I think yoga instructor and sleuth Kate is a flawed, and therefore very realistic, character. Likewise, the relationship she has with her boyfriend Michael is not perfect and more true to life representing the ups and downs all couples have. The drama brought to the story because of their relationship struggles, as well as the subplot involving Kate's friends, make an interesting diversion from the mystery without distracting too much from it. I think A KILLER RETREAT is a better story because Kate has such a great support system of loved ones.

  As with most cozy mysteries, A KILLER RETREAT has a lot of light and humorous moments to balance out the death and danger. Having the main character under suspicion and trying to prove her innocence adds an extra feeling of intensity to A KILLER RETREAT. Tracy Weber does a good job of making the reader feel Kate's sense of anxiety and desperation. I love how the villains in A KILLER RETREAT are complex characters rather than cookie-cutter predictable ones. The clues scattered throughout the book kept me guessing right up until the very ending.

A KILLER RETREAT is a cozy mystery with textured characters and some good story-telling. There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I look forward to to reading the next Downward Dog mystery to see how things work out for Kate and Michael.

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