Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson

 Domestic drama and thriller focusing on sisterhood and revenge. 

Penny Albright is a rookie police officer in Georgia, a career path she chose after her twin sister, Nix, died of a drug overdose when she fell apart as the result of a traumatic sexual assault. While responding to her very first homicide scene, Penny is stunned to find that the victim is Danny Bowery, one of the three men responsible for her sister's downward spiral. 

While searching the area, Penny finds a woman named Thalia Gray covered in blood and holding the box cutter that had just killed Danny. Instead of arresting her, Penny hesitates when Thalia utters the word, "sisters." Penny gets it into her head that this woman knew or was connected to Nix.  Penny lets Thalia escape. 

From then on, Penny is on a mission to uncover who Thalia is and why she is seeking vengeance for her sister's death. 

This was a character driven mystery thriller that tries to balance a personal vendetta with a crime investigation. Since Penny steps away from the police and her job, this is all focused on her own investigative skills and judgement. There is a lot of emphasis on internal conflict, right and wrong, and doing what needs to be done. Penny has a lot of grief and guilt and she makes some bad decisions putting herself and her family at risk. It's kind of a slow burn with all the extraneous family dynamics and some repetition with how much she misses Nix and how she can't get over her death. But then the second half takes off and it all comes together with some surprising twists. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator was the author herself, which was a first for me. I really think, that although Joshilyn did a decent job, that the production would have benefited from a full cast. And, full disclosure, the way she voiced the character of Thalia got on my last nerve -- too breathy for my taste. She deftly handled the southern accents typical of Georgia natives.  I do feel, however, that the immersive experience of listening and reading really enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: murder mystery, twins, sexual assault, sex trafficking, drugs, family, police procedural, suspense, crime thriller, revenge, moral quandary 

Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman

 Atmospheric locked room mystery that is steeped in Greek mythology and hints at the dark underbelly of the antiquities trade.

Maia Gold is a museum supervisor who wrote a successful debut novel years ago during an exclusive writers' retreat on Eris, a private Greek island. That week ended in bitter personal betrayal, however, involving her boyfriend, Ian, and her new best friend, Annika. Maia's novel, based on that drama, ultimately ended her writing career. 

Now it's 15 years later, and billionaire Argos Alexander invites a few of the original cohort back to the island. When all arrive, the host is missing but has left instructions with the housekeeper for a writing contest. They retreat to their rooms to try their chances at winning the promised prize but in the morning, instead of Argos waiting to give out awards, they find his dead body. 

Of course, there's no phone or any means of communication. They are trapped on the island. As suspensions fester and another body is discovered, Maia must figure out the secrets hidden on the island. Fortunately, she has expertise in Greek mythology and uses that knowledge to guide her quest.

This was quite the lesson in Greek mythology (unfortunately not a subject that I am familiar with) and sometimes it seemed way too much. The pacing relies on a shifting timeline between several discrete periods -- the distant past when Maia's parents were on the island, when the first writers' retreat occurred, and now in the present with the return. With so few characters, it was easy to sort quickly who the probably villain must be. It's a whodunit, but definitely has a lot of intellectual subplots and extraneous information that overwhelms the narrative. The fast-paced action scenes and the descriptions of some parts of the island were quite over the top, but the book was entertaining even as it was predictable. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Kirsten Potter, had quite a time with all the characters as she tried to voice both male and female characters without sounding exaggerated. Although she did a decent job, a full cast or at least a male and female speaker for those parts would definitely have balanced out the dialog a little better. I always enjoy listening to a book while reading because it allows me to fully immerse myself in the story and enhances my enjoyment of the book.

3.5 stars

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: writers, antiquities, Greek mythology, murder, manipulation, Greek island 

The Trad Wife’s Secret by Liane Child

 Behind the filter — the #tradwife exposed in this psychological and domestic suspense thriller.

