Warmly inviting and absolutely absorbing.
Life in picturesque Larkspur, Wisconsin, couldn’t be better suited to anyone more than Greta Plank. Her days are spent in just the way she likes, getting acquainted with new friends, becoming reacquainted with her favorite literary legends, and keeping her mind off the heavy problems that, in the not-too-distant past, settled over her like a storm cloud. Known for her “chipper facade” and “trademark happiness”, Greta, with her sunny disposition, is generally well received by neighbors and coworkers. Even a curmudgeonly, reclusive library patron who isn’t friendly to anyone eventually takes a shine to Greta. She is liked in the community and respected at work—that is, until the moment Greta becomes the prime suspect in a local murder. In a town as insulated as Larkspur, it’s tough to keep any secrets, especially when homicide is the local headline. And when a longtime resident is the victim of a malicious crime, somebody will have to take the fall. Greta’s pleasant nature serves her well, but it may not be enough to win over the detective who is investigating the murder. Fortunately, Greta is resourceful and has a few good people in her corner. And she’ll need all the help she can get because some people will do anything to keep the truth from coming out.
Brimming with delightfully bookish metaphors, dextrous situational humor and witty dialogue, Death Checked Out is warmly inviting and absolutely absorbing. Greta is a dynamic character that is not only relatable, but intellectual, kindling an immediate fondness for the Larkspur Community Library Director and her unassuming life. Dobrinska’s skillful use of colorful imagery puts audiences directly in the scene with Greta, whether at the Mugs & Hugs Café sipping a delicious cup of coffee or strolling down Lakeside Drive enjoying a foliage-filled view of the lake. Another gem to be discovered in Dobrinska’s writing is the way she breathes life into the entire cast, whether it be the accused person of the moment or the tertiary character bridging the gap between scenes. Unexpected clues and unlikely suspects are introduced to readers in perfectly timed and well-portioned doses, giving audiences plenty of time to file away the facts, digest the details, and work out the identity of the real killer in step with Greta. In this way, Larkspur, Wisconsin, goes from a fictitious, small town to one of the most fabulously crafted backdrops for a fun, cozy mystery that will charm and captivate all who visit. With a book-loving protagonist, a cleverly imagined supporting cast that includes a fierce feline companion named Biff, and a plot you’ll be fully consumed with, Death Checked Out is as intelligent as it is fun!
