As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town's legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That's when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo's front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.
When the elderly ladies of Arlo's Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally's reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.
Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally's death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.[summary via Amazon]
Do you love a fast paced mystery, with a little sprinkling of romance? Do you love a dead body thrown into the first chapter, and then a mad dash to find the killer? If you answered yes to both of these questions then you need to read first book in the Main Street Book Club Mysteries, Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder.
Arlo Stanley loves everything about her life in Sugar Springs. Together with her best friend, Chloe Carter, they own and run "Arlo and Chloe's Books & More, and life is pretty idyllic. That is until a dead body is found outside their shop. The body in question is Wally Harrison, best selling author and the town's golden boy, and the father of Chloe's son, Jayden. With Chief Matthew "Mads" Keller determined to pin the crime on Chloe, Arlo must join forces with her book club to keep Chloe from jail and find the real killer.
As a reader, what I love the most is a dead body early on! There is nothing like a dead body hitting the first chapter to really keep me entertained! In this case it is a dead body hitting the first page and the pavement! From this early excitement, Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder, got better and better. Especially when Arlo enlists the help of her book club to find the killer!
The "Main Street Book Club" members are an eclectic bunch, including ex-teacher, Camille, and Arlo's godmother, Helen, and the ever interesting, Fern. Not to mention new member, Sam, who is returning to town after years away. Sam provides a lot of colour to the situation, as he is also Arlo's ex-boyfriend! These group are an absolute hoot, as they go around town interrogating people and looking for clues!!! If this first adventure is anything to go by, I'm going to love future mysteries with this book club!
Amy Lillard sets a great pace for the mystery. With the early excitement, she doesn't ease up on the pace, and I found myself wanting to read faster and faster, trying to uncover clues. While I did guess some aspects of the mystery, I was definitely surprised when the final denouement came down.
And, because I absolutely adore the feline, furry and feathered friends of cozy mysteries... A special mention to Faulkner, "the book shop bird", who is an absolute hoot! His contributions to the case are hilarious, especially when they involve "bad kitty" Auggie!
Can't Judge a Mystery by Its Murder is a strong, delightful first in a new series. For those that enjoy a dash of romance with their mysteries, we have two of Arlo's ex-boyfriends now back in Sugar Springs and I'm definitely looking forward to how that will play out!!
Can't Judge a Mystery by Its Murder should be on everyone's fall reading list. You won't be disappointed!
No comments:
Post a Comment