On her idyllic Montana homestead, Madison March is the ultimate social media commodity: a flawless, apron-wearing “triad wife baking sourdough for her rancher husband, Michael, and their four adorable children. Over a million followers crave her aesthetic. But when Cally, a tutor feeling her own mistakes, enters the home, the flawless filter starts to slip. Told through 3 fractured perspectives: the ruthlessly curated Madison, the desperate tutor Cally, and Brianna, a young girl trapped in a parallel homesteading nightmare. 

This novel un peels the toxic, high level deception behind the lens of influencers. In the March house, submission isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s a survival tactic.

This novel offered an interesting look at the dark side of internet influencer culture and the modern homesteading movement, but it ultimately fell into predictable patterns and required a huge suspension of disbelief at the coincidences and connections. The atomosphere was tense and the ominous behavior of Michael was threatening and unsettling as he exerts his dominance and control. The contrast between the online image and the grim reality provided a good setup for the expectation of bad things to come. The final chapters really were over the top stretching believability a huge step too far. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Lauryn Allman, did a good job of voicing the many characters in this novel and tried to keep accents and tones such that they did not blend together and retrained some individuality. Since most of the characters were women and children, she had a lot to keep straight. I always think a story like this would benefit from a full cast especially to have at least one solid male voice. Listening always enhances my enjoyment of the book as it creates an immersive experience. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: suspense, tradwife, domestic abuse, infertility, assault, social media influencer, mother, children, murder

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

 A wonderful character driven drama that avoids typical thriller cliches and defies categorization.

Elsie Fitzpatrick is an 81-year-old woman living a quiet life in a Melbourne suburb. Her peace is shattered when she goes to the aid of a neighbor only to find him dead on the kitchen floor. The police investigate and uncover Elsie’s true identity; she is actually Mabel Waller. In 1954, at the age of 15, she became the youngest person convicted of murder in Australian history. She was known to the public as Mad Mabel. As notoriety once again revisits, Elsie decides to tell her side of the story to a pair of YouTubers. 

The narrator I’ve alternatives between Elsie’s childhood in the 1950s and her present-day reality. The very large personality that is Elsie is blunt, grumpy, unbothered by social niceties, and extremely cynical and funny. I actually laughed out loud so many times at her comments and responses to people and situations. When a book makes me laugh, I’m so much more invested and I could not put this down. I kept guessing, and hoping, with the slow build to the reveal of Elsie’s actual crime and her victim. The characters came to life on the page and the story was well balanced between the dark themes and the humor. I was not expecting to like this as much as I did and definitely recommend it.

I was lucky enough to be able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Hannah Fredericksen (young Mabel in the 1050s) and Jenny Seedsman (81-year-old Elsie in present day) were absolutely fabulous. It was also tricky for them, I’m sure, to do the child parts as those never quite sound right. Both did a marvelous job of giving life to Mabel’s story and I enjoyed the immersive experience that enhanced my appreciation of the book. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: contemporary, mystery, thriller, drama, murder, abuse, sexual assault, childhood trauma, suicide

Murder Will Out by Jennifer K. Breedlove

 Small town whodunit and a classic ghost story.

Graduate student and talented organist Willow Stone returns to Little North island off the coast of Maine for the memorial service of her estranged godmother, Sue. Willow soon discovers that Sue’s recent death before her imminent wedding might not have been accidental. Sue had inherited Cameron House, a large local mansion rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of its previous owners. When Willow overhears a threat directed at the next heir to the estate, she realizes that someone on the island is desperate enough to kill for the property that legally has to go to a Cameron heir. To uncover the truth, Willow navigates a tight knit community filled with greed and secrets. 

Although I’m definitely not a fan of paranormal anything, this worked in a crazy way with the Gothic atmosphere, the big old mansion with its secret passageways, and with the ghosts hanging about in the rooms. The mystery got a bit convoluted about who was related to whom, and definitely predictable with final revelations. Several murders threw up some red herrings, but the close group of women determined to figure out the truth was successful after a lot of misdirection. It was entertaining enough that I read it in a single sitting.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Gail Shalan, had a huge job voicing all those characters and trying to give each a sense of individuality. I must confess, however, that she got overly dramatic and used a very shrill voice much too often with several of those female characters. She used several different accents and was fairly consistent throughout the production. This is definitely a book that would greatly have benefitted with a full cast recording. I always enjoy a book a little more when I listen while I read. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: ghosts, murder, mystery, cozy, paranormal, lesbian relationships, legacy and birthright, inheritance, Gothic mansion

Where the Truth Lies by Katherine Greene

 Simmering small town noir and domestic suspense.

