Tracking Tilly - (Red Truck Mysteries) by Janice Thompson (Paperback)

This was a story that became close to my heart. The main female character, RaeLyn, loved her grandfather and wanted to keep his memory alive. She associates lots of her fond memories with the red truck that her grandfather bought new. After he passed away and the family found their financial situation dire, they had to sell the truck. RaeLyn had been saving money for a while hoping to be able to find the truck and buy it back. When she found out the seventy year old rusty truck was going on the auction block she was determined to outbid any interested buyers. She eventually gets the truck and pays way more than she planned. Before she can pick it up the next morning it disappears. High school boyfriend Mason steps in and offers to help her in her search. There are so many possible suspects. Not only those that bid against her but some community members. I felt for RaeLyn. I could understand her despair in losing so much of her hard earned money. Also her dream of owning her grandfather’s truck left her in tears. Wonderful characters within, a mystery to solve, and family relationships explored. I sure would love to taste one of Bessie Mae’s suppers. She even has the recipe in the back of the book for her dewberry cobbler. Throughly enjoyed my time reading this novel, and I love the cover! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson shares the tale of RaeLyn and her grandfather’s beloved antique truck. Her grandfather sold the truck years ago to help pay for his cancer treatments. Her grandfather then passed without ever seeing his truck again. RaeLyn has always dreamed of restoring the beloved truck. RaeLyn wins the truck at an auction spending more than she anticipated. Arrangements are made for the truck to come home. However just before it is to be towed the truck is stolen. RaeLyn and her close knit family spend their time looking for the beloved vehicle. Mason, RaeLyn's former boyfriend, has also recently moved to town. He offers to help with the truck restoration but with the truck stolen he finds new ways to catch up and interact with RaeLyn. Tracking Tilly has great story elements and twists and turns. I did not anticipate how the mystery would end. I did enjoy this cozy fiction, suspense, mystery, Christian story. A great enjoyable read.

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson is a sweet story. I liked that RaeLyn wanted to purchase her grandfather’s old truck, Tilly, which held so many memories for her. RaeLyn has a great family. I enjoyed getting to know RaeLyn, her family, friends, and townspeople. I liked the Texas charm. From the Hadley farm to the charming small town with its friendly residents. RaeLyn gets to reconnect with Mason, an old friend, at the auction and romance blossoms. When Tilly is stolen, RaeLyn is determined to get the truck back. She asks questions and searches for clues. The mystery, though, is not at the forefront of the story (it is back behind life on the farm, setting up the antique store in the barn, and getting reacquainted with Mason). You can tell how much Tilly means to RaeLyn and the rest of the Hadley clan. Tracking Tilly is a story that will leave you smiling. Tracking Tilly is a feel-good tale with a family farm, an animated auction, a startling theft, tracing a truck, setting up a shop, a chance at romance, surprising secrets, and close-knit community.

RaeLyn Hadley has spent every penny she had to win a ferocious bidding war to get back her grandfather's ancient red truck, Tilly. Missing for many years, it was a fluke to find Tilly had re-surfaced, and was being auctioned. Now, RaeLyn, has been told Tilly was taken (stolen) from the auction house's parking lot. Suspects abound, starting with the ones who bid against RaeLyn which include her old boyfriend, Mason. Recently returned to town, Mason, and her relationship ended on a sour note when he started dating her best friend--former best friend, that is. Other possibilities include the richest guy in town, Clayton, who is disliked by almost everyone; the auctioneer’s ex-wife, Meredith; and Wyatt, an old man scorned by her family. This is a serious mystery that will keep you on your toes while trying to figure it out. The tale is also full of fun, local characters, and Texas charm. Small town life, and faith round out this excellent, five-star story. Tracking Tilly, a story which stands on its own, is book one in a new series. I can't wait for the next installment. This will tickle your funny bone, while giving your sleuthing skills a work-out. Fans of mystery, humor, and well-written tales will enjoy this book. Don't miss it! Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

This is the first book in a new series from author Janice Thompson and it's a great introduction to The Little Red Truck Mysteries. This enjoyable story showcases family, memories, and the secrets that are often a part of those memories, and it's filled with drama, a light mystery, and second chances. I recommend Tracking Tilly to all who enjoy romantic cozy mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.