Source: Publisher
Description: In the coastal town of South Cove, June is tourist season—and wedding season. Unfortunately, Jill Gardner’s own wedding has been delayed. But that just gives her more time to search for a missing bride—and a killer . . .
Things are looking up for the owner of Coffee, Books, and More—Jill’s finally getting her MBA, and though her wedding to police detective Greg is postponed a few months, she still has plenty to celebrate. A girls’ weekend in Santa Barbara is just the ticket. But back in South Cove, someone else’s big day has become a big problem. Antiques dealer Josh Thomas and Mandy Jensen were planning a small private ceremony under an olive tree on the historic Jensen farm—until Mandy went missing . . .
Is this a case of a runaway bride—or a guilty groom? Greg zeroes in on Josh but finds him so annoying that he quietly asks Jill’s help in keeping his number-one suspect distracted. She knows that Josh is searching for something else besides his fiancée—a bank robber’s buried gold bullion. And when the professor he’d been discussing it with turns up dead, she can’t help wondering if what looked like cold feet was actually cold-blooded murder . . .
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've been reading this series since the beginning and I always look forward to seeing what Jill and Greg are up to.
My Impression: This is a series I always enjoy but isn't up on my favorite list right now. The writing style is easy and fast paced and I love the bookish element as well as the relationships within the community.
I didn't feel like this was the strongest mystery in the series. Jill is far more focused on finishing up her MBA than the running the bookstore and spends a lot of time running here there and everywhere. I wish Mandy had been a slightly more established character before this book as the whole situation with Josh and her family felt a bit out of left field. I did like getting to know Josh a bit better and seeing a more vulnerable side to him. I also enjoyed Jackie's storyline in the book. She is usually one of my least favorite character but I really enjoyed how everything worked out there. Jill's best friend Amy is a whole other story though.
The mystery was entertaining and I loved the treasure hunt element. There is a bit of a scattered feeling to the book so I didn't feel like everything full came together at the end. This is a good light mystery if you're looking for a quick read.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes. While this isn't necessarily my favorite cozy mystery series it is one I always enjoy.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you are a cozy reader I definitely recommend this series but
Would I Recommend this Book? If you are a cozy reader I definitely recommend this series but
I don't think I would recommend jumping in with this book. There are a lot of relationships that wouldn't make much sense if you start out here.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
It's great when you find a series with loads of books in it. I love series and following the same characters.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be collection Lynn Cahoon books but I haven't actually read anything by her yet. I need to remedy that.
ReplyDeleteThere is certainly a comfort reading a series you know the setting and some of the characters. It's less mental work than reading something new and different.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
Glad to see the mystery was entertaining. Lovely review :)
ReplyDeleteWow, 16 books in the series! Too bad the mystery wasn't very strong, but good that it was still a fun read.
ReplyDeleteI saw this one on NG and admired the clever title.
ReplyDeleteI'm a few books behind on this series. I usually love it. I'll have to catch up.
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