On the surface, high school sweethearts Rhett Clark and Lucinda Herbaugh enjoy an idyllic life in their quiet Kentucky town, complete with a beautiful little girl and a lovely home. Their stable foundation, however, is built on deception. Right before their wedding fifteen years prior, an outsider, Jennifer Moore, arrived in town sparking a brief, explosive affair with Rhett that culminated in a brutal murder, local corruption, and a buried secret. 

The past collides with the present when an eyewitness gives evidence that places Rhett directly at the scene of the unsolved crime. Told in alternating perspectives across a past and present timeline, the carefully constructed facade of their marriage disintegrates as all is brought to light. 

This was an excellent character driven novel that shows the insular nature of small town life, local politics, and protection of their own. The tension is created by the dynamics between the characters and the dual timeline structure showing the bitter reality of Rhett and Lucinda's marriage. Issues of toxic control and social privilege, along with manipulative behavior, trap the characters in an exhausting cycle. Although some might feel it is slow burning, the narrative builds into revelations of emotional and physical abuse and the dark tone is consistent and unrelenting. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The full cast recording features the narrative talents of Amanda Stribling, Tristan Wright, and Hallie Ricardo. They all did a fantastic job of voicing the characters and bringing them to life on the page with their accents and dramatic flair. This created a truly immersive experience that enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended.

This was a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: toxic masculinity, domestic violence, secrets and lies, suspense, small town 

The Family Secret (Detective Lottie Parker #16) by Patricia Gibney

 Series continues with another excellent procedural.

In this 16th book of the Detective Lottie Parker series, the entire team is consumed with an investigation involving the apparent murders of an entire family after they hosted a birthday party for the daughter, Freya. The inquiry is complicated by the subsequent disappearance of a mother and daughter in the neighborhood -- former good friends of the victims. The probe leads down one rabbit hole after another as the current crime is also tenuously linked to a decades old unsolved case where a mother and her daughter were also killed. 

Keeping all the characters straight was definitely a feat as the complex plot continues to yield new clues. Secrets from the past are revealed that connect some really nasty actors. There is so much going on in this installment that I had to read it all in a single sitting to find out who did what to whom. In addition, Lottie is juggling so many professional and personal issues it's definitely a herculean feat that she holds it all sort of together. I like her but sometimes I want to shake her to pay attention to what's really important. She's the kind of flawed that makes her more human instead of a messed up torpedo bound for self destruction going off half cocked. I hope she can get her life a bit more together. Between her kids (this time Chloe gets into it) and Boyd, as well as her mom, Lottie still tries to solve the mystery and keeps her main focus there. I didn't particularly like how the end came so abruptly with some unanswered questions that made it a sort of cliffhanger. 

Looking forward to the next episode. 

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Book Blog Stop/Tour

This is the 16th book in a series that should be read in order.

Tags and genre: police procedural, crime thriller, murder, grooming, secrets and lies, abuse, sexual assault 

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

 A unique perspective traces the trajectory of two young adults across a decade.

May 1, 1992, is the date that alters the lives of two teenagers in a quiet Midwestern town. Jules Delaney narrowly survives a brutal attack by the elusive May Day Killer, while Quinn Riley gets into an altercation that results in him going to juvenile detention. 

Using an innovative timeline, the narrative revisits Jules and Quinn exclusively on May 1st across a decade. The story focuses on those moments that define the characters’ personal growth as they reach adulthood. Events propel the pair toward a singular shocking truth and a series of revelations that help them overcome the scars left by their experiences on that fateful night and the repercussions that followed. 

