Cold Clay is the second book in the Shady Hollow cozy mystery series by Juneau Black. I’ll be reviewing this book in this article.
This month, I’m reviewing all the Shady Hollow series books 1 – 5. Recently, I reviewed the first book in the Shady Hollow series. You can also find the third Shady Hollow book review on my blog, Mirror Lake. Today, I’m reviewing book two in the Shady Hollow Series, Cold Clay.
Here are the books in the Shady Hollow Series (so far):
- Shady Hollow
- Cold Clay
- Mirror Lake
- Twilight Falls
- Summers End
Summary
This cozy mystery novel continues the adventures of Vera Vixen, an inquisitive fox and journalist living in the small woodland village of Shady Hollow.The tranquil life in Shady Hollow gets disrupted with the discovery of a dead moose. When the body is suspected to be Joe’s missing wife, Vera’s keen instincts suggest foul play.
Determined to uncover the truth, she delves into the investigation.The story revolves around the discovery of the remains of a moose, who had been missing for years, buried under a tree. As Vera investigates, she uncovers secrets about Joe’s past. Joe is a moose who owns and runs the town’s café, Joe’s Mug, in Shady Hollow along with his son, Joe Jr.
Vera must learn about the village residents and their pasts. She must also find out what happened to Joe’s wife, who disappeared years ago. Did she leave to seek a better life? Or are her remains under the tree? Vera must unravel a tangled web of motives and suspicions. The more Vera investigates, the more she learns about the moose’s complex past and her connection with Joe.
In the end, Vera’s persistence pays off as it did in the first novel. Vera uncovers the true culprit and restores peace to Shady Hollow once again. The ending is satisfying. It leaves readers wanting more adventures in the quaint, curious village. “Cold Clay” is a charming read. Its mix of mystery, humor, and lovable characters makes readers eager for “Mirror Lake,” the third book.”
Main Characters
Vera Vixen: A clever and determined fox who works as a reporter for the local newspaper. She is the protagonist and leads the investigation into Otto’s death.
Octavia Grey: A Mink who runs the town’s new etiquette school
BW Stone: Skunk and editor of the Shady Hollow Herald and Vera’s boss.
Lenore: A raven, Vera’s best friend, and owner of the town’s bookstore, Nevermore Books. Get the pun? It’s punny. Lenore provides valuable help during the investigation.
Lefty: A raccoon and a known town thief.
Heidegger: An owl and professor.
Gladys Honeysuckle: Town gossip.
Joe: A moose who owns and operates the local coffee shop.
Joe Jr: Joe’s son
Julia: A moose, Joe’s Wife
Chief Meade: A bear who is the police chief of Shady Hollow. He is a lazy police chief and rarely shows up to work.
Deputy Orville: Hardworking police bear. He will be a more important character throughout the Shady Hollow series.
Anastasia and Esmeralda von Beaverpelt: The two beaver daughters of Reginald von Beaverpelt.
Edith von Beaverpelt: Wife of Reginald von Beaverpelt.
Sun Li: A Giant panda with a mysterious past. He also runs the town restaurant, The Bamboo Patch.
Howard Chitters: An accountant mouse and a father to many litters of mice he needs to provide for.
These characters, with their unique personalities and roles within the village, create a rich tapestry of interactions and relationships that drive the narrative of “Shady Hollow.”
Cozy Mystery Rating:
Characters: 5 Stars
Setting 4 Stars
Plot 4 Stars
Pacing 4 Stars
Overall Rating: 4.25
Are you on Good Reads? Let’s be Good Reads friends! If you enjoyed this list, be sure to check out my profile for more cozy mystery recommendations and reviews. If you enjoyed this book review, I have many more on my blog.
Best,
Anita