Switched at Death by Valerie Taylor is a murder mystery drama that follows Venus Bixby, an entrepreneur living in the charming town of Chatham Crossing. Life has started to get back on track for Venus; her businesses are thriving, she has recently opened her kitty daycare service, and she is beginning to develop a blossoming relationship with her handyman, Budd. The residents are moving on from the murders that once shook their quaint town and are participating in the mayoral elections, which Simon Duffy always wins. As the town celebrates his reelection, an unexpected tragedy occurs with the sudden death of the beloved mayor, shocking the community. A break-in at Bixby’s Dozen further complicates matters and adds to the chaos. In light of these events, Venus teams up with her twin sister and the local police officer, Oscar Donovan, to solve both cases.

Switched at Death is the sequel to Valerie Taylor’s A Whale of a Murder. It’s an entertaining story filled with surprises, humor, and intriguing characters. The narrative is not just a mystery; it also explores themes of community, family dynamics, and personal aspirations. The author skillfully builds suspense by providing insights into various characters' backgrounds and motivations, creating a pool of potential suspects. Venus is an ambitious, curious, and observant woman. Her determination to solve the murder and the break-ins is commendable, and her struggle to balance her personal desires with the investigation adds depth and complexity to the story. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, eagerly wondering who committed the crimes and why. The ending is satisfying and offers an intriguing teaser for the next installment in the series. Overall, this is a must-read for crime and mystery fans.

Switched at Death is A Venus Bixby Mystery by Valerie Taylor. The mayor, Simon Duffy, loses his life at the town's tree lighting ceremony, and his death is an upheaval for his family and the citizens of Chatham Crossing. Venus and her sister, Sherrie, start another "Sisters' List of Suspects" when they realize the event that took the mayor's life could have been a homicide. Venus runs down her list of suspects while attempting to prove the innocence of someone close to her, trying to preserve her wounded friendship with Carole, the mayor's wife, and cleaning up after an event at Oldies & Goodies. There is a deeper mystery surrounding Simon's death, and Venus won't give up until she solves it.

You may not guess the ending to this one until Valerie Taylor reveals it. Taylor leaves plenty of clues, but it's unlikely you will piece everything together until the killer is revealed. According to Budd, Venus's love interest, there are three things you shouldn't break, and one of them led to the terrible event. Venus tells it via her point of view with no-nonsense diction and unwavering confidence, and readers get another perspective when they read Carole's thoughts. Venus is an amusing sleuth, and the other characters are sometimes just as unique, offering readers a full view of Chatham Crossing and the close-knit community. The whaling village faces major changes, and someone you may not expect considers running for mayor. Switched at Death is a great selection for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with strong female characters.

In Valerie Taylor’s novel Switched at Death, the classic elements of a cozy mystery are interwoven with a small-town drama, creating a captivating narrative. The story unfolds in the picturesque Chatham Crossing, where the town is shaken by the unexpected death of its beloved mayor during the annual tree lighting ceremony. The main protagonist, Venus Bixby, is entangled in a web of intrigue as she seeks to uncover the truth behind the mayor’s mysterious demise. Venus Bixby, a local business owner and amateur sleuth, is determined to solve the mystery stemming from her deep community connections and strong sense of justice.

The detailed descriptions of the town and its festive traditions create a backdrop for the darker mystery at the story’s core. Valerie Taylor does an excellent job of pacing, balancing moments of suspense and revelation with lighter, character-driven scenes that deepen the reader’s investment in the community of Chatham Crossing. The supporting cast is well-developed, from the enigmatic Detective Oscar Donovan to Venus’s various townsfolk friends, each adding layers to the plot and providing red herrings that keep the reader guessing. Switched at Death excels in its genre through a blend of engaging storytelling, well-crafted suspense, and a charismatic protagonist. Readers looking for a mystery that captures the warmth of small-town life and the thrill of a good whodunit will find this book delightful. The novel offers a compelling mystery and comments on the dynamics of community life, making it a layered and satisfying addition to any mystery lover's library.

In Switched at Death by Valerie Taylor, Venus Bixby has just opened a new business, a kitty daycare. When the mayor drops dead at the town tree-lighting ceremony – after it all burns down – Venus vows to stay out of things. Although his death was from a heart attack, it takes a while before the truth about what caused it comes out, and as it appears to link to Venus’s bakery, she has to step in. Following the clues, Venus begins to think someone close to her may have killed the mayor. Can she figure out who the murderer is? And can Venus save Christmas for Chatham Crossing?

Switched at Death by Valerie Taylor is the second Venus Bixby novel. I read the first one, and although this could be read as a standalone, reading the first one will give you some insight into the main characters. This is another fun story with plenty of action and adventure, written in a way that makes you feel as though you are in the whaling town of Chatham Crossing. The story builds on the character development from the first book, and you’ll find all the characters easy to relate to and likable. This may be set in a small town, but the plot is worthy of a big city mystery and you’ll be drawn in from the first page. With plenty of red herrings to throw you off the trail, this story will keep you guessing all the way through. Thoroughly enjoyable, but I'd recommend starting with the first book.