Book Review: The Diva Digs up the Dirt

Title:  The Diva Digs Up The Dirt
Author:  Krista Davis
Pages:  281
Publication Date:  2012
Version:  Paperback
Genre:  Adult Fiction (Mystery)

Summary Via Goodreads.com:
"Trouble in spades... Determined not to be a garden-variety diva, Sophie Winston's neighbor, Natasha, cultivates a plan to shine on television--using Sophie's backyard. As the cast and crew of the makeover show "Tear It Up With Troy" bulldoze through her backyard--and vacation--Sophie retreats to her perennial boyfriend Wolf's to replace a dead rose bush. But her tender deed goes awry when she digs up a purse belonging to Wolf's missing wife. As speculations sprout, Wolf bolts, and then a body crops up in a garden. Is Wolf's thorny past raising a dead head? This is one case the domestic diva can't let wither on the vine..."

My Review:

This is the first book I have ever read by this author or from this series.  Usually I steer clear of books in the middle of a series because I am worried that I will be lost.  The plot just sounded way too good for me to do that this time though.  With some apprehension I picked up this book, hoping against all hope, that it would wow me and not make me regret my decision to just jump into the series.  I was not at all disappointed!  There were a few things that may have made a bit more sense had I have read previous books, but they were minute details in the big scheme of the book as a whole.  Things that may have been from other books were explained very well, but not dwelled on to the extent of boring if you had read previous books in the series.  

The characters had to be some of my absolute favorites!  They were so well developed and had such big personalities!  I love Sophie and her gaggle of friends.  The small town setting seals the deal of feeling like I could relate to the book and characters.  I also was a huge fan of the many mysteries in one book.  There was a main one, but also a few sub mysteries that made the book all that much better.  There was the missing wife, the mystery of who was trying to kill who in a prominent household, a the if mystery, and all the dynamics of relationships that were being played out.  It was just an amazing and great read!  I came to feel as though I lived on Sophie's street and was becoming part of her friend circle.  I started feeling the emotions that the characters were going through as the mysteries unraveled and were solved.  I was there!

This book had great writing all the way around.  I also found it a nice twist to have the garden help questions and answers before the start of every chapter.  Very unique, but it worked very well.  The details of this book were so vivid!  That's why I truly felt as though I was IN the book WITH the characters.  It was intense yet homey feeling.  Love love love!!  If you are looking for a great read, look no further!  This is a must must must read book!

5/5 Stars!!!