New Release Book Review: Digging Up Dirt by Pamela Hart

I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery type novel, not a genre I read a lot of, I have a few favourite authors in this genre, so it was nice to add a new one to that list.

I enjoyed Poppy McGowan’s character, I liked that she didn’t have it all together and wasn’t perfect, I loved that she felt strongly about different topics and wasn’t afraid to stand up for those beliefs.

Poppy was a fun character who most people liked, but she wasn’t bothered if they didn’t, she was who she was even when being investigated for murder by the police.

There was a full cast of characters in this novel, Poppy and her crew from the ABC, her friend Annie and her ex-coworkers from the museum, including Julieanne who is found dead in her house, the members of the Australian Family Party (a party I wouldn’t vote for if you paid me, and I’m glad Poppy felt the same way), and the members of the Radiant Joy Church, (another group of people I’d have no time for), who overlap with those from the political party, (I think religion should never play a part in politics, but that will never happen).

There was plenty of humour, a dash of romance and plenty of mystery once Julieanne’s body is found in Poppy’s house. I felt for Poppy when first some old bones put her renovation of hold and then Julieanne’s death compounds that, but I liked how even though she was unhappy, she took it pretty much in her stride while doing her best to help track down the murderer and managing to get some insider scoops for the ABC on her way.

This was a fun read, which kept me completely engaged, I had my suspicions about who the murderer was, but I wasn’t 100% correct. There are a few topical issues raised along the way and I appreciated Poppy’s thought’s on these. I look forward to more Poppy McGowan mysteries in the future.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.