Love, Die, Neighbor: The Prequel to the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series

Summary

As the mother of an active toddler and the wife of an often absent husband, Kiki Lowenstein already has both hands full. But when the Lowensteins move into their new house on the same day the construction crew leaves, Kiki must learn to juggle boxes, baby, and big expectations.

Her determination to be a good neighbor hits a roadblock when she angers the Nordstroms, the couple who live next door. Meanwhile, Kiki's mother-in-law is disappointed that Kiki isn't an asset to her son's career. She fusses at Kiki for not being more social. And Kiki's lack of friends only adds to her sense of isolation.

The young mother is overwhelmed cleaning up after the contractors leave and trying to keep up with a toddler who is sticking stray objects up her nose! Life takes a turn for the better when Kiki bumps into a "cleaning professional" (a cleaning lady) in the household products aisle at Home Depot. But is that any way to make friends? Kiki's mother-in-law is not amused.

Things come to an ugly climax when the guy next door, Sven Nordstrom, dies under mysterious circumstances. Sadly, Kiki becomes a suspect. Now this young mother is forced into the one role she never planned on playing: amateur sleuth.