I absolutely relished this thriller that was very character driven versus shock value and body count. The format eliminated mid-book sag and kept the pacing brisk. There’s a lot of slow burn tension in this psychological mind bender leading to some huge surprises and a twist of an ending. A big one I didn’t see coming. I liked the main characters and was rooting for them all the way. I did feel the conclusion came in hot and it seemed like I still had a lot to process in the aftermath. Some unanswered questions. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley, did a good job voicing the main male and female characters. The female voice sometimes got a little too screechy and breathless with a bit of excess dramatic flair, but I did appreciate the dual casting that enhanced my enjoyment of the book as it created a truly immersive experience.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: psychological thriller, teenagers to adults, coming of age, murder, rape, assault, war, modeling, kidnapping

The Wrong Victim (Maggie Gallagher #3) by Peter Kirkland

 Smart, well-constructed legal thriller.

This third in a series has defense attorney Maggie Gallagher pulled into a legal nightmare when a luxury yacht explodes following her client's unsatisfactory verdict in an insurance case. The client, Sara Stephenson, was seen in a viral video threatening the CEO, John Archway, of Vista insurance after they were found not liable for her husband's death. When Archway and his lawyer die in the conflagration, Sara is arrested. The evidence against Sara is overwhelming but Maggie realizes that the blast was a calculated plot where the intended target was not the CEO. 

I love a good legal thriller and this was a gripping courtroom drama that relies on steady tension, legal details, and descriptions of sharp legal strategy. My main issue is that this was the third in a series and the only one I have read. I wish I had read the previous two books to get the backstory and to have developed a relationship with the main character. Coming in at this point left me a bit lost especially when referring to cases from the past as well as with Maggie's family and her office help. 

Maggie seems to be a grounded protagonist who seems dedicated to both the law and her family. The case she defended required a lot of maneuvering and side investigation to deliver a mystery where the puzzle pieces fit together logically. 

I definitely enjoyed it and would love to also read and review the first two books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the third in the series. I did not read the first two installments and wish I had.

Genre - legal thriller, insurance CEO, murder, domestic violence 

A Murder in Hollywood by Michael Crichton

 Written in 1973 under his John Lange pseudonym but previously unpublished, this book steps away from Crichton’s usual techno thrillers to deliver a classic whodunit. 

The story unfolds on a movie location in Tucson, Arizona, where the production of a Western film called BLOODROCK is thrown into chaos when the film’s unlikable screenwriter is discovered dead in his bathtub. Studio heads arrange for a meticulous insurance investigator, Harlow Perkins, to come to the set and solve the case before everyone panics. Harvey Jason, the studio publicist for this picture, follows Perkins around as they dig into all the cast and crew members who might be the killer. 

Lots of the usual technical detail with all the accuracy detailing the gritty, unglamorous logistics of a 1970 movie set. There’s no romanticism here but a sort of cynical realism. It captures the mood of a remote location shoot with all the budget anxieties and the tension on the set. This isn’t an action packed plot but more a steady procedural deduction process. 

Definitely not character driven, this is more focused on the puzzle of what happened and who did what. Because it’s set in the 1970s it reads like a time capsule of earlier, less sophisticated movie making days. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Ray Porter, did a fantastic job with the voice work. His tone and delivery were perfect for the content and for the time period. His performances really enhanced my enjoyment of the book by creating a really immersive feeling. I recommend it. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre tags: Movie making, 1970, on location, Tucson, Arizona, whodunit 

The Method by Matthew Quirk

 The role of a lifetime.

Fast paced action thriller that begs for a television series or movie adaptation.

Anna Vaughn is an actress and stunt woman who has spent her career studying and training to be a fake badass for the screen. But when her best friend, Natalie, disappears after a night out in Manhattan, Anna's specialized skills -- from hand-to-hand combat to shooting to hot-wiring cars -- are put to a very real test. Along the way, Anna is approached and recruited by FBI Agent Kevin Matthews who reveals that Natalie was entangled with a dangerous circle of international assassins, spies, and oligarchs. Anna takes on the role of her life: going deep undercover as she discovers a lethal conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. 

