Jane has an immediate dislike to Ivy’s boyfriend Johnny, but is too busy with the conference to worry about him. When Jane realizes he has been keeping company with another guest at the retreat, she is concerned about Ivy’s choice for a possible mate. But before Jane is able to express her concern, Ivy is found murdered with an ice pick and Johnny is seen being chased off by a man with a gun.

Now Jane feels very responsible for her old friend’s death and vows to find the killer, regardless of the cost.

While Icing Ivy is a fun, fast-paced cozy, the premise of mother and daughter being murdered several years apart after spending time with Jane may be a bit hard to believe. That said, this is another delightful entry into the Jane and Winky series. Usual feline sidekick Winky and precocious son Nick are absent as Winky prepares to give birth. Also missing is Jane’s sidekick from the agency, Daniel, who often provides support and grounding for Jane. Jane is becoming an independent woman as she slowly recovers from her husband’s death, but is still often reflective and sad from time to time.

A mystery set at a writer’s conference can only mean more fun and there are plenty of book details to entice readers and draw them in. The mystery is carefully drawn and the ending a surprise as Jane is able to neatly wrap everything up just in time for Winky’s impending delivery. Icing Ivy is a fun quick read for cat lovers and mystery lovers alike.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry