The MC Wanda, a very active widow living in a small Texas town, is loveable and very human, but she always means well. She has a reputation for being nosy and jumping to conclusions, but after a burglary in a nearby city is convinced her sleepy little town needs a neighborhood watch program, especially when several suspicious goings-on point to the possibility that the burglars are hiding out right under their noses!
Complicating the situation is Wanda's beloved nephew Todd, who is a rookie cop in town. Their close relationship is threatened by Todd's concern that Wanda's meddling will either get him fired or get her in serious trouble. There are many fun and relatable characters, including Wanda's best friend and many other townspeople. Even with all the names, it was easy to keep them straight because the author has done such a great job of making each one memorable!
The title comes from the shared love of Scrabble that Wanda and Todd share, and the initial game in which they play several apparently unrelated words that turn out to be clues to the mystery of the burglars. I love the use of a Scrabble tile for the scene breaks! And most of all, I loved the slice of small town life which made me homesick (in a good way) for the one I had to leave behind.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, Scrabble, or just enjoy a good read with characters who will become new friends, check out Word Has It! Though it's a standalone novel, the author has left room for further adventures of Wanda and her friends in the new neighborhood watch program. As a bonus, there are recipes included from the tea party that had to be cancelled. I hope there will be another opportunity for the widowed friends to have their party!
