Rating: Good
Source: Author
Description: Restaurant manager Dodie O’Dell has found her niche in the cozy New Jersey town of Etonville, creating menus that make a delicious double-act with the community theater’s productions. Now she’s ready for a vacation at the Jersey Shore town she called home before a hurricane hit. Sun, salty air, and seagulls make for a nostalgic escape from regular life—until a contingent from Etonville arrives to compete in a Jersey Shore theater festival.
Roped into helping her former boss cater the event, Dodie also gets a visit from her old flame, Jackson, who’s hoping to revive his charter boat business and is looking for a place to crash. Before Dodie can tell him that ship has sailed, Jackson’s partner is found murdered on his boat. Dodie knows her ex is a mooch, but she’s sure he’s no killer. But as she follows a trail of evidence that leads into her own past, Dodie stumbles on a dangerous conspiracy theory that could bring the festival to a shocking finale…
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've been wanting to try this series since it first landed on my radar a few books ago. I love the mix of food, theater, and murder.
My Impression: Going into a new cozy series - especially if I'm jumping in in the middle - I always have a few questions in my head. Why is the main character in the middle of the investigation? Does she run around like a crazy person and demand that people answer her questions? Is she someone I'd want to be friends with? Is the community surrounding her a place I enjoy visiting? And is the mystery solid and entertaining with a conclusion that makes sense? And for this book I can give a resounding yes to all questions.
I fully understood why Dodie got involved in the investigation and why she ended up putting up with Jackson far longer than she really wanted to. He really has a bit of lost child about him and it'd almost seem like kicking a puppy to turn your back on him. Her investigation, particularly given her past experience, makes sense and is subtly done. I found her a likable character and one who wasn't too perfect which was nice. As well I loved the mix of theater and restaurant and beach communities. There are some quirky side characters with a full range of craziness and likability and are all people I'm looking forward to seeing again. And finally while the mystery took a bit to really get going I was full in along with the way and pleased with the conclusion. While the mystery did take a bit to get going this was never a slow read and I enjoyed seeing and getting to know the characters.
This was book #5 but I had no problem jumping in here and figuring out the whos and whats of the situation. I do think this is one of the series that gets better the more you read just because you get to know the characters and are more and more connected with each book. This was a fun read and a series that I am so looking forward to continuing!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author: Absolutely! I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to exploring this series more.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozies than I absolutely do!
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Sounds like a good one! I wish I could jump in in the middle like you do! I only did that with one cozy series and it was after I watched the Hallmark shows and sort of new the characters...lol.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this one, and I'm delighted that - like me - you are happy to jump midway into the middle of series. I only occasionally come a cropper and get to sample a variety of interesting authors and read more widely than I would otherwise be able to do.
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