The Best Cozy Mystery I Have Read to Date!

Dead in the Doorway by Diane Kelly is a cozy mystery that I could not put down. This mystery is purr-fect for people who love home renovation shows. Kelly’s writing style is straight forward, clear, and easy, yet she uses such unique phrases to describe emotions and movement during her story. 

The characters in this story are so tangible. They are already well developed in this first book. I can only see more layers being built in future books. Sawdust the cat was my favourite character. The relationship between Sawdust and his owner Whitney is perfection. I enjoyed how Whitney takes Sawdust to work and has conversations with him. There are also chapters written from Sawdust’s point of view! His points of view are hilarious and heartwarming, and I wish there were a few more scattered throughout the story. With cats being such a curious animal, combining a cat’s point of view with mysteries is so clever! I enjoyed Whitney’s disposition, character, and work ethic. She is a fun protagonist to follow around throughout the story. I also cannot wait to see where her relationship goes with Detective Flynn.

The story and mystery were very creative and well crafted. I did figure it out, but I did also keep questioning and changing my choice of murderer until the end. What I did not figure out was the motive. Kelly’s murder scenes are a little creepier than other cozy mysteries, but I like that. 

This is the first book in a new series by Diane Kelly. Kelly is a new authour to me, but she has become an auto buy authour. I cannot wait to read more by her and especially for the second book in this newest series. I cannot recommend this story enough! 

I received an electronic advanced reader copy from St. Martin’s Press through Net Galley. All opinions are 100% my own.