Book Review: Hang 'Em High

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Authors' Website: http://www.tristipinkston.com

About the Book:

When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith's dude ranch in Montana, she's excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?

My Review:
First of all, for those who don't already know, a cozy mystery is a book involving a crime solver (generally a woman) who is an amateur sleuth.  It usually takes place in a small setting where the suspects know each other, and with characters you could envision as neighbors or friends.  The amateur sleuth is a likable character who is usually not taken very seriously.  Cozies are often written in a series, giving the reader time to fall in love with the characters.  Tristi Pinkston has accomplished all of this and more in her Secret Sisters mystery series.

Hang 'Em High is the third book in the series.  It's a fun read as Ida Mae and her cohorts, Arlette and Tansy, visit a Montana dude ranch.  In no time at all, they're sleuthing around trying to solve a mystery before it's too late.

The reader can't help falling in love with these little old ladies and their hilarious antics as they unknowingly gets themselves into difficult situations.  The book is humorous, and I found myself chuckling throughout the entire thing.  Hang 'Em High also includes some tender moments between Ida Mae and her son, Keith.  I think this is what made it my favorite book in the series so far, as it added depth to the story.

Tristi Pinkston is an outstanding author.  She has a well-developed voice and is an expert at characterization.   Throw in her amazing sense of humor, and you'll wish her stories extended far beyond the last page.  But lucky for you, there are two more books in the series which will be published soon.

Hang 'Em High can be purchased online at Deseret Book or Amazon.

Tristi is seriously one of the most talented people I know.  Not only is she a succesful author, but she's the mother of four beautiful children whom she homeschools, a cheerleader (no, not the short skirt and pom-poms kind) and friend, and the most awesome editor around!  I know because she was mine.  If you are a writer or know one, please read the details about Tristi's contest below.  She's giving away an amazing prize.

Contest Details:

To celebrate the release of Tristi's eighth book, she's holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you're not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend.