Survival of the Fritters (Deputy Donut Mystery 1), by Ginger Bolton

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Happy International Cat Day!

When I first started reading cozy mysteries two years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find out cats are very common in them. I've listed some here. 

It just so happens that I recently re-read (or rather listened to the second time around) one on this list, Survival of the Fritters (Deputy Donut Mystery 1), by Ginger Bolton. This series has a very loveable cat who is very much like one of my own. That's one of the reasons it's already close to my heart. The first time I read it earlier this year, I didn't review it. It's time to change that today.

Emily is a former 911 operator who now runs a donut shop in Wisconsin, with the father of her deceased husband. The donut shop is named Deputy Donut after her torbie cat (a cross between a tabby and a tortie), who is affectionately referred to as Dep. When one of their customers goes missing, Emily sets out to untangle this twisty mystery.

I enjoyed this book. The mystery is solid. There are twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Even the second time when I listened to it, it still had my head spinning. I had forgotten who the culprit was, so it was fun to try and figure it out again. I was not able to figure out the whodunit either time. When the culprit was revealed, it was highly entertaining. How this person was caught had me laughing out loud. 

I really liked all of the characters, including Dep, the cat. She is one of my favorite cats in cozies. It's obvious that Emily is new at amateur sleuthing, as she made some questionable and potentially dangerous decisions. She has room to grow, and I hope she does in future installments. Other times, she makes some very smart decisions, so I know she has it in her. I also hope to see Emily's father-in-law play more of a role in the next books. Emily's customers, some of whom are known as the Knitpickers, as they gather at the donut shop to knit, are delightful. How can you not enjoy a group of knitters known as the Knitpickers?

This book has a lot of heart to it as well. We learn about Emily's husband's tragic death and how Emily is dealing with the grief. Also, while trying to solve the mystery, secrets that one of Emily's neighbors holds are revealed.

It isn't a sad book, though. This is a fun, light-hearted start to a series that is still ongoing today. I am definitely planning to read or listen to the next book. If you enjoy clean, light-hearted cozy mysteries, I highly recommend reading Survival of the Fritters, by Ginger Bolton. Be forewarned, though. Have some donuts on hand because you will crave them.