Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Book Review: Engaged in Murder by Nancy Parra

Event planner, Pepper Pomeroy, is looking for a new job, after she was let go after the company down-sized. With her experience at event planning, she’s the perfect choice when her sister’s boyfriend, Warren, asks her to help plan the perfect proposal for Felicity. Pepper intends for it to be a one-off event, but it turns out she has a knack for planning the perfect proposal, and also engagement parties! However her plans go awry when she finds a dead body in the ladies’ bathroom at the airport, where the proposal is to take place, and the police try to pin the crime on Warren, Felicity’s new fiance.

I read a lot of cozies and this is my first time reading a cozy mystery that features event planning with a focus on wedding proposals. It is a unique concept and I like that Nancy J Parra is adding another theme to the many themes available for cozy mystery readers!

Pepper Pomeroy has red uncontrollable hair and she’s unable to stay out of trouble. In this first book in this series, she’s an absolute hoot. As initially wants to investigate to make sure Felicity isn’t marrying a murderer, but soon she becomes too involved and can’t stop investigating. I liked her stubborn and fiery streaks, as she tries to clear Warren’s name, kick off her new business, Perfect Proposals, and dump her boyfriend from high school… all at the same time!

I’ve read a fair few cozies recently where the character’s family are a little disjointed, either with long-standing arguments or even one where the sleuth’s sister has run off with her boyfriend. It was quite refreshing to meet the Pomeroy’s. They are a close family and Felicity and Pepper are particularly close. Felicity appears to have met the perfect guy and Pepper’s isn’t outwardly jealous, even though her relationship is in the toilet so to speak. I enjoyed spending time with the Pomeroy’s in this first adventure, and I’m looking forward to visit with them again.

With a mystery that kept me guessing, Nancy J Parra has proven that whether it’s fudge, gluten-free baking or event planning she really is the master of writing the perfect first-in-a-new series. Engaged in Murder pulled me right from the first chapter and I practically read this one in one sitting. Engaged in Murder is perfect if you’re just dipping your toe into cozy mysteries or you’re a seasoned reader. It is sure to delight and make you want to read all of Nancy’s books

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