The Way of the Guilty by Jennifer Stanley (ARC)

Release Date August 31, 2010

Minotaur Books

A Hope Street Church Mystery 
(Book 3)

The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. ~ Proverbs 21:8 

This story brings back Cooper Lee, Cooper's family including her sister Ashley, Cooper's co-workers at Make It Work and the Sunshine Bible Study Group.  

Cooper continues to draw closer to Nathan thinking he may actually be "the one".  But her feelings will be tested.

Make It Work is growing giving Cooper more responsibilities and as if she doesn't have enough on her plate, Ashley finds a body in the trunk of her rental car, which sets in motion a major investigation into her husband's car dealership. Many questions arise and of course Cooper is smack dab in the middle of it.  

This story highlights a lot of the news making headlines today, but I don't want to give too much away. But the ending will surprise you.

This installment to this wonderful series is definitely edgier than the first two books in this series.  I loved it.  You could almost call this story "ripped from the headlines".  The subject matter is current, relevant and believable.

Cooper's life is evolving and we are getting to know our amateur sleuth better and better. The other characters are developing slowly in each story which leaves us wanting more. They are true to their faith and believe there is good in everyone, even the criminals they are trying  to catch, and sometimes this wonderful trait gets them in trouble.  

This story has all the elements important in an excellent cozy - humor, romance, friendship, intrigue and mystery.  All the entities that keep you turning page after page.

This series maybe called Hope Street Church Mysteries and each chapter may begin with a Bible verse, but there are no sermons anywhere is this whodunit.  Each Bible study session moves the participants closer to solving the mystery, while strengthening their faith and friendships, and if they are receiving a little help from a higher power, well we all God works in mysterious ways.  

Oh, don't forget the tasty recipes.

If you haven't already, add Jennifer Stanley to your list of wonderful storytellers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”