cover image Madness in Miniature: A Miniature Mystery

Madness in Miniature: A Miniature Mystery

Margaret Grace. Perseverance (SCB, dist.), $15.95 trade paper (246p) ISBN 978-1-56474-543-9

Even this cozy series' longtime fans may find that miniaturist and retired teacher Geraldine "Gerry" Porter's seventh outing (after 2012's Mix-up in Miniature) lacks some of its predecessors' charm. Summer in the Northern California town of Lincoln Point has already been disturbed by the imminent grand opening of crafting superstore SuperKrafts, before being shaken by an earthquake and by the murder of SuperKrafts executive Craig Palmer III. Gerry has inside knowledge of the case thanks to her nephew, LPPD detective Skip, and her position as community liaison to SuperKrafts. With help from Maddie, her 11-year-old granddaughter, Gerry looks into such suspects as local ceramics store owner Bebe Mellon and local-made-good Catherine Duncan, a SuperKrafts representative. Grace also explores developments in Gerry's family, including an upcoming wedding and a tween-age crisis for Maddie. However, the likable characters and setting don't fully compensate for the slight, repetitive mystery plot. (Apr.)