"Theft On Thursday"

"Theft on Thursday is author Ann Purser's 4th book in her Lois Meade mystery series.  In this book Lois has a thriving cleaning business to manage without many personnel issues until she takes on a new cleaner, Sharon, who has a flair for the dramatic, a love of romance novels and an eye for the young men.  However, it's Sharon's actual "wandering" eye which she refuses to have fixed surgically that attracts the attention of a local cult.

In the meantime, there's a new choirmaster, Sandy, who has unclear ties to the newly installed minister he's living with until he finds his own place.  In addition to selling real estate in a nearby town, Sandy turns out to be a bit of a charmer with his eye not only on Sharon but Rebecca as well.  Rebecca and Lois' cleaner, Bill, live together and he's concerned enough to attend choir practice himself just to keep an eye on the situation.  Will this be the end of Bill and Rebecca's romance?

Although Lois' husband, Derek, is wary of her having any involvement again with Chief Inspector Cowgill, Cowgill asks for her help and Lois enjoys the challenge.  Lois and Derek are almost empty nesters but their youngest son, Jamie, is still at home until he leaves for school in the fall.  He's dating Annabelle, the granddaughter of a local wealthy woman, and this romance does not meet with her favor and has Derek and Lois concerned as well.  Since Annabelle may have had ties to the local cult at some level, Cowgill enlists Lois to help him keep an eye on the situation.  When people start dying, though, the investigation takes a more serious turn.

I think this may be my favorite Lois Meade mystery so far as it weaves not only a complicated tale but involves some complicated relationships!  pazt