In for a Penny: a disappointing cozy mystery

In for a Penny is the first book in the Seasoned Southern Sleuths series by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle. When Lillian Summer Fairview’s husband died, he left a financial mess. Desperate to keep the prestigious family’s name intact and give her husband a decent burial, Lillian cooks up a shady deal that lands her in legal trouble. Lillian entrusts the care of the family estate to her best friend, Maggie Rawls. Maggie feels something is off about Lillian’s restitution order and may have discovered that she has taken the fall for someone’s crime. With the help of two other ladies, Maggie sets out to find justice for Lillian. But will the con man get away with his crime? 

I usually enjoy cozy mysteries as they are fun, fast reads; however, In for a Penny was neither fun or fast! It took way too long to get to any kind of action or conflict. I was bored as I turned each page. I didn’t care for Lillian and her predicament. Lillian’s crime, her restitution and taking the fall for someone else didn’t jive either. I didn’t find any humor that is usually standard with cozy mysteries. Southern ladies are usually depicted as sassy and no-nonsense; however, the older ladies are depicted as dimwitted and foolish. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and will not continue with the series. I do not recommend In for a Penny. 

In for a Penny is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook