Source: Publisher
Description: A woman and her ghost roommate investigate their most personal case yet in Olivia Blacke’s The Key to a Killer, the next book in the Anthony Award winning Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries.
When Ruby Young discovered that her Boston apartment was haunted, she did what any reasonable person would do: befriend the ghost. Their relationship overcame a shaky start—Cordelia Graves never wanted a roommate in life, she certainly didn’t want one in death. After working together to solve a few murders, the two are close friends, but there’s a lingering question neither of them have been able to answer: what led to Cordelia’s death?
Lately things have been adding up that suggest foul play. And when Cordelia’s memories of that day start to come back, the roommates can’t ignore it anymore: Cordelia was murdered. Ruby and Cordelia are going to have to piece together what Cordelia’s final days looked like—otherwise a killer could go free.
Genre: Mystery
Why I Picked This Book: I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author and the previous two books in the series.
My Impression: This is the third visit to the world of Ruby (living) and Cordelia (dead but not leaving) and as expected I really enjoy it. Ruby is in her early twenties and in many ways young and naive. She's sweet natured and good hearted and doing her best to be a fully functioning adult. Cordelia was never naive or particularly innocent even when she was a child and dying in her bathtub has not made her any less cynical. I really like Ruby and Cordelia's dynamic. They couldn't be more different but that makes them bring out the best in each other. As well, they can't communicate directly which leads to some comic events and at times frustrating ones. The cast of characters includes Ruby's kind of boyfriend, Cordelia's shady brother, the other employees at Ruby's job (which also used to be Cordelia's), a nosy reporter, and a smattering of neighbors.
It does take a bit for the actual investigation to really gain traction. Cordelia is hesitant to involve Ruby in the mistakes of her past and is worried about putting her in danger. As well, there are a few side issues happening with home invasions in the apartment building and Cordelia trying to figure out just what is going on with her brother. I pulled in from the very beginning and enjoyed every minute with the two women.
This is a series best read in order but if you are looking for a good mystery with a unique premise and likable main characters this series is a fantastic pick.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! I've enjoyed everything I've ever read by this author.
Would I Recommend this Book? I would definitely recommend this series. It's a unique premise and is a good mix of not too cozy but not too grim.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I'm delighted that this third visit to Ruby and Cordelia's world lived up to expectations — a ghost roommate slowly recovering memories of her own murder is such a clever hook. Your point about their dynamic really sold it to me, and I also heard the series discussed at length on the onc brothers podcast, which nudged it firmly onto my reading list. Adding it to my autumn mystery pile now.
ReplyDeleteWell this does sound good and I really like the sound of Ruby and Cordelia. I like that ghosty kind of working together. It's the kind of haunting that works for me.
ReplyDeleteAs usual I'm behind on my reading, but I'm hoping to get to this one soon.
ReplyDeleteMy library didn't have these, so I am watching for a sale.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Katherine! It's always a treat when a favourite author brings out another book in a much-loved series:)). Glad this one lived up to expectations.
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