Skiing is Murder by Carolyn Arnold - #review

Sean and Sara were supposed to have a relaxing vacation in Vail, but it all goes up in a puff of powder when there’s a suspicious death on the mountain. And the deceased is not just anyone; it’s Adrian Blackwell, a two-time Olympic skiing gold medalist.

Rumor has it that Adrian died in a skiing accident, but he was too skilled for Sara to accept it as fact. Though she’s convinced Adrian was murdered and she’s itching to find the killer, she doesn’t want to disappoint Sean by ruining his ski trip.

Sean has never had the ability to say no to Sara before, but this time he comes close. It takes a call from their PI firm back in Albany to change his mind. A job’s come in to investigate Adrian’s death, and his agent is the one footing the bill, leaving Sean with more questions than answers.

Yet one major problem remains: their New York State PI licenses hold no legal authority in Colorado. But they still can’t help but look into Adrian’s death on the sly. This case will definitely involve some underhanded tactics, all while trying to dodge the local police during the course of the investigation.

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MY REVIEW

Normally, I would not have gone for a book where the lives/work of PI's who just happen to be extremely wealthy is chronicled while on 'vacation' in an exclusive ski resort town.  (I just have trouble how some people think that rich people are 'better' by virtue of their wealth, but that's a discussion for another day.)  But the McKinley's, the afore-mentioned billionaires, take cases based on at least a portion of their fee being donated to charity.  And I have to give them props for that.

Adrian Blackwell, an Olympic gold-medalist skiier is found dead on the mountain.  Some people (including Sara) believe something is suspicious because a skiier of Adrian's caliber would not just have an 'accident' on the slopes.

I do like the relationship between Sean and Sara.  Granted, they don't have the money troubles that other married couples do, but they don't agree on everything.  Sean wants to be on vacation; Sara would rather investigate Adrian's suspicious murder.  Sean wants to go skiing; Sara would rather go to the spa and go shopping.  I confess I have to side with Sean on that one, especially if you live far away from the resort.  I had my first skiing lesson when I was twelve (we had just moved to Utah).  I remember racing down the mountain to get that 'one more' run in.  When I got back to the car (or the room), I could have used a spa visit or two, though!

There were a lot of people using disguises in this book, mostly to find out information that would enhance the investigation (Sean & Sara) or further whatever ends they happen to have for whatever reason.  And no, I cannot be more specific than that.  And don't we all wear 'costumes' at one time or another.  Having acted on the stage many years ago, I can especially relate to that aspect.  Although I've never done it to hide/alter my 'true identity' to keep myself safe.  And I probably won't do that ever.

There are a number of 'out of the ordinary' aspects to this cozy mystery - and that's a good thing, as it helps keep the genre 'fresh'.  Somebody ought to write a series of cozies, one installment written in each state or province.  Kudos to Ms. Arnold for being from Canada and so well writing a book that is set in Colorado.

So, would I read other books in this series or by this author?  Absotively, posolutly!

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MEET THE AUTHOR

CAROLYN ARNOLD is the international bestselling and award-winning author of the Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher, and McKinley Mystery series. She is the only author with POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town, but that never kept her from dreaming big. On par with her large dreams is her overactive imagination that conjures up killers and cases to solve. She currently lives outside Toronto with her husband and two beagles, Max and Chelsea. She is also a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

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(Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the author and publishers via Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my unbiased review.  This post may contain affiliate links.)

(NOTE:  I read this book in 2015, so I cannot count it towards this year's reading challenge.  Quel domage.)