This is great fun as long as you are able to suspend a bit of disbelief at Anna's skills and abilities. In constant peril, she must use every bit of her training to put on the performance of a lifetime if she is to survive and get the evidence she needs. Although her main goal is to find Natalie, Anna soon finds that she is in over her head without any backup.

Definitely a fresh perspective on the "unlikely spy" trope, Anna's character is tough and also soft. There seems to be a lot of technical accuracy in the details of Anna's undercover operations and the fight and flight scenes. The pages turn rapidly because we catapult from one action scene to the next as Anna uses every talent she has as an actress. She's a compelling protagonists.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Christine Lakin, did an excellent job with the character of Anna. Her voice and tone adapted as Anna transformed from actress to undercover asset. She handled the other voices and accents extremely well, making everyone have a unique voice print. This created a truly immersive reading experience and enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre:tags mystery thriller, spies, actresses, corruption 

Prognosis Critical by Gary Birken

 High stakes medical thriller that excels because of its procedural accuracy and chilling realism.

Dr. Jacey Flanigan has just completed her pediatric cardiology residency and landed a prestigious position at the Children's Heart Hospital in Manhattan. Her excitement at the new job turns sour after a run-in with a hostile heart surgeon and the discovery of a culture defined by rigid secrecy. Jacey notices disturbing patterns -- surgeons refuse to operate without their own specific teams and don't want her observing in their rooms, and the post operative course doesn't seem to be the norm. When a patient nearly dies under suspicious circumstances, Jacey doubles down even as she starts to suspect that whistleblowers before her arrival have not survived. Trapped in a web of collusion and coverup keeping her at distance, Jacey seeks to expose the truth. 

This was the first good medical thriller I've read in a long while. I devoured it as I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the author swapped out melodrama for the far more frightening portrayal of institutional silence and greed as well as the hubris of surgical ego. I liked the main character of Jacey and appreciated her strength in not backing down even as the newbie in her job. I liked the accuracy of the clinical detail and the believability of the scenario. I'll definitely look for more of this author's books.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both obtained from my local library. The narrator, Susan Lyons, did a good job with the voice of the main character, but the other vocal choices felt uninspired and flat. The accents (southern) didn't ring true and the male voices all sounded basically the same. This production definitely would have benefited from at least a male narrator or a full cast. I always like listening while reading as it typically enhances my whole reading experience. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags: medical thriller, mystery, pediatric cardiac patients 

Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass

 Well this was a literal banger of a thriller that kept me engaged and rapidly turning the pages to finish it in a single sitting.

The story opens when Regan Hoffman's car explodes at a Labor Day party in the gated community of Cloverhill Lakes. The blast shatters the peace of the neighborhood and creates a sense of fear because it was not Regan who died. Secrets start to leak out from behind the doors of the homes as three women find that something very sinister connects them. Regan spots her supposedly dead husband. Andi accidentally ends up with an unthinkable dilemma, and Sasha knows her teenage son is getting deep into trouble. 

This was a high tension domestic thriller with multiple points of view narration. The plot is layered and the chapters end at tantalizing cliffhangers forcing you to read on. The pace is fast and the action non stop as the characters make some really bad choices and do crazy and reckless things, but it's so addictive that one ignores some of the outrageous coincidences and just suspends disbelief to go along for the ride. It's a fun and suspenseful story with a satisfying conclusion.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Brittany Pressley, Rebecca Lowman, and Karissa Vacker, did an excellent job of bringing the three main female characters to life. Their voices created unique footprints through distinct, consistent cadence and patterns so they are easily identified. The production created a great immersive reading experience and I highly recommend listening.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre/tags: murder, revenge, secrets and lies, domestic thriller 

A Ghastly Catastrophe (Veronica Speedwell #10) by Deanna Raybourn

 In 1890 London, Veronica Speedwell and Stoker investigate a macabre vampire mystery after a young man is found near Highgate Cemetery with his body drained of blood. When a second victim is discovered after an apparent suicide, the trail leads the duo to a dangerous secret society of immortality seekers led by a self-proclaimed creature of the night and a practitioner of witchcraft. Amidst the investigation, J.J. turns to them for help, and the case forces a brief encounter with Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane to track down a crucial witness.

