Joined by her wacky mother, an English actress whose heyday was many years ago, A.J. arrives in Stillbrook to pick up the pieces of the life Di left.  Di had a successful yoga studio, wrote prolifically for journals, had several books published and a line of organic products.  She also mentored several younger people including Chloe, an addicted teenager and Mike, an Olympic hopeful. 

A.J. is not met with open arms, but rather suspicion and disdain.  The police, including lead detective Jake Oberlin, at first suspect the now very wealthy A.J., Lily, the lead yoga instructor is furious because she thought Di was going to leave the studio to her and the other instructors are a bit worried about their future and that of the yoga studio. 

After assuring them that everything will go on as before, A. J. begins to envision herself spending some time in rural New Jersey to unwind and maybe reinvent her life.  She may have to do it quickly, however, because whoever killed Di may be after A.J. next.  

A.J. is a fun, likable character with wry observations yet she doesn’t cross the line into snarky.  She handles her offbeat mother with grace and patience and though she is still hurt from her recent divorce, realizes that maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to have Andy in her life.  There are a lot of references to healthy eating and healthy living (though A.J. touts the virtues of Pop-Tarts), and some yoga information, but not so much that it becomes boring for those readers not as versed in the subjects. 

The motive for Di’s murder is a little unclear at first, though it is easy enough to guess who did it.  Corpse Pose is an enjoyable, quick mystery with small town charm and a winning new heroine that will appeal to many cozy fans.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry