Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden

It's always fun to introduce readers to a new author.  Today, I'm reviewing Murder at the PTA, the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Laura Alden.  Tomorrow, Laura is my guest blogger.   I'm very happy I discovered Alden's small town of Rynwood, Wisconsin, and the terrific cast of characters that live there.

Beth Kennedy has only been divorced a year, and she thought she had enough on her plate with her two children, Jenna and Oliver, and the children's bookstore she owns, Children's Bookshelf.  But, Beth's best friend, Marina, had other thoughts.  Before she knows it, Beth is the new secretary of the PTA at Tarver Elementary School.  And, her very first meeting ends in chaos when the controversial school principal, Agnes Mephisto, announces her plans for an ugly addition to the school.  The meeting grows contentious when everyone realizes Agnes doesn't need permission to build, since the money is coming from an anonymous donor.

After stirring up angry feelings all over town, Agnes is found murdered in her home.  Beth feels bad, but has no intention of investigating until Marina is threatened.  It seems Marina has been up to some mischief, and there's an angry killer out there.  And, Beth Kennedy is almost as protective of her best friend as she is of her children.

Welcome to Beth Kennedy's world.  It's a world that revolves around her children, her bookstore, and, now, a murder.  Alden has created an interesting community, and peppered it with entertaining characters.  And, she's given us Beth Kennedy, whose primary concern is for her children.  She's a woman who will overcome her fears to ensure her children are safe and secure.   Let's hope Murder at the PTA is only the first of many mysteries for Beth Kennedy.

Laura Alden's website is http://www.lauraalden.com/


Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden. Penguin Group (USA), ©2010. ISBN 9780451231093 (paperback), 320p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure - Alden's publisher sent me a copy of the book, in hopes I would review it.