Layla is taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Though try telling that to the group of local ladies who are in relentless pursuit of Layla as their new BFF, determined to make her join them for coffee and donuts.
Meanwhile, since her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla’s trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It’s not easy competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer, while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But Layla isn’t in a position to turn down any gig. Which is why she’s at an 8-year-old’s birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last . . .
Who would want to kill a clown—and why? Layla and her unshakable posse are suddenly embroiled in the seedy underbelly of the upper-class world of second wives and trust fund kids, determined to uncover what magnetic hold a pudgy, balding clown had over women who seem to have everything they could ever want. Then again, Layla knows full well that people are rarely quite what they seem—herself included . . . (Summary via Goodreads)
Libby Klein is the author of the very popular and well loved Poppy McAllister Mystery series and with nine books in the series there is a lot to love. She has provided readers with great storylines, lovable and quirky characters, unique murders and so much more. I know, as a fan who has read all of the books in this series, I would read anything Libby wrote.
Vice and Virtue is the first book in her new Layla Virtue Mystery series and although it is quite different than the Poppy series, there are similar aspects readers will appreciate. Both main characters are strong women who need to be reminded of that in order for them to believe it, they both are works in progress also. Where Poppy has her Aunt Ginny who tries her every nerve, Layla has her father who does that. Poppy has a small supportive group of friends and family to help her navigate life where Layla has been pushing everyone away but is starting to change that.
Okay let's talk about Vice and Virtue ..... Main character Layla is living in a run down trailer park after losing her job as a police officer, working on getting her life back on track with attending AA meetings as well as getting whatever gigs she can get as a singer/guitarist.
Unfortunately while working at a kid's birthday party for a rich family, the clown they hired to entertain the kids dies. It looks like it was a heart attack but Layla soon learns that it wasn't. She has a brief encounter with her old precinct which almost pushes her over the edge. And to make matters worse, there are a few ladies in her AA meeting that want to be friends with her, she has a hard time with trusting people, but ends up letting them in and they begin to "investigate" Chuckles the Clown's murder .... off the record of course.
In Vice and Virtue there is a lot going on but Libby writes it so beautifully that you have no trouble keeping up. I know when I read a book and get really into it, I can picture the scenes, the people and everything else. The stage is set perfectly for whatever books follow in this series.
I have left out some key components within this book because I want you to have as much fun as I had when you read it. I can't tell you everything now, can I ??
Yes the Layla Virtue Mystery series is quite a bit different from the Poppy McAllistey Mystery series and that's good. It allows readers to see another side to the author and really we never know what authors have bouncing around in their brains .....
So go grab your copy of Vice and Virtue and let me know what you think. Happy Reading !!!!
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