Source: Publisher
Description: Bookshop owner Rarity Cole is living her best life after surviving cancer—hosting book clubs, classes, and parties at her store, The Next Chapter, and giving back to her community in Sedona, Arizona. But an awkward outing to an art gallery is about to add a dark slant to the picture . . .
Rarity is grateful for many things and people in her new life, including her friend Shirley, who is helping to provide backpacks and supplies for kids going back to school. But Shirley needs a big favor. With her husband in a memory-care home, she wants to attend an art opening with a male friend but fears local gossip. She asks Rarity, her friend Sam, and their boyfriends to come along as cover. It would be fun if not for the fact that the two couples are barely speaking…
The evening proceeds without any social disasters. But the featured artist—who struck Rarity as more of a spoiled playboy—is later found dead with an arrow in his back. Any lingering tensions must be set aside so the amateur sleuths can find an archer who may have taken the idea of pointed criticism a bit too literally . . .
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've really enjoyed almost everything I've read from this author and this has been one of my favorite series by her.
My Impression: I really enjoy this series and this was no exception. I like the characters, the bookstore setting as well as the town of Sedona in general. I also always really enjoy the mysteries as well. This one starts with with Rarity and her boyfriend, Archer, visiting a new art gallery owned by one of Archer's old school friends. Things quickly spin out of control when the old school friend is found murdered and it turns out his relationship with Archer wasn't always friendly. Luckily, Rarity's book club is always ready to get involved in the investigation with the help of Jonathan, the father of Drew, the actual detective on the case.
Like a lot of cozy mysteries the actual mystery isn't always front and center. There's a lot of focus on relationships - especially Archer and Rarity (who seriously need to communicate better), Sam and Drew (ditto) and the new but more poignant relationship between Shirley and Terrence. As well, there's a lot of day to day bookstore business and quite a bit of Rarity's everyday life. I enjoyed all of this but it definitely keeps it from being the fastest pace of reads and at times the mystery really took a backseat. As well, the reveal did feel a bit anti-climatic.
If you enjoy light cozy mysteries that do touch on more serious topics this is a good choice though I do recommend starting with the first book so you can get to know all the characters.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes! I always enjoy her cozy mysteries.
Would I Recommend this Book? I would recommend this series if you're a fan of cozy mysteries and love a bookish book with a strong community.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? I would recommend this series if you're a fan of cozy mysteries and love a bookish book with a strong community.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I always love that bookstore setting! This cozy sounds like a fun one. :D
ReplyDeleteI think you liked this much more than I did. I am not sure at this point if I will read on. I may read one more in the series and will rest on how that one goes for me.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this series. I love the author's Tourist Trap series.
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