‘Bout to Dye in Birmingham, By Beth Hamer Miles

Full disclosure, I went to Killer Nashville and met this author on my way out of the event. She was so nice and friendly, just like her main character, Maggie. Being born less than a month apart and with similar ideas on the publishing world, I was curious to see what she wrote. I was not disappointed! Looking for my writer’s mojo, I have been diving into new books and searching for the golden key, inspiration. Enjoy this review of Beth Hamer Miles’s Cousins Cozy Mystery and then buy the audio. It’s a great listen.

‘Bout to Dye in Birmingham, by Beth Hamer Miles, is a lively, fast-paced mystery featuring an amateur sleuth who juggles her roles as a speech therapist, wife, and mother of three adult children. With zany characters, eccentric style, and a best-buddy cousin sidekick, this fun, twisty-turning mystery is a must-read.

I opted for the audiobook version due to my busy schedule, but quickly found myself hitting play every chance I got. The narration drew me in, making it easy to get lost in the story.

Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel offers gentle reflections on recent events. The topic is handled with a light, neutral tone—never heavy-handed—bringing an added layer of realism and depth to the story. While there’s nothing humorous about a pandemic, the book’s charm lies in its storytelling and the delightful quirks of small-town life.

The title is catchy, and there’s never a dull moment. If you enjoy the witty mysteries of Janet Evanovich or Jana DeLeon, you’ll love this cozy, amateur sleuth adventure with its well-structured plot and irresistible rhythm.

(AI edited)