Killing at Christmas
Normally, I’m not one to binge read a series or even an author. I find that if I do, I start to notice more of the author’s quirks. But here I am, reviewing Dearly Deleted, the second Book Blogger Mystery, just three weeks after I reviewed book one. I just couldn’t pass up squeezing this Christmas book into the month.
For the first time since moving to Copper Bay, Massachusetts, Winnie Lark is spending Christmas there instead of flying back to her native Southern California. Not only that, but she is hosting her family in her small cottage by the sea. While she has recently made strides in healing her relationship with her brother, she still has a shaky relationship with her parents.
Right after her brother arrives in town, Winnie heads to a book signing hosted by Owen, one of her best friends. His bookstore is playing host to Diane Post, bestselling author of many cozy mysteries. The night ends in disaster, however, when Owen finds a dead body behind his store. With his reputation on the line, Winnie can’t help but investigate. Can she catch a killer before Christmas?
The book took just long enough to reintroduce us to Winnie and some of the other regulars before it jumped into the story. And I’m not complaining. The plot kept me guessing as we moved from one suspect and motive to another. I loved it, and I didn’t see the killer coming until Winnie figured it out. I did feel like one sub-plot got rushed, but it is a very minor issue since I love how it played out.
It was fabulous to be back with these characters again so soon. I fell in love with them in the first book, and they are just as fantastic and charming this time around. We got to watch several relationships grow. I also appreciated that Winnie and her brother got along much better in this book. Yes, they still had the occasional issue, but their relationship was much stronger.
The book focused a bit more on the plot than the Christmas setting in the first half. However, there was still plenty to give me the spirit of the season as I was reading, especially in the second half, and I really enjoyed some of those scenes.
Since Winnie is a book blogger, there are lots of references to books throughout the story. They are mostly mysteries, and I smiled since I recognized most of them. We even got an emphasis on Christmas cozies in this book, which I enjoyed.
There isn’t much time left before Christmas, but if you are looking for a festive mystery to sneak in, you’ll be glad you picked up Dearly Deleted. In fact, no matter when you pick up this book, you’ll be happy you did.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Well, this fabulous review has certainly put me in the holiday spirit!! So glad you enjoyed returning to Copper Bay, especially so soon. Thank you so much for all your support -- Happy Holidays!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it too! :)
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