In the second Mrs. Meade mystery by Elisabeth Grace Foley I’ve read, Mrs. Mead has temporarily moved to the Colonial Hotel in Sour Springs. Mrs. Henny has shut down the boarding house where Mrs. Meade normally stays while she travels to see her ill sister. This is a lucky break for shy but steady young cattleman Clyde Renfrew.

Middle-aged widow Mrs. Meade, never one to shy away from helping someone in need, isn’t quite satisfied that Clyde getting liquored up brought about the ruckus at the Colonial. Arrested for unwanted advances toward Dorene Leighton, whose overbearing Aunt Miss Asher insists on restitution from the locked up Clyde, his guilt seems certain. Clyde can’t even remember enough to defend his actions, and because he’s in love with Dorene, figures they must be true.

But Mrs. Meade is bothered by three taps she heard on the wall before the ruckus started. And she can’t understand how a polite young man like Clyde suddenly became so bold. Sheriff Andrew Royal comically accuses Mrs. Meade of “thinking again” because the case against Clyde is open and shut, as far as he’s concerned. Plus he has no desire to tangle with the abrasive Miss Asher! But Mrs. Meade is not so sure, and before it’s all over, she’s helped more than just Clyde.

The Parting Glass is a nice cozy mystery which has a likable protagonist in Mrs. Meade, and an enjoyable setting during western days at the turn of the century. Due to the novelette length of this cozy mystery series, they are just the ticket for bedtime or between bigger books. Perhaps a tick less involving than The Silver Shawl, the first in the series I read, but a warm ending made up for that. Those who enjoy short cozy reads peopled with characters you’ll like, and an unusual setting for a cozy, will definitely want to check out Mrs. Meade. Very enjoyable! ( )