I'll be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of the protagonist Bernie. But, I still enjoyed reading this mystery, which is a testament to how strong the mystery itself actually is.

I liked how Kappes explored Bernie's menopause and how it was impacting her daily life. I think it's something many readers might be able to personally relate to, but even if you can't, it poses an extra challenge for Bernie in her daily life and snooping.

However, Bernie makes many comments about weight during the book; she is particularly concerned about her own weight. I think some of her comments could be seen as fatphobic. It's something to be aware of, in case you're not interested in reading a book with these themes.

She's also not the best at taking responsibility for the consequences of her own actions. For example, I didn't think the way she treated Mac, her love interest, was particularly fair.

My dislike of the protagonist aside, I liked reading the mystery and trying to solve it alongside Bernie. There are lots of suspects with great motives, and the way that Bernie tries to get information out of people can be quite sly at times.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I probably would have enjoyed it more had I cared more for the protagonist. This book works as a standalone - you can read it without having to read previous installations in the series.

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This is the fourth book in the Mail Carrier Series. If you are new to this series, the best advice I can give you is to start at the beginning and read each book. Is it necessary? Well if you are just reading for the mystery, probably not. Ms. Kappes completes the mystery in each book. However she tends to write well rounded books. Her books aren’t just a mystery, they are life histories in a small town. This series centers around Bernie, a mail carrier, in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. It’s a small town that is slowly growing. Bernie has her route that covers the downtown area, an old folks home and a quiet street where she has a home along with the Porch Ladies and love interest Mac. As you read the series you come to know all these people and how their lives all intersect. This is what I mean when I say Ms Kappes writes well rounded stories. She has a real talent for taking you from your reading spot and transplanting you into the middle of town. You are invested because you belong.
In this book Bernie and Mac are finding their new reality. Bernie with her work, her pets and yoga with Iris. Mac with Lucy Drake who happens to be yoga fit and effortlessly taking the same class Bernie is taking. Bernie doesn’t seem to be the only one in town struggling with love. Yoga instructor Peaches has a package marked return to sender she gives to Bernie. Seems she can’t accept a package from Simon anymore than she can accept Sarah coming to the yoga class. Love might not be in bloom but the green eyed monster sure is. When Bernie stumbles upon a dead body she will need to find out if the green eyed monster was responsible or if it was suicide. Love hurts but does it hurt enough to die over?
I was caught up in this book. I love the relationships, (friends and lovers), and seeing how things play out. I can relate a lot to Bernie. I love seeing her in her new role as MawMaw. The mystery was well done. The only thing I missed was seeing Vince but his absence was explained. Hopefully we will see him in the next book.

*I received an uncorrected electronic copy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based on my thoughts and feelings while reading and afterwards.* ( )

This series just gets more enjoyable for me with each book. This is a series that you will want to read in order to understand each of the characters in this town. I love Bernie, Mac and all the rest. I love the small town vibe. The mystery was interesting and I love what Bernie goes through to solve it. I did not put this down till I finished it. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Tonya Kappes has done it again in the newest book in her Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series. Each book in this series just gets better and better and this one is the best so far. I love how she brings you along and you can feel like you could walk right in to town, sit down and be friends with all of them. If you just want to escape and relax then jump right in and read this book you won't be disappointed.

Bernie once again gets caught up in a murder investigation. She is trying to deal with changes in her life and body. Some of the funniest parts of the book is when Bernie is talking about going through menopause and I just love how it is weaved into a part of the mystery solving. When Bernie finds Simon's body after the break in at the post office she immediately starts putting pieces together and snooping. Can she figure out who has done Simon in and help her friend and yoga teacher Peaches figure out if she was involved or not? Bernie sure is going to try to.

Bernie is an intelligent, quick thinking and caring person who just can't help but get involved in snooping, it's just who she is. Iris and the Front Porch Ladies are there to help too. I could just imagine sitting and having coffee with them all. The small town setting along with all the characters added to the mystery equals a fun, laugh out loud, page turning cozy mystery you just can't put down.

All the characters seem to be growing in each book. They are evolving and that makes each book unique. This book has all the right ingredients, a good puzzling mystery, great characters, a little bit of romance, several suspects and a surprise ending. I highly recommend this book and the series. ( )