Series debut
She Doesn’t Have A Clue by Jenny Elder Moke is a mystery romance combo. Just a quick disclaimer: it has a bit more sexual content than what one might expect from a cozy. It was the description of the book that made me take a chance on this particular novel. Then I was hooked when the protagonist, Kate Valentine, recounts an incident in her past of hiding in some shrubbery to eat a massive piece of cake in peace without regret or shame – truly something an inspiration to introverted sugar addicts. Kate is a quirky introvert, who is also a bestselling mystery author. Her own main character is Loretta Starling, and Kate comes up with scenes using her own every day experiences and to figure out how to deal with situations using Loretta’s perspective instead of her own.
One situation Kate is having a hard time dealing with is that she is on her way to a fancy private island for a wedding. It’s also the wedding of her ex-fiancé, who cheated on her and left her for the very woman he’s marrying now. Because her ex is also her editor, it didn’t seem prudent to turn down the invitation. Things start off badly as she barely makes it to the island, and then finds out that her longtime crush, Jake Hawkins, is there as well. Add a poisoned bride and horrible weather that strands and isolates everyone on the island, and Kate is in for one intense weekend.
The families attending the wedding are filled with contention and old grudges lash out in several ugly scenes. All are ready to point the finger at anyone to try to deflect from themselves. There are so many means, motives, and opportunities for each one as everyone indulges in the free liquor and explores the expansive mansion. To save herself from being labeled as a prime suspect, Kate must channel Loretta now more than ever, especially since it appears that whoever the murderer is, they are using Kate’s Loretta books as a guide to murder. She has at least one ally in Jake, and the two have plenty of time to bounce around their theories as they end up having to share a room.
She Doesn’t Have A Clue is a standalone by Jenny Elder Moke, but I hope we get to see more adventures from Kate. I enjoyed seeing how Moke portrayed the mind of a writer through Kate and Loretta, and how inspiration for scenes can strike out of nowhere, or how to change every day scenes into something completely different while remaining true to the original experience. Also, I appreciated how Kate relayed how easy it is for those with creative outlets like writing to just vanish into their own heads and to get lost in their art rather than focusing on the present. Readers who do not like open door romances should avoid this book, as there are at least two scenes that are a bit spicy. The mystery is the main theme, however, and will keep readers on their toes as literally everyone in the mansion could be the culprit. I found myself unable to put the book down until I was sure that things were resolved properly for Kate. — Carla Schantz