Widowed, retired and with grown children living on their own, Eugeena Patterson searches for ways to make her life less mundane. For three years she headed her neighborhood watch and just recently a handsome widower, Amos Jones moves in next door and they both are interested.

On one of Eugeena's daily walks she notices her once close friend's dog running loose in the yard. Knowing that's unusual, she looks into the situation and discovers her friend dead. Still shaken from the murder so close to home, Leesa, Eugeena's daughter visits with her children, but disappears without any explanation, leaving Eugeena to take care of her grandchildren. Determined to find out who murdered her estranged friend, she also probes into the whereabouts of her daughter disappearance and why.

I enjoyed this first in the Eugeena Patterson mystery series. Eugeena's character was relatable. I connected well with her character, because I'm a mother and grandmother and will do whatever it takes to protect the ones I love. Most of the characters were represented well, but a couple of them
I wished were developed more. Whenever Eugeena and Amos were together, I felt a smile cross my face.

I was pleased with the beginning of the story. No fluff to build up to the plot, straight to the point. The story flowed smoothly without any need to read over or skip pages to find out what happened next. However, discovering the murderer needed more strength. I knew who it was right away in the story and I like to be challenged.

If you enjoy a good, warm cozy mystery or a mystery in general, I recommend Deep Fried Trouble. A story of friendship, family and a sprinkle of romance.

Joyce was born late in life to her parents. Living in Alabama in the 1930's during the Jim Crow era, her parents did well for themselves as Black owners of a grocery store in their predominately black neighborhood.  They adored Joyce and did their best raising her and giving her the best. Joyce's parents showered her with praises for being intelligent and a hard worker, but berated her for not being married and unattractive.

While on one of Joyce's weekly visits to her father's store, she's introduced to Odell, who works stocking shelves.  A swindler and fast talker, Odell needed money and working as stock boy wasn't going to make him rich quick.  His ticket of out poverty is staring him in the face and the charm begins.  Life is going well for the married couple until lies, deceit and blackmail takes center stage.

I didn't like one character in the book.  Joyce's parents not once cared about her feelings with their underhand compliments.  Joyce's high-and-mighty attitude....hmmm...maybe that's her defense mechanism since people were always looking down at her, prevents her from noticing her tranquil life is about to be shaken.  Odell's character is straight out conniving.

Mary Monroe is one of my favorite authors.  Her writing is descriptive and pulls you into the characters.  Her plots are well thought and engaging.  For me One House Over fell short.  The story was rushed and unexciting.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.