Heartless Killer at Valentine’s Day
It’s been several years since we last visited Aurora “Rory” Anderson, so I was happy to learn that author Sybil Johnson was writing another book with the character. Brush Up on Murder is Rory’s return, and fans of the series will be happy to slip back into her world.
If you’d missed this series, Rory Anderson lives in the town of Vista Beach in Los Angeles County. She’s a computer programmer by day, but she also loves decorative painting, and she can often be found helping out at the decorative painting store that her mother owns.
As this book opens, it’s two weeks before Valentine’s Day, and love is definitely in the air. Not only is Rory’s relationship with Detective Martin Green going well, but Rory is a bridesmaid in the Valentine’s Day wedding of her friends Solange and Xander. Everything seems to be going well until one of the bridesmaids is murdered and the evidence points to Xander. Rory doesn’t believe the groom is a killer, but can she figure out what is really going on?
What’s really going on is pretty complicated. In fact, I couldn’t quite decide where the book was going when I first started it. These plot threads weave in and out rather successfully over the course of the book, and I was impressed with how things came together at the end. So have faith when you start the book, and you’ll be rewarded.
Because the plot of the book is well thought out. There are lots of secrets to be uncovered, and they come at a steady pace, which kept me engaged. By the time we reach the end, everything we’ve uncovered makes sense.
Since it had been a few years since the previous book came out, I had forgotten some of the characters and relationships. However, it wasn’t long until I was up to speed. As a result, I can confidently say that if you want to jump in here, you’ll have no problem understanding the characters and their relationships. It was fun to spend time with them again, and I enjoyed watching some of those relationships grow.
Sadly, Vista Beach is a fictional area in LA County, or I’d be tempted to visit if not move there. It sounds like a very nice beach community. Well, except for the murder, of course.
If you’ve been missing this series, you’ll be glad to glad to get a new entry. If you are new to the characters, Brush Up on Murder will have you hunting down Rory’s earlier cases.
Check out the rest of the Aurora Anderson Mysteries.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
I'm reviewing this book as part of a blog tour. You can find the rest of the stops by visiting here.
And please join the tour wide giveaway.
I have a few books in this series but somehow have still never read any of the books. This sounds like a fun read and reminds me that I need to try the series!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many books I have bought and still not read even though I really, really, really want to read them. Not enough time in the day!
DeleteThanks for being part of my blog tour and taking the time to read the book.
ReplyDelete