This was a fast and fun tenth entry into what I consider my favorite historical fiction mystery series. Leaning into gothic atmosphere without losing any of the trademark wit, the pair dives into folklore and myth despite their scientific skepticism. I love the interaction between Veronica and Stoker and the author’s understanding of the time period is expressed in their exchanges with such marvelous word play. The partnership is sound and the characters work together so well. I am always eager for the next installment. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Angele Masters, did a superb job voicing Veronica. She has just the right tone for every sentence and truly embodies the character. It was, however, quite jarring to hear her perform Stoker’s voice because he doesn’t sound at all like I imagined. Way too raspy and not deep enough or suave enough. Anyway, it did provide entertainment but the production would definitely benefit from a full cast because those characters deserve their own voices! 

If you’re considering a historical fiction series, I highly recommend this one. And start from the beginning.

This is the 10th book in the series that should be read from the beginning. 

Genre and tags: Victorian London, amateur sleuth, investigations, witchcraft, mesmerism, historical fiction

I, Spy by L.M. Kemp

 Kendal Carter, a former intelligence operative living under an alias, is forced out of hiding when her location is compromised. To protect her young daughter, she accepts an assignment from her former handler: relocate to London and surveil a new agent trainee living in the lower apartment of her huge house who is working at a tech firm. She enrolls her daughter in school and attempts to blend into the suburban routine. As she navigates the complexity of this mission, she realizes that she might be falling into a trap. Her main goal is to protect herself and her daughter.

This was a fast paced thriller that bridges the gap between domestic fiction and traditional espionage because of the single mother angle. Although often annoyed by the large presence of a child character in adult fiction, I was able to overcome this despite some of the decisions Kendal made. I'd prefer even less of Rosie moving forward. I was mostly interesting in seeing how a mother would use her professional training to navigate lethal situations. The issue of child care or a babysitter is always going to be that one thing that has to be worked out for any woman who works and most definitely for someone who's a spy. Also interesting was the relationship between Kendal and her own mother. There are so many avenues to explore in future installments and I'm looking forward to reading them. I liked the writing style and the main character. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Ell Potter, did a really great job of voicing the characters though I think all audio would benefit from full cast recordings or at least a male and female voice. She wasn't overlay dramatic and she handled the pacing of the book with ease. I definitely enjoy the immersive experience of listening while reading and recommend you try it. 

This seems to be the debut of a new series.

Genre and tags: thriller, domestic, single mother, spy, murder, covert operations, thriller 

This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone (Vacation Mysteries #3) by Catherine Mack

 Snarky, sharp, and fun episode in this mystery series.

Best-selling author Eleanor Dash heads to a rundown resort in the Bahamas for a murder mystery writers' conference with her boyfriend, Oliver, hoping for a rare break. Instead, upon arrival, they find a dead body on their hotel room floor. Surrounded by a cast of suspicions colleagues, Eleanor tries to navigate another real-life whodunit where everyone around is a crime writer and they all know how to commit them.  

I enjoy these satirical romps that make fun of the publishing world from authors to editors to readers. The pace is fast and the narrative kept me guessing. I like how the writing style breaks the fourth wall and those snarky comments and footnotes were hilarious and drew me deeper into the connection with Eleanor. This novel had a lot of complexity for as few actual suspects as were present. It felt important to have read the previous books in the series as the characters are all drawn from the beginning. Some good red herrings and a surprising reveal wrapped up a really fun read.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Elizabeth Evans, does a fantastic job voicing all the characters and handling the accents. I'm all about full casts with both male and female voices, but I hardly noticed during her performance as she had such seamless delivery. The format provided a fun immersive experience that enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is the third in the series that should be read in order.

Genre and tags: murder, mystery, cozy, snarky, humor, satire, authors, book publishing