The Terra Cotta Theft

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #0.5

by

Iris March

Unique introduction to the series' characters as children.

When money from the register at Patty's Plant Place suddenly goes missing, how will Grandpa Will discover who the thief is among those present in the store? This is the tricky question Will Flores faces when the stack of twenties disappears, and there are plenty of suspects, both employees and customers, to consider and rule out. 

The Terra Cotta Theft is a prequel to author Iris March's fun and satisfying Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring Will's granddaughters, Molly, May, and Shannon (the twins' cousin), and their families and friends. This story introduces the main characters as children, other characters that will become recurring faces in later books, and the business that will eventually become theirs. 

A short story, the plot sets up the series' background and establishes close family relationships and long-held ties with their customers and neighboring business owners. There is a cozy, comfortable hometown-family feel right away, and I was easily drawn into the story. The characters are regular people, engaging and familiar, with no one over the top. My interest was immediately piqued by the prospect of reading about their further adventures as adults. 

I recommend TERRA COTTA THEFT to readers of cozy mysteries, especially fans of the SUCCULENT SLEUTH series. 

Readers can obtain their own copy of the story by signing up for the author's newsletter on her website at https://irismarchbooks.com/newsletter-sign-up/.

For more reviews, visit my blog at Boys' Mom Reads!