Ellie Avery is settling into winter life at Greenly Air Force Base in Vernon, Washington. There is buzz about the upcoming Frost Fest in February with its "Dreams Take Flight" theme. While visiting the squadron, Ellie runs into Penny Follette. Penny is normally a forgettable woman but looks strangely happy and mentions she wants to talk to Ellie about something. However, Penny is affected by the arrival of the latest flight crew, and Ellie sets out on her way home. It isn't long before Ellie learns Penny is found in her bathtub, dead, an apparent suicide. Ellie doesn't believe Penny would kill herself, especially not after Ellie learns Penny was pregnant. Penny wanted a child more than anything else. Ellie also learns Penny was on her doorstep the day of her death. In the meantime, another squadron member, Lieutenant Georgia Lamar, is poisoned by castor beans that came from a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans Penny handed off to Ellie. Ellie becomes nervous when it seems the Vernon police department have her on their radar and begins to investigate. She uncovers a smuggling ring, and scary things begin to happen to her, such as nearly being run off the road. In the meantime, it seems some of the people Penny was involved with have less than stellar lives. When a second murder occurs, Ellie worries she may be next if she can't solve the puzzle.

I'll be honest. There were a lot of characters in this story to keep straight. Even having read the first book, I had some difficulty keeping everyone sorted out. However, Ellie is a likeable protagonist, if a bit too headstrong (she is a mother to a toddler after all). I did decide to request the next book in the series from my library. ( )

The second in the Mom Zone mysteries was definitely fun with a few wacky scenes that help Ellie Avery solve the murder of one of the military wives and shut down a smuggling ring. No major brain power needed but still entertaining. ( )

Ms. Rosett spins an enjoyable tale of a military spouse wrapped up in yet another murder case. The mystery makes sense from the back end, but the author does a good job of making it seem chaotic at the outset. I also like the realistic way Ellie is portrayed. ( )

http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2007/03/staying-home-is-killer.html ( )