annieb123
Written on Feb 22, 2021
The Kensington Kidnap is the first book in a humorous cozy mystery series by Katie Gayle. Released 2nd Dec 2020, it's 240 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an engaging madcap comedy of errors with a fundamentally good-hearted and intelligent heroine who's only trying to solve the mystery and make her rent to keep a roof over her (and her three-legged cat's) head(s). The plotting and pacing are breakneck and this is one which readers can devour in a sitting or two. The dialogue is occasionally a bit twee, but all in all it's a fun ride with a satisfying denouement. The language is firmly PG (with hell, damn, bloody, and the occasional "f-bomb". There is no graphic content. Spelling and vernacular are UK standard (lift, lorry, tyre, flat, etc). It shouldn't pose any problems in context for readers. The authors hint strongly at series follow ups (in fact, book 2 will be out in March 2021); and I find myself looking forward to seeing what comes next for Pip & Most (of a cat).
Four stars. Fun.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.