the bulk of her estate to Maggie rather than family, though, people start to talk and speculate. But when the woman's death proves to be from natural causes, someone starts playing pranks that quickly escalate into the danger zone. Maggie is compelled to get to the bottom of things so she can accept her inheritance and use some of her good fortune to help others in her town. 

The author populates the East Tennessee mountain town with a variety of fun neighbors and potential suspects. Eli Grayson, one of the dead woman's grandsons and a horrible memory from Maggie's past, returns to Wrenhaven just before his grandmother's death. While he was the catalyst for Maggie's bullying in high school, he seems genuinely sincere in his apology and regret for his youthful behavior. The chemistry between the two is electric, while her relationship with his cousin, Stephen, her former boyfriend, was a shocking disappointment, as he was such an awful individual. 

The story is well-paced, with the discovery of Mrs. Grayson's death occurring early in the book and the development of the town of Wrenhaven, its residents, and Maggie's current situation unfolding organically without info-dumping. I was behind Maggie every step of the way as she searched for answers, dodged disasters, and considered what to do with Mrs. Grayson's legacy. As the deceased was generally disliked by many people, who also felt like she owed them for her nastiness in life, there are plenty of suspects to consider before the person behind everything is identified. The big reveal was exciting and played out with some unusual twists, including the appearance of an unlikely hero. 

I recommend A MURDER AND MAGGIE MACGILL to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy art-themed stories or Tennessee settings. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.