Bogged Down

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the premise at first—another ‘big-city escapee solves a murder’ setup? But *Bogged Down* won me over by the first ferry scene. Lew isn’t some amateur sleuth with a dark past; she’s a relatable mess trying to rebuild her life, and her detective work feels less like a calling and more like a *very* bad habit she can’t quit. The murder itself is cleverly plotted, with red herrings that actually make sense (no random twins or lost wills here), but the real joy is the island’s atmosphere. Stuart nails the rhythm of small-town life, where everyone knows your business but no one agrees on the facts. Kozak’s performance elevates the material immeasureably. Her Lew sounds like she’s two cups of coffee into her day—sharp but slightly frayed—and her timing with the book’s dry humor is *chef’s kiss*. That said, the pacing stumbles in the middle; a subplot about Lew’s love life feels tacked on, and the ferry-related delays (while realistic) start to drag. And while the ending ties up neatly, one character’s sudden confession lacks the buildup it deserves. Still, the audiobook’s production is flawless—no jarring edits or volume shifts—and Kozak’s ability to make even minor characters memorable (shoutout to the conspiracy-theorist barista) keeps the energy high. If you love cozies with *bite* and a setting that’s practically a character, this is your next listen. Just maybe skip if you’re allergic to quirk; Vashon’s weirdness isn’t a garnish, it’s the main course.