Death by Theft by Abigail Keam is the nineteenth book in the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series. Josiah is happily celebrating the birth of a colt with her closest friends Lady Elsmere and Shaneika. They already have big plans for the young colt and high hopes that he’ll go on to win big at the Kentucky Derby. When the colt is taken and the body of the security guard is found, the owners are frantic to find answers and get their colt back. They have no idea who would be capable of the theft or why anyone would want to harm an innocent animal. Being asked for help, Josiah has no choice but to reach out to her daughter Asa who has secrets of her own. The writing maintains the same elegant style and humor as the previous books in the series. The tone effectively establishes Josiah’s personality and the lighthearted atmosphere delightfully blends mystery with suspense and humor. Abigail Keam continues to charm with an assortment of characters that are charismatic and endearing. Josiah is a great character and her unique ability to stumble upon bodies is a great way to draw her into the mystery. The colt is at the root of the mystery and is an innocent bystander in the situation though Keam gets you concerned about his well-being by letting you see his attitude. Asa is drawn into the fray, which adds elements of suspense. Asa’s life is one of excitement and isn’t tied down to one place, which provides a slight edge to the lighthearted mystery that is seen through Josiah’s perspective. This difference in lifestyles creates an interesting conflict between the two and is a central theme of the story. The tension between parent and child over these choices addresses the complications in this type of relationship. However, both are willing to do whatever it takes to find answers. Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy the style, characters, and twists that Keam weaves together. Death by Theft showcases what makes this such an appealing series with its charm, humor, mystery, and relatable characters.
