Monday, August 13, 2018

A Dark and Twisting Path - Cozy Mystery Review


Rating:  Good
Source: Publisher

Description:
Lena's best friend, Allison, is in a panic. On a walk in the woods by her home, Allison discovers the body of her mail carrier, an argumentative man who recently had a falling out with Allison's husband. Lena quickly realizes that Allison has nothing to worry about as the murder weapon points to a different suspect altogether: Lena's embattled boyfriend, Sam West.

Sam was cleared of his wife's murder when she was found alive, and now someone is trying to make him look guilty again. Surveillance video of a break-in at his house shows a shadowy figure trying to incriminate him by stealing the weapon from his desk. Lena and Camilla work on a suspect list, but a threatening note and a violent intrusion at Graham House prove that the devious killer has decided to write them into the plot.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:
  I've been wanting to read this series since the first book came out so I couldn't resist this one.  Plus I love that there are dogs on the cover as well as the cat.

My Impression:
  Usually I find that you can jump in anywhere in a cozy mystery - especially with the early books.  This isn't really the case here.  There are some seriously complicated relationships and drama here that while I wasn't confused I think I would have been more invested in caring about it all if I had started from the beginning.

That said I did enjoy this.  I loved all the bits about writing and the relationship between Camilla and Lena.  The mystery was intriguing and there is a major plot that is continuing from the previous books that was also interesting.  I really was fairly clueless about the whos and whys until the end.  Every time I'd think I'd get it figured out I'd start to question myself or a new detail would be added that would throw me off and keep me wondering.

The pacing was well done though at times the dialogue could feel a bit awkward and stilted.  As well, Lena suffers a bit from being too perfect.  Everyone loves her and admires her and despite being in the most baggage filled relationship I've ever seen everything feels a little easy for her.  This could get a bit eye-rolly at times but not so bad that it took over the book.

I enjoyed this book though I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I'd started from the beginning.   Buckley's voice feels very unique and I did love the community she's built in this series.  As well the mystery was solid and not too easy to solve.  If you love a little writer's workshop mixed in with your murder try this series - just start with the beginning.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?
  I would and I'm looking forward to going back to the beginning.

Would I Recommend this Book?
  If you're a cozy lover I'd recommend this series though I'd definitely recommend starting at the beginning.  Luckily this is only book 3 so it won't add too many new books to your TBR!

8 comments:

  1. This sounds fun. I like the idea of writing mixed in with the plot- Ellery Adams' Books by the Bay series was a little like that, she had a writing group she hung out with. Nice too that the mystery here kept you guessing!

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  2. I always struggle with books that have dialogue that is really awkward. I'm glad you enjoyed this and that it kept you guessing.

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  3. I haven't yet read this one, but am looking forward to it. It's good to know you can't just jump into this one without having read the previous books. I have read the first one (loved it!), at least! I need to get to the second.

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  4. I have heard really good things about this series, especially the first book. Many seemed to love it. So, I might actually own it. I need to check. Good to know that this is 'only' #3. Note to self - read this series - start at the beginning. LOL

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  5. Yes I think starting at the beginning of a series helps, even if its just the first few books. I've just started Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness on audiobook - the first in the series.

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  6. It sounds like a fun series. Sometimes cozies show a lot of growth in the main character(s) so I try to read from the start. Doesn't always happen though.

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  7. Good to know that this is a series best read in order. Glad you were able to enjoy this one!

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