Several people wrote to me telling me how much they enjoy Rae Davies (aka Lori Devoti), so I added her to the Cozy Mystery site. I also was intrigued by her series, so I decided to add her to my authors-to-try list. Once I read Loose Screw (the first in her Dusty Deals Mystery Series) I added her to my “favorite authors” list. Yep! That’s how much I enjoyed Loose Screw…
The Dusty Deals series has a rather unique setting. Well, at least it’s different to me. It takes place in Helena, Montana >>> which Rae Davies makes seem like a typically small, Cozy village, even though it’s Montana’s state capital!
The sleuth, Lucy Mathews, owns and operates an antique shop, but also works as a crime reporter for the newspaper. She’s not terribly happy about being rail-roaded back to her job as a crime journalist, but it does provide a very good way for the author to explain why Lucy involves herself so much with the solving of the crime. Brava to Rae Davies for providing an absolutely great reason >>> other than nosiness!
Lucy’s side-kick “in crime” is Kiska, her Malamute. (Exactly the type of dog I’d envision in Montana!) There are also other important characters >>> which I’m guessing will be present in the following books of the series. Rhonda is Lucy’s best friend, Betty works at Dusty Deals, Gary’s the paper’s photographer, and Peter Blake is the police detective. I like all of these characters – which is important to me. If I don’t like the sleuth or the other recurring characters in a series, it’s unlikely I’ll keep reading the series.
There were plenty of red herrings thrown in, making the book more interesting. I enjoyed Rae Davies’s style of writing, too. (Rae Davies was a reporter before becoming a full-time author of novels.)
For those of you who like looking at book covers, I want to warn you about this one. I know I have a “no-negative policy” on my site, so I’ll just say this: Don’t judge this book by its cover! (I know that several of you have said you don’t like Cozies with cartoon-like covers…)
As I said before, I have added Rae Davies to my “favorite authors” list. I already have the second book in the series (Cut Loose) waiting for me on my Kindle! I hope some of you give Loose Screw a try. You may end up liking it as much as I did!
P.S. As always, if you are interested in reading some of the other entries about highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Kim says
With your recommendation I look forward to trying this author. And yes, you are hopefully right via not judging the book by its cover….surely it holds appeal for a juvenile set designation but is humorous for adults if it indeed covers a seriously good read.
On a different take, has anyone ever been embarrassed by a book cover, i.e., not want to be seen reading such? I read for pleasure as well as information so whatever floats my boat is welcome. Hopefully onlookers will not judge me by my covers.?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kim, personally I read most Cozies these days on my Kindle… which, for good or bad, doesn’t show the cover of the book. I think that’s why there are so many books out now with questionable covers are coming out.
Susy says
I is pretty hard to embarrass me, but I also read some romance and they often have terrible covers. I have found that a number of small book stores carry fabric covers that just slip over, or if you are handy, you can make your own. I have made a few using spandex and some heavy interfacing (to support the books cover) and a little elastic. Problem solved.
Megan B says
I also adore Rae Davies! I first heard about her when I hoarded, ahem, downloaded the free copy of Loose Screw and I have now read her second book. Lucy Mathews and her gang are all very enjoyable characters. The author does write about the antiquing business, but I don’t find it to be overwhelming or pretentious the way some authors do with certain themes. I can’t wait to read more!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Megan B, I’m with you!
Linda MH says
Danna,
I agree–this is a very enjoyable series. Lucy is a great lead character.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda MH, she sure is!
Katia says
I always look forward to the Dusty Deals mysteries. Kiska is one of my favorite characters.
If you enjoy that setting you might also enjoy the Food Lovers Village series by Leslie Budewitz. Lots of fun, good mysteries, and characters that make you feel at home right away.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Katie, thanks for the recommendation.
Jennifer says
After I stumbled across the first Dusty Deals book a few months ago and enjoyed it so much, I went ahead and downloaded the rest of the series. I loved them and hope Rae will have more soon!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jennifer, I’m glad you liked them.
Kath says
I am so glad you said something!
I have had this book in my Kindle library for a long time from once when it was offered free, but because of the cover I avoided it like the plague.
I began this book last night and it is really great fun so far! So thank you thank you thank you!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kath, great deal to get it for free. I like bargains!
Karen S says
I have finally managed to read Ashley Weaver’s Amory Ames Mysteries Murder at the Brightwell and Death Wears a Mask.
They were awesome even thogh not Cozies.
They have very likeable characters and really smart plots.
If you like British mysteries and 1930’s Art Deco atmosphere this author is for you.
ENJOY
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen S, thanks for the recommendation. I do like British mysteries with the 1930’s atmosphere.
Janice says
I agree with you about this series. I found all three books to be very enjoyable and recommended them in the past.
Jenn says
Thanks for the recommendation! I just started reading #1 on my way to work this morning and it sucked me right in! I’m terrible for judging a book by it’s cover…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jenn, You are welcome! Really glad you like it.
Tari says
I just finished this one today, found it in my iBooks and was pleasantly surprised as well. I’m sure I’ll be reading more by this author.
Susy says
I just finished this one last night (I grab it when is was on Bookbub for free some time ago). I have added her to my ‘must buy’ list. That list now requires a tablet computer as a notebook became to big and awkward.