The Tiger's Tale by Kelle Z. Riley

"The Tiger's Tale" by Kelle Z. Riley is an excellent addition to the series! I loved the first two books, and this one adds a tiger cub and college football to an already winning combination...what more could a reader ask for? The primary reason this book is so enjoyable is intelligence, both on the part of the author and the main character, Dr. Bree Watson-Mayfield. Both author and character are PhD scientists, as well as smart, witty, women. Bree is able to hold down a serious, demanding job that is actually a front for some undercover spy work, and apply her common sense and research capabilities to solving the murder that takes place while she is working a temporary staffing assignment. The story itself is interesting and well-paced, with plenty of action interspersed with scenes of Bree actually trying to solve the crime in question using her brain, both alone and with her support team. Unlike many cozy heroines (who often simply go about their lives, ask a few questions here and there, and sometimes stumble over actual clues) Bree tackles her investigation head-on, with a great deal of thought, planning, and organization. She also pro-actively works with the police, comparing notes and discussing theories, which is a welcome change of pace from the typical cozy. Bree's spy boss/potential love interest is out of town for most of this book, which causes her to spend more time with (and consider more seriously) her second love interest, Detective James O'Neill. Bree's dynamic with both men is interesting, and she is attracted to each for different, but valid, reasons. I find this one of the more interesting cozy triangles I've come across, as I honestly cannot pick a favorite! All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I liked all the standard cozy tropes, but appreciated the more intense and serious nature of this mystery. Bree is an entertaining and likable character, and I look forward to her next adventure.