Blessed is the Busybody. Emilie Richards

Blessed is the Busybody
Emilie Richards
Published: Berkley  2005
Format: Paperback
Pages: 262
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Source: Own book

Meet the unconventional Aggie Sloan-Wilcox, a minister's wife with her own calling: helping troubled  souls in need of justice.  When the naked body of a murdered woman turns up on Aggie's front porch--and suspicion falls on Aggie's husband--she doesn't have a prayer of clearing his name unless she can uncover the truth in a town not known for confessing its sins.

I am not a big cozy mystery type of reader, but being a fan of Emilie Richards other novels I decided to try out the first one in her Ministry is Murder series.  

There are the murders that are a puzzle to the local community, and  Aggie finds herself caught up in the unravelling of the various clues that lead back to some interesting liaisons and a murderer who just might put a stop to Aggie's new found skills and interest.  Her husband Ed is a good guy and they have a very good relationship, with two 'adorable' girls - one who insists on burying their cat numerous times and one who is just beginning to stretch her independence as a middle grade young teen.  Aggie is not about to have the wool pulled over her eyes by them or indeed anyone.  

While the murders and mystery were interesting, it was the small town comings and goings of a small church community that was so entertaining and so recognisable the world over, whatever the church denomination.  Emilie Richards nailed this aspect, with I am sure her first hand experience of being a minister's wife helping her to make it so real.

Well written - and if I empty my TBR shelf fairly well over the next year, I will be delving into another Aggie mystery.