Where the Light Shines Through (Olivia Penn Mystery 1), by Kathleen Bailey

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I was introduced to and had the opportunity to chat with author Kathleen Bailey at Malice Domestic this year. After meeting her and looking into her Olivia Penn series, I knew this was one I had to pick up. I love the cover and the premise seemed interesting.

In this first installment in the series, Where the Light Shines Through, Olivia Penn is heading back to her hometown of Apple Station, Virginia to visit her family and friends for one week before embarking on a new publishing career in New York City. Unfortunately, it isn't long before a dead body is found and her childhood friend is the prime suspect in this murder investigation. As she sets out to untangle this mystery and clear her friend's name, she discovers secrets she didn't see coming.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. One of the main elements that keeps me coming back to a series are the characters. I want to feel like I can be friends with them. If I'm going to be reading the series, I need to enjoy spending time with them. And I did. Olivia is a caring and intelligent amateur sleuth. She's fiercely loyal to her loved ones. Her friends and family are equally likeable. 

I love that her friend is a physical therapist. This is an occupation I have never read in a cozy and it fits well into the story. As someone who has had a lot of experience in physical therapy throughout my life as a patient, I found this relatable.

The mystery is strong. I did not guess the whodunnit. It all came together logically, yet, I was still shocked by the big reveal. There were enough viable suspects that kept me guessing, but not so many that it was overwhelming. I was easily able to keep track of all of the characters.

Olivia is recovering from a recent breakup, but if you like romance in your cozies, you'll be pleased to know there may be something on the horizon. There are sparks flying. I'll have to read the rest of the series to see where this goes. 

Great care is taken with the way this book is written. It's filled with emotional depth that kept me engaged.  Besides a cozy and engaging story with wonderful characters, the descriptions are beautifully written. The author takes the concept of "show don't tell" to a new level. In addition to this, light humor is infused at just the right times.

If you enjoy mysteries where the vibes are cozy, but suspenseful where they need to be, then I highly recommend Where the Light Shines Through, by Kathleen Bailey. This is one series I will definitely continue.