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Bloody Bonsai is the first Peter Abresch novel, with retiree James P. Dandy and his lady friend Dodee Swisher attending a bonsai convention where one of the master practitioners is found dead in his hotel room. The retiree-as-detective form is well-trodden but Abresch handles it with the right balance of dignity and curiosity.
The bonsai material is the pleasure. Abresch clearly cares about the hobby and writes it as a serious craft with serious internal politics. The relationship between Dandy and Dodee, both widowed and feeling their way into a new partnership, is sketched with care.
Three stars. A reliable cozy that does what its readers want. Recommended to readers who enjoy retiree-amateur protagonists.
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