Karmas a Killer

by Tracy Weber

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Karma’s A Killer by Tracy Weber is the third book in the Downward Dog series. I requested to review this book as I believed it was unnecessary to read the series in order as each book focuses on a different mystery. However, on completing this installment I feel it would have been best if I had read the books in order, as this would have provided me with better insight into the development of the main character.

This book failed my expectations. When I hear the term cozy mystery, I am expecting a small town mystery mixed with humour and served with a side of romance/love interest. Well, humour permeated the story, the love interest had developed significantly, but the mystery was severely lacking. This installment focused on the principles of yoga and the drama surrounding the characters while the murder mystery played a minor role in the whole scheme of things. There was so much yoga in this book that even the dogs were learning yoga.

My favourite character was not the protagonist but her best friend Renee who was the life of the story. She had me in stitches for most of the story. I enjoyed watching Kate build a relationship with her mother even though it was not under the best of circumstances. There were instances, however, when I found Kate’s actions frustrating. Her refusal to communicate with her boyfriend about issues, which affected her and would ultimately affect their relationship.

Despite it playing a minor role, I thought it was well done. Figuring out the identity of the villain did not come easy. I figured it out the same time Kate and Renee did, which occurred near to the end of the story.

I took some time to get through the story. I believe this was due to the slow pacing and the minor role the solving of the mystery played in the story. Added to that, the yoga principles and terms went over my head.

Narration
This is my first time listening to Anne James and I would definitely listen to her again. She did a great job in bringing the characters to life. Her narration of the characters’ voices were distinct, making it easy to identify each of the characters.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, I found this to be an average read, but I believe it could have been much better. Fans of cozy mysteries may want to try this book.