Librarian Alicia McKinney has put the past behind her… Alicia senses someone following her, and on more than one occasion, she believes she is being watched. Does she have a stalker? When the local gift shop is burglarized, the troubling event causes unrest among Alicia and the residents of the quiet town.
John and Alicia receive an offer they can’t refuse…
When John’s sister offers to babysit while she and John take a much-needed vacation in New York City, Alicia is reluctant to leave her children because of the disturbances in Cobble Cove. John assures her the town is safe in the hands of Sheriff-elect Ramsay. Although Alicia’s experience with and dislike of the former Long Island detective don’t alleviate her concern, she and John take their trip.
Alicia faces her worst nightmare…
The McKinneys’ vacation is cut short when they learn their babies have been kidnapped and John’s sister shot. Alicia and John’s situation puts them between a rock and a hard place when the main suspect is found dead before the ransom is paid. In order to save their children, the McKinneys race against the clock to solve a mystery more puzzling than those found in their own books. Can they do it before time runs out?
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place is the 2nd book in Debbie De Louise’s Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. I read the first book earlier this year and enjoyed the setting and writing style, so I’ve made this a regular series to continue. I’ve also just ordered the third book to start later this month. Let’s dive into the review…
The 2nd book takes place nearly one-and-a-half years after the first one ended. John and Alicia are caring for their six-month-old twins and adjusting to a busy life. Everything is going well until a few weird incidents happen in the library and around town. They agree to take a honeymoon trip to NYC while John’s half-sister, Pamela, watches the twins. Before they leave, a local store is robbed and someone follows Alicia home from the library one night. They decide to head out of town, but while they’re away, something dreadful occurs — the twins go missing! Who took them? What will happen to Pamela in the hospital after her injuries? Who’s behind the strange things transpiring in Cobble Cove?
De Louise delights us with another light mystery in a wonderful setting. I enjoy the small-town happenings, and the characters are warm and realistic. A few are negative and a bit difficult, but that shows the variety of people in the world. The shenanigans keep us interested in the story, and we are keen to know who’s behind the thefts. The relationships developing between all the main characters are growing quite well too. The library backdrop makes the books all the more cozy and shows the author’s personal knowledge, skills, and experience in this realm.
Overall, I enjoyed this edition and find these a relaxing read. The mystery is light and takes a while to kick off, as we’re not sure what will happen until at least halfway through the story. Once the big conflict explodes, it’s a race to find the twins and discover the kidnapper. What a strong and suspenseful last few chapters. If you enjoy light mysteries with a surprise twist and a cozy atmosphere, you will really like these books. I’m looking forward to reading the third one soon.
Between a rock and a hard place: by Debbie de Louise.
This is the second book in the Cobble Cove Mystery series. I must admit that I had not read book one in this series, but this did not spoil my experience of this gently unfolding mystery. I could easily follow the story of the little town and all its inhabitants.
After a few strange occurrences: The gift shop is broken into, our main character, Alicia is followed home from work, and a mysterious man is seen lurking around the village, the scene is set.
When Alicia and her husband leave their baby twins with their aunt and go on holiday, the unthinkable happens – the babies are kidnapped. Who could have done such a thing? And who knew that Alicia and her husband were going out of town? As the story comes to an end, all is revealed. This is a measured, mystery story that gradually builds to its climax.