Secrets in Pink by K. B. Jackson

Another great cozy mystery in the Chattertowne series! Reporter Audrey O’Connell is back to crack another case, this time with the new police chief, Cole Loveland. Their relationship starts off with some animosity, but develops into a partnership, and then into the start of something more. I loved the romantic subplot of this book—the love triangle between Audrey, her friend Holden, and new-comer Cole. As Audrey finds herself torn between her feelings for the two men, the three of them work together to solve Chattertowne’s latest mystery. 

Threatening political pink graffiti throughout town is suspected to be the work of CROCCC, a group that disagrees with the town’s mayor and council. Arson follows with the burning of the old mill and then a barn on a property recently sold to the town. When a body is discovered in the barn, vandalism escalates to manslaughter. And things only get worse from there. It’s homecoming week in Chattertowne and the crowds bring out the gossip mongers and plenty to gossip about, culminating in murder.

Author K. B. Jackson adds just the right touch of humor to the story through her main character’s clumsiness and misadventures. While on the lookout for clues and suspects, Audrey encounters raccoons in the basement and pet ferrets; she tumbles into thorn bushes and down river embankments. The banter between Audrey and her sister Viv, as well as with Cole and Holden, brings levity to the tragic events in Chattertowne. 

A great small-town setting and engaging characters make Secrets in Pink a fun read. Plenty of suspects and lots of twists kept me guessing till the end with its shocking reveal. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with romance and humor, pick up this series. Looking forward to the next book!