Disappointed

This was an okay follow up to the previous book. The story was entertaining and overall I enjoyed the book. However, I had a couple of issues with it as well.

1. The author needs to decide if she wants a story set in the south or in the Midwest. There are several southern colloquialisms used throughout the story. The narrator even uses a southern accent sometimes.
2. The author introduces a character admits that is easily disliked. Several people in the story have a real motive to kill her ( or strongly dislike her). Yet, the first suspect the police bring in is the only African American in town, who I might add has a very superficial motive. Really??!!! Considering the damage that has been done in real life, I was disappointed to see an author trivialize it in a book. I'm sure she was trying to create drama but it was unnecessary and insulting.
3. I realize that cozy mysteries usually end on a happy note. However, there were some changes and some new developments in Robbie's relationship. Yet the reader can't tell, because, Robbie is all smiles by the end of the book as if there were no changes. This story felt disingenuous and I'm not sure if I will read the next one.
4. The mystery was wasn't very developed. No one really had a strong motive for murder. The actions of the character that did the deed was unrealistic.

All in all the story was superficial and unrealistic. Several of the characters and their actions didn't ring true and I'm not sure I will read the next one.

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7 people found this helpful

Mild Improvement

While the second book showed some improvement in character development, I still couldn't relate to Robbie, who never, ever bitched moaned or complained. Sorry, but after working in both restaurants and retail, I find it difficult to believe that Robbie could work 9-10 hard hours on her feet, 6 days a week but never be tired or grumpy.

Also, as a new business owner, Robbie spent more time trying to solve crimes than refining her menu and selection of merchandise. Even a smart woman who enjoyed solving puzzles would realize that the business needed her total and undivided attention.

I did appreciate that Robbie tried to be self-sufficient, not looking for a man to take care of her. I cheered when she was able to defend herself in a dangerous situation, but I expected more emotion when a romantic relationship crashed & burned.

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3 people found this helpful

Very exciting.

Laurel Merlington is one of the best narrator's. I love her voice and the books that she reads. Ready for the next book in this series.

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1 person found this helpful

Must have

Wonderful read/listen.
Recommended to anyone that’s interested in a nice clean crime book . When I say clean, I mean as in, there’s no profanity, no vulgar usage just overall nice about to start number two out of this series. 😊

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So so

Why do they women in theses mysteries so ridiculous and so many men as jerks; not to mention the police as incompetent?

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Seriously lacking

1. The narrator sounds so old for a 28 yr old. Also, Robbie's character seems much older.
2. Robbie seems to think the way she pronunciates her words is superior to everyone else in the small Midwestern town that sounds distinctly Southern.
3. African American characters seem stereotypical right down to the dreads.
4. I find it amazing that a woman who can't remember to lock her doors can solve cases the police cannot.
5. The romance is just not there.
6. Slow moving. I don't think I will pursue the next book in the series even though it has potential.

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Only because I love murder mysteries

This is the second book by this author.
It’s an enjoyable read. A bit predictable.
The only down side I can think of is the incredible amount of descriptive detail in preparing food. Although the main character owns a diner it became a bit tedious now and again.
The constant “murderer on the loose” became a bit old as well.
Overall I enjoyed the first two. Am about to read the third in the series. Hoping it’s as entertaining.

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Much better than the 1st one

The 1st book was marginal but I decided to try 1 more in the series and was very pleasantly surprised. This one was much much better.

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Really bad

Wrong narrator. Horrible plot. Mostly pointless. Ridiculous thought process. Will never read more in series.

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Boring, unsympathetic characters

I listen to a lot of cozy mysteries and i dont expect, or want, any deep themes in them, but nice characters that are fun to listen about and a good puzzle. None of these can be found in this book. Instead, a tedious story, unlikely situations, and references to political themes completely irrelevant to the story. will be returning this one.
The narrator did do a good job. hence the two stars.

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