Sophie Redesigned by Karen Dahood

She knows she's smart, but she's bored. When Sophie meets "Sam," a pre-Internet police detective who depends on her professional skills at the Dorado Bay Public Library, she decides to retire and go freelance. He's reluctant to hire her as a consulting researcher until she beats him to the murder scene and knows the victim. They awkwardly proceed to solve the crime with opposing techniques, uncovering a decades-old killing corporation and a religious cult, all in the same dysfunctional family.


SOPHIE REDESIGNED is the first in a series of Sophie and Sam collaborations to solve crimes committed under Sophie's sharp nose for trouble. Elder issues drive the plots while family ties are tested, including Sophie's relationship with her son Robin, who thinks "active retirement" should not mean sneaking around the country for clues. Then there's the problem of growing warmth between two senior citizens who are past their romantic prime. Or are they?
 
Sophie knows nothing good can come of her neighbor being paid to watch the house across the street.  And she is absolutely correct.  Roland Urquardt is found dead in a pond and Sophie is so bored of her librarian retired life she decides to investigate.  Most sleuths need a partner, and Sophie is no exception.  She's always helped police detective Sam with his internet searches at the library, so when she beats him to the scene, he warily agrees to work with her. 
 
The two try to work well together, but it's awkward.  They both try to get to the same destination but by taking different paths.  Then, another neighbor goes missing.  Sophie and Sam step up their investigation and uncover a religious cult and an ancient killing cult. 
 
Sophie and Sam are superb characters.  Just because your over sixty doesn't mean you're dead.  Romance is alluded to, but perhaps they just want companionship? Can't wait to read the next in the series to see what Sophie and Sam get up to next.
 
A superb plot with just the right twist of humor and suspense, complex and likeable characters, seamless writing -- Karen Dahood has penned a wonderful tale.  If you love cozy mysterys, don't miss this one!  I can't wait to lend mine to my mom - she's gonna adore Sophie.