In WHO MOVED MY GOAT CHEESE?, Angie Turner is our guide to the town of River Vista, once a farming community and now a dormitory town for Boise. Angie and her friend Felicia Williams, returned from a California venture, have naturally opened a restaurant, called The County Seat. They buy from the local farmers market, a non-profit undertaking. But some think the main street eatery is too corporate. Sure, the two ladies are in it to make a nice living, but its just the two of them, and they buy local. They also make an impression on some single men, but Angie isn't keen on dating.

Angie is setting up supply contracts, including goat cheese from elderly farmer Gerald Moss. He clearly loves his dairy goat herd and understated business, with a beautiful scenic location. So Angie is shocked when the sheriff arrives to tell her Mr. Moss has been killed. I have to say I was sorry myself. Someone isn't unhappy with the news. Senior lady Mrs. Potter, Angie's neighbor, held a longstanding grudge. Clearly the small town harbors old hurts.

I enjoyed seeing the basics of getting a business established. If this doesn't work out, Angie will find herself working in Boise... she'd much rather stay local, even bring in tourism. Sadly she has to justify herself to the farm co-operative, as they don't want to be taken for a ride by someone who doesn't pay for goods. Meanwhile the resourceful Felicia is getting friendly with the winery owners and microbrewers. The pair also have a friendly St. Bernard pup, getting bigger by the day. If this isn't enough for you, toss in a friendly kid goat and look for some scrumptious food ideas. Huckleberry cobbler with black pepper ice-cream being one.

The mystery element is not dramatic so it's quite a gentle tale, full of characters and conversations, past and present. Readers who enjoy cozy mystery series will appreciate that the first book, necessarily, takes time to set up for the rest of the installments, making this a perfect way to get to know River Vista. Enjoy WHO MOVED MY GOAT CHEESE? If you're not sure about the title, it alludes to a business management manual in which two mice find that times change and it's better to know where your cheese comes from before it all gets used. I'll be looking out for the next in Lynn Cahoon's new series about these enterprising young women.

Book Summary