Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Young Jessica Fletcher's life couldn't be more ordinary. She teaches at the local high school while she and her loving husband, Frank, are raising their nephew Grady together. But when the beloved principal dies under mysterious circumstances, Jessica knows something is off and, for the very first time, investigates a death.
Present-day Jessica returns to high school for a colleague's retirement party and has fun seeing familiar faces. That is, until the colleague winds up dead--and his death has mysterious links to Jessica's very first murder case.
With nothing but her own instincts to guide her, Jessica embarks on a quest to find out what really happened all those years ago and who's behind these murders. Because time is running out to catch this killer....
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: Because now that I've discovered how great this series is there was no way I was passing it up!
My Impression: I'm not sure there is a television show that is more comforting and entertaining all at the same time then Murder, She Wrote and no one that I want to spend time with more then Jessica Fletcher/Angela Lansbury. And while the books have a slightly sharper edge and a fresher less cozy feel they are no less delightful and this was no exception. I was excited and a touch nervous to see the never before seen Frank Fletcher make an appearance and curious to see what Jessica was like in the pre-mystery writing days.
The book is written in flashback form with chapters taking place in modern day with a modern day mystery followed by chapters taking place 25 years in the past as Jessica tells Mort and Seth about her very first murder and they figure out just how the two connect. And seeing some early series characters again was a special treat.
The mystery itself was intriguing and I loved the murder with the connections stretching into the past. The conclusion was a bit contrived but honestly, the read was so delightful I didn't mind at all.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely, I'd really like to read some of the earlier books and I'll be grabbing each new one as it comes out.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries then this series is a must read. While being familiar with the show is not absolutely mandatory having a basic understanding of the characters and how they connect to each other would increase enjoyment.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I've been wanting to read this series. I have a few books on my TBR. This one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this series for years! It really would be fun to spend a little time with Jessica again.
ReplyDeleteNice to come up against such a series. Even I know the TV series!! and may have watched a few.
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