American/Cozy Mysteries

For one thing, Nick doesn't seem to be feeling well, but he can't or won't explain why to Stella. For another, the end of the concert brings an unexpected explosion, the hasty and chaotic evacuation of the concert hall, and the eventual discovery of a dead body. This is all pretty standard mystery stuff except for the fact the Clemens gives the rock band a real feeling of credibility; she gives the dairy farm a feeling of credibility and reality; and she gives the various relationships in the novel, but especially Stella and Nick's, a real depth and complexity. In fact all of the characters are very recognizably complicated and understandable humans, so as she veers from the light hearted - Stella trying on various bridesmaids' dresses - to the more serious, Nick's illness, all of it is handled with the same expertise.

As the story progresses the reader may become a bit annoyed with Stella's behavior towards Nick - I wouldn't want to give too much away, here - but at the same time her reaction isn't the one a plaster saint would have, but the one an actual woman would have. Now Stella does have some of the more saintly mystery heroine qualities - she's very strong and brave, and she's an incredibly loyal friend, especially to Jordan, who falls under suspicion for the murder - but all in all she seems like a person you might not only actually know, but a person you would want to know. Stella Crown makes checking in with the next Judy Clemens installment a real necessity.