When it comes to murder, forget the butler . . . it’s the housekeeper who knows where the bodies are buried.
Small-town newspaper editor Crystal Cropper never takes “no” for an answer, hates to be called a “senior citizen,” and uses the power of her pen to expose corruption in her small town.
Cleaning lady Gertie has a knack for sweeping skeletons out of closets—which makes her one of Crystal’s best informants. But Gertie’s latest hot tip has landed her in a coma, courtesy of an unknown assailant.
Now Crystal must follow the trail of dirt and gossip right to the doorsteps of several prominent local families to solve a decade-old murder and the disappearance of a young boy . . .
About the Author:
Janis Thornton is a freelance writer, personal historian, and award-winning journalist. She is the author of two local history books, Images of America: Tipton County and Images of America: Frankfort. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, the Indiana Writers Center, Association of Personal Historians, and the Midwest Writers Workshop Planning Committee. She lives in a small Indiana town not unlike Elmwood. Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies is her debut cozy mystery.
Jennifer’s Review of Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies
Review (3.75 Stars): Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies is the debut novel by Janis Thornton that will definitely provide plenty of entertainment. Crystal Cropper is a hard-nosed newspaper editor for the small town of Elmwood, Indiana and she is one of those characters that is very strong-willed and used to getting what she wants. Her number one town informant is Gertie, the town’s cleaning lady, who just happens to be a big fan of conspiracy theories. She calls Crystal out late one night with the promise of information regarding the disappearance of a young boy almost twenty years ago. Crystal takes the bait and finds Gertie unconscious in her home as a result of what looks to be a foiled robbery. While Gertie lies in the hospital in a medically induced coma, Crystal must put together the clues quickly before someone decides to make Gertie’s condition a more permanent situation.
I liked Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies because it was a quirky and fun small town mystery. Crystal was a very strong-willed character that had a lot of personality and I could definitely understand why she always got in trouble with the sheriff. This mystery had a good story and very interesting plot twists, which made it an enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Thornton will come out with next.
This sounds like a pretty darn good cozy. I would love to read it.
Looks like a fun read
Sounds like a fun mystery
I agree, this does sound like such a fun read.
Dust bunnies abound at my house—so I guess this is the book for me.