I don't ask a lot of my books but if it's a mystery I expect it to be a mystery that makes sense. The characters themselves were a little strange but I didn't mind. Piper and Bill's relationship was nice. It was interesting to see an established couple as sleuths rather than a single woman. Plus there wasn't any typical romance plot - they loved each other but they weren't getting to know each other or that. Noreen was an odd one, especially with the talking cat. I didn't mind it when it was just her, but the whole thing with Rick hearing the cat was just weird.

The plot was a lost cause.

There were a lot of suspects, mainly speculation on their part, no real evidence or interactions with the suspect and the guilty party had no motive. I read 200 pages to find out who and I found out who but I didn't find out why. I didn't even understand why. There's no reason.

Crime happens. Drugs, passion, jealousy, envy, anger, money are all valid reasons why someone kills someone else. This had nothing. Not even a halfhearted explanation. Yes they caught the person responsible. But no wonder they were confused as to who they caught - they had no idea why it would be - they barely suspected that person. I can handle a halfhearted mystery, one that tells rather than shows. It might not be the best book ever, but I can read a book that tells me what happens. But The Corpse Wore Gingham didn't even have that. I have to give it one star because that's my deal breaker. If there was any explanation for why, I would up it to two. This wasn't a bad read, it was just extremely frustrating to not find out why. ( )