Review of Granny Hooks a Crook by Julie Seedorf

If you’re looking for a story to make you laugh and wonder why your life has to be so boring, in comparison, this is a book for you.

Granny leads a secret life in the small, unique community of Fuschia, Minnesota. It’s not just her all junk food diet, multiplying pets, or her shocking bedtime attire that makes Granny one in a million. No, Granny is an undercover cop, charged by “the Big Guy” (the town’s police chief) of preventing theft in local stores. Granny takes her job seriously and daily foils many shoplifters using her trusty spiked umbrella and amazing acting skills. When some startlingly brazen burglaries begin to occur that Granny can’t solve, along with mysteriously appearing bad guys, disappearing clerks, and misplaced Corvettes, Granny begins to wonder if she isn’t ready for the wrinkle farm. Maybe, it’s fortuitous when she accidentally-on-purpose falls in the lap of an attractive older gentleman who is soon roped into her wild adventures, as they try to figure out what’s happening in their little town.

Available on Amazon and through Kindle Unlimited.

Granny, whose real name is Hermiony Vidalia Criony Fiddlestadt (but don’t ever repeat that!), is a most enchanting heroine. She plays the part of frail Granny to throw everyone, her children especially, off the truth that she’s really an undercover officer hired to protect the stores and shops of Fuchsia from miscreants and shoplifters.

The mystery to solve, therefore, is who is behind the robberies at several Fuchsia stores and the related disappearances of several young women. There aren’t a whole lot of suspects for us to consider but there are a lot of elements for us to think about and consider how they may fit together. Motives don’t become clear until towards the end and the gradual revelation of the means is quite intriguing.

In many ways I believe this is a story that can be shared with younger readers. The writing style is quick-paced, humorous and easy to follow. The mystery itself is quite light, some of the anecdotes would appeal to younger readers and the general vibe is one of fun, cutesy entertainment. Admittedly, Granny’s bedtime wardrobe may be a little on the risqué side, but you’ll have to read to see what I mean.

The crazy names, both real and assumed of the characters are a comic element that I think would appeal to a younger audience as well e.g. The Big Guy for the police chief and Mrs. Shrill for the crotchety neighbour.

Granny is a bit of a wild horse and may need just a little encouragement reigning in to keep safe. In that regard, Franklin Gatsby, with his car to match Granny’s may be just the right man for the job. Poor Franklin, wants to know why he couldn’t be interested in a quieter, sweeter woman but he knows that Granny is just what his retired cop sensibilities need.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-read, fun, light cozy series, you should definitely check this one out. It doesn’t pack quite the punch of the heavier cozies but sometimes, you just need the sweet hilarity.

I give Granny Hooks a Crook 3.5/5 espresso shots.