Retro Reading: Plotting at the PTA by Laura Alden
How this series managed to secure a third installment is a “miracle.”
As in the first two installments, this isn’t the most exciting series that’s been written and when you have a main character like Beth Kennedy, well can you spell b-o-r-i-n-g? That’s pretty much summing up the character and the story.
Beth, an owner of a children’s bookstore and PTA secretary at Tarver Elementary, is out making book deliveries after an Easter vacation with her two children.
Her last delivery is to semi recluse Amy Jacobson and hears that the woman is dead. She learns Amy was stung to death. (This is surprising since the weather hasn’t been warm enough for bees at the start of the book.)
Other than Amy’s untimely demise, Beth tries to remain calm as she leads a fundraiser for the PTA. Her project involves the older children interviewing residents of the Sunny Rest Assisted Living for a book.
Deadlines need to be met and Claudia Wolff, the Vice President, tries her hardest to make sure Beth fails.
Of course the book is an overwhelming success and Beth manages to solve Amy’s murder. Her biggest decision is whether or not she should accept the position of President.
What makes matters worse is Alden creates one of the most annoying characters that will make you want to throw the book across the room. Known by all in, Rynwood, Wisconsin, Auntie May. Even though fictional, I couldn’t stand the old coot.
If you’re looking for a cozy series I would think twice about getting involved with the PTA. However, if you have a young adult reader who is looking to transition into ”adult” reading, you may want to consider this as a stepping stone.