A Watery Death (Missing Pieces #7) by Joyce and Jim Lavene
Rating: 3 Stars
Source: Blog Tour
Description: It's the 4th of July weekend in Duck, North Carolina and thousands are visiting the beach town to take part in the festivities. Mayor Dae O'Donnell has enough going on between running her store, the holiday crowds, and her usual Mayor stuff so stumbling over a dead body is the last thing she needs. Especially when the body is that of the dramatic Captain Lucky, captain of the gambling ship modeled after a Spanish Treasure ship that is said to haunt the small town of Duck. Rumors of mermaid sightings start floating around town as the murder investigation begins. Could the killer have come from the sea? And if not who among the Duck residents and visitors could be responsible for Captain Lucky's murder?
Genre: Mystery
Why I Picked This Book: I have enjoyed previous books by Joyce and Jim Lavene as well as enjoying previous books in this series.
My Impression: It was great to be back in Duck with Dae, Kevin and all the rest of the supporting characters. While I have read the first two books in this series I have gotten seriously behind so this was a bit of a jump for me. Luckily, I had no problem getting immediately involved in the story. While I wouldn't say this is completely a stand alone I think as long as you've read the first book which gives the background on Dae's family and powers you'll have no problem with this one. As I have come to expect from the Joyce and Jim Lavene, A Watery Death was incredibly readable. The pace was good without being rushed and I could've easily read this book in one sitting if I had a little more time.
While I enjoy learning more about Dae's family the subplot involving her grandmother wasn't a favorite. I found Dae's refusal to believe that anything could be negative about bringing Eleanore back even though the woman had been gone for 40 years to be a bit unrealistic and immature. I also didn't care for how Dae and Kevin communicated. They really didn't listen to each other or respect each other's opinion and there were several incidents where I felt like they were acting like children.
However, while I had issues with some of the personalities and a subplot the mystery itself was well done, perfectly paced and engaging.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: While this book didn't quite work for me I'm still looking forward to catching up on the series and Joyce and Jim Lavene always provide a good read!
Would I Recommend this Book?: I would recommend Joyce and Jim Lavene's books in general but not this one specifically - especially if you haven't read any of the other books in this series.
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Challenges Met? Reading Road Trip (North Carolina)
I remember when the first book in this series came out. I think I might even have it on my Kindle. Another one that I bought and then promptly forgot about. 'I meant to read it' is my middle name. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe first one was fantastic! I love their gardening series as well.
DeleteHi Kay.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't like the book, Katherine. But sometimes adults do act like children, especially when they are in an emotional time. While we may have some paranormal elements to some of our stories, we try to make the people as human - and fallible at times - as possible. Thanks for hosting us here today.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't that I didn't like it - I actually enjoyed the reading experience very much. This wasn't my favorite of the series but that happens and I'm very much looking forward to my next visit to Duck!
DeleteGreat giveaway and such enjoyable writers. Love following on FB, too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Grandma! Hope you're having a great day!
DeleteGood luck with the giveaway! It's a good one!
DeleteI agree that it's hard to read about adults acting like children. Of course we can't be 100% adult all the time. But it's something about reading about it in a book that just totally frustrates me. You just want to slap 'em around and tell them to grow up.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you enjoy the rest of the series a lot more!
Happy reading!
Brittany @ This is the Story of My(Reading) Life
Interesting, Brittany.
DeleteI'm definitely far less patient of fictional characters acting like children then in real life! Not that I care for it in real life either of course!
DeleteThank you for such a balanced review, Katherine. I am glad you enjoyed the mystery aspect--it does sound intriguing. As we know all too well, with series books, not all will be complete winners. I'm curious about the series and will have to look for the first book.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Wendy! This wasn't my favorite in the series but like you said - it happens. I really enjoy the writing of all their books though. Even when it's not my favorite it's always so readable I can't put it down!
DeleteEvery time I see another series you've written, I want it! With so many good books I have a hard time deciding which series I want to start next. Keep making my life difficult - I love it!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy their books as well! Good luck with the giveaway
DeleteWhat a great and fair review.! I really love cozy mysteries and find myself wanting to read all of them!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have no will power when it comes to cozies which is probably why my shelves are so jammed!
DeleteSounds like a fun cozy series. We all have to admit that sometimes a book in a series isn't our fave--they can't all be favorites, well that would be rare-- but we can still enjoy them. I have a few books on my shelf by this prolific and popular couple and need to buckle down and read some. Now that I'm getting into more of a cozy mood this year, I just might :)
ReplyDeleteExactly! Not every book is a favorite but that doesn't mean it's a bad series or a bad book. It just didn't click as much with me but the series is lots of fun.
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