Rating: 4 Stars
Source: NetGalley
Description: It's the holiday season in South Cove and Jill Gardiner, owner of Coffee, Books and More is busy with the usual holiday events, store stuff and a new intern program. But murder? Not on the schedule. Soon Jill is embroiled in a mystery as well as trying to keep tempers from flying when the mayor's wife decides to take over the holiday festival.
Genre: Mystery
Why I Picked This Book: I have really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series so of course I had to get this one as soon as I saw it!
My Impression:
Pro: I love being back in South Cove! The town is lovely with cute shops and full of characters. Most are likable and the few that aren't definitely make it interesting! I like hearing about all the town council stuff and the shop owners' revenue worries. It's not overdone - just enough to add a little bit of realism and interest. I always dislike when characters in a cozy never actually work the job they're supposed to be doing. Cahoon does a good job with balancing this so that I feel that Jill actually works but it isn't overload on details. I enjoyed this 3rd entry into the series more than the last book which had felt a little rushed and disjointed. While this is a fast paced mystery the pacing was great. The mystery was as usual well done and I was relieved that Jill wasn't a suspect this time. I like Jill and Greg's relationship. They have their problems with Greg's job and Jill's nosiness but they don't get their feelings hurt too often or hold grudges for too long. I really liked that Jill made a conscious effort to not get involved and respect Greg's wishes. It didn't exactly work out but she tried!
Con: This is difficult as I really enjoyed this mystery! The ending did feel a little rushed and while I found all the subplots interesting I probably would've been okay with 1 or 2 less.
Overall: This is a fun cozy mystery series that just seems to be getting stronger. I'm really looking forward to my 4th visit to South Cove and seeing what Jill's up to next.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Definitely! I'm already on the lookout for the fourth book in the series.
Would I Recommend this Book?: If you love cozy mysteries this is a series not to be missed!
Oh sounds very nice Katherine! Love a good cozy :D
ReplyDeleteI never read a lot of Cozy Mysteries but when I see them reviewed I just love reading about them! I need to make time for them :)
ReplyDeleteKatherine I have book one on my wishlist thanks to you. I love the setting for the series and despite the rushed ending I am looking forward to exploring :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked this one. I enjoyed it too.
ReplyDelete" I always dislike when characters in a cozy never actually work the job they're supposed to be doing"
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes! I've thought about that a few times while read certain books. Even books where the characters are students. This sounds like a really fun cozy!
A cozy mystery is perfect for this time of year. This sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to have no real cons to the book! Sounds like a lot of fun and I love that setting.
ReplyDeleteMy dream; to own a coffee/book shop. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI also love reading about small towns. They seem so cute and interesting.
I really should check out a cozy mystery. I've never read one and I really need to start expanding my reading.
Happy reading!
Brittany @ This is the Story of My(Reading) Life
South Cove sound s like a nice fictional place, and I'd like a bookstore called Coffee, Books and More. Glad to hear these are good, there's something really nice about a series that delivers.
ReplyDeleteNice review, Katherine! It's fun that we're both reading this series. Like you, I really enjoy Jill and Greg's relationship, and watching it develop.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good when a series gets stronger as it goes on. Fabulous review.
ReplyDeleteI've got try this series.
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