Reading: IT'S YOUR PARTY, DIE IF YOU WANT TO - Vickie Fee

Having fallen for the characters and sure-footed writing (especially for a debut novel) of the first adventure of party planner Liv McKay and her best friend Di, part two of this well-plotted, humorous cozy mystery series finds Liv with her hands full not only prepping for a riverboat-themed wedding ... but also the town-wide Halloween fundraiser taking place in her hometown of Dixie, Tennessee, which involves a hayride/bonfire, murder mystery dinner, and keeping the little ones occupied while the adults enjoy themselves, as well. Which is why a local businesswoman's retreat seems the best break from the stress, especially when Liv learns the event is drawing back to town a former Dixie resident who has now made a name for herself on television as a ghost hunter. This special guest, Lucinda Grable, is courtesy of Morgan Robinson, daughter of one of the big-shot families in town who is chairing the event. But even money and power can't change Morgan's man-crazy past - or present, it seems, when the affluent bank executive is poisoned at the event and a local herbalist appears to have been framed for her murder. With her own plate already full - beyond work, Liv is also helping Di play matchmaker for their favorite town deputy, while trying to figure out if she can help with what seems a rocky patch in Di's own relationship with the sheriff - but circumstances and ghost hunter/diva Lucinda somehow keep reeling Liv back into the case, through which readers get even more access to some of Dixie's colorful, quirky yet very real residents, the mystery building to a climax that could potentially turn the fundraising murder mystery dinner into the real thing. It was such a pleasure visiting Liv and Di again, and the book's insights into how party planners operate was informative and fun. But what really sets up a great cozy series are characters you love and well-plotted mysteries, and book two of the adventures of Liv and Di keeps you debating on the killer until the end - with, most importantly, the whole story set in a world that feels refreshingly and comfortably real. Onto book three!  4.5/5 stars