Book Review: Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Farley Moran

Read ’Em and Eat is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch treats, along with quite a colorful clientele. If it’s not Rowena Gustavson loudly debating the merits of the current book club selection, it’s Miss Augusta Maddox lecturing tourists on rumors of sunken treasure among the islands. It’s no wonder Sassy’s favorite is Delia Batson, a regular at the Emily Dickinson table. Augusta’s cousin and best friend Delia is painfully shy—which makes the news of her murder all the more shocking. 

No one is more distraught than Augusta, and Sassy wants to help any way she can. But Augusta doesn’t have time for sympathy. She wants Delia’s killer found—and she’s not taking no for an answer. Now Sassy is on the case, and she’d better act fast before there’s any more trouble in paradise.[summary via Amazon]

Welcome to Fort Meyers Beach, in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. This sleepy, beachside town, with a blend of tourists and snowbirds, is the setting for a fantastic series from Terrie Farley Moran, the Read 'Em and Eat Mysteries.

Best friends Bridgy and Sassy own and run the Read 'Em and Eat Cafe, a fabulous blend of cafe meets bookstore, where you can grab a meal, buy a few books and join a bookclub. It's the hub of everything exciting in Fort Meyers Beach, and its about to become the headquarters of a team of amateur sleuths, when they come together to try to solve the murder of a beloved local, a Miss Delia Batson.

From the first page to the last, I loved every page of Well Read, Then Dead. Terrie Farley Moran has crafted a new series where there is a little something for everyone. Love the lure of pirates' treasure and sunken ships? Check. Love books about bookstores and culinary delights? Check. Want a good mystery that you won't want to put down? Check. Thrown in a feisty feline and you've got Well Read, Then Dead. It hit all the high points for me, and I know it will for many readers!

Possibly my favorite thing about this book, besides the tantalizing mystery and prospect of buried treasure, was the big personalities. I love characters that leap off the pages and Terrie Farley Moran has created some great characters. One of my favourites was Aunt Ophie, who steps in to help the girls when their chef breaks his leg. She has a way of doing things with a southern twist and she's not going to be swayed by anyone. When Aunt Ophie is on the scene things are going to get interesting!!

Cozy mysteries are more than just a murder mystery. They are a small town, with characters that you want to visit again. I guarantee with one visit to Fort Meyers Beach with Bridgy and Sassy and you will want to be coming back for many more helpings!

Purchase the Read 'Em and Eat Mysteries at Amazon.