Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: When coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi awakens on a bench in Washington Square Park, she has no idea she's been missing for days, or that her friends and family have been frantic with worry. Now that she's back, everyone is overjoyed, including a handsome NYPD detective who claims to be her fiance. But to Mike Quinn's crushing distress, Clare doesn't remember him, or much of anything about the last fifteen years of her life.
Clare's missing memory is tied to a crime she witnessed. An acquaintance of Clare's elegant employer--and fellow member of an exclusive Gotham circle known as "The Ladies Who Brunch"--invited Clare to her posh hotel to sample gourmet wedding cakes. After their indulgent tasting, they headed to the parking garage, where a camera captured a masked figure with a gun confronting the hotel heiress with Clare looking on. Did the kidnapper take Clare, too? The camera went dark, just like Clare's memory. Soon authorities grow suspicious. Is Clare really a victim? Or merely acting like one? Evidence is mounting that she set the woman up.
To clear her name, Clare must find a way to reclaim her memories and rescue the heiress before this high-stakes crime ends in tragedy. Otherwise, instead of walking down the aisle, Clare may find herself perp-walking to prison as an accomplice to kidnapping and murder.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: This is a series that I've picked up recently and I can't remember the last time I read an amnesia cozy mystery plot!
My Impression: This is a series that I like and always enjoy but it's not one I'd consider on my list of favorites. However, this particular entry was a standout for me. For starters the pacing was lightening fast and each chapter ended with just a little bit more information that kept me hooked and wanting to read "just one more chapter" until I looked down and realized that I had flown through 100 pages without realizing it. This was the perfect read for my holiday/travel fogged brain.
I really liked seeing this uncertain vulnerable side of the usually together on top of it Clare. I liked that instead of really focusing on what happened to her it focused more on her relationships with the people around her with a side of mystery. The mystery wasn't forgotten at all but it definitely shared the stage with Clare regaining her mystery. If you're new to this series this may be a good one to start with if you want to dip a toe in the series without having to go all the way back to book 1. With Clare's memory of the last 15 or so years erased the reader follows along with her as she rebuilds her relationships with the people in her life. Plus, it's just a fun, fast paced read that's perfect to sneak in when you have a few minutes to yourself during this busy season.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author: I would! I enjoy this series and this was a standout for me so I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
Would I Recommend this Book?
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I think I have read the first book in this series but maybe not as the cover is so very different. I am going to investigate... because hey mystery and java... I love them both.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the author got the formula for a good read just right. I like the thought of having read a 100 pages without realising it. Nothing worse than reading a book and going "what, I have only read 11%! It feels like I've been reading it for a week!"
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