4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Kensington Books for supplying me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
This was a good little start to a new cosy crime series. And, I have to say, a better read (for me) than another book I recently read and reviewed by this author… well, she was writing under a different name, but still. Though I freely admit the very minor faults I found in ‘Farmed and Dangerous’ were probably due to me coming into that series mid-way. With ‘Flipped for Murder’ I’ve started with the first book and found the writing style for more enjoyable.
Please note however, that the writing style in the two books is different. Yes there are a few similarities, but they are not cookie cutter books. The author is far better than that and has taken the time and made the effort to have two distinctly different styles for her two pseudonyms. This is something not all authors can manage, so hat’s off to Ms Day for pulling it off with flying colours.
The format of ‘Flipped for Murder’ is perfect for cosy crime. Yes it takes a simpler look at life and breezes over it a bit (I don’t remember working in a café all day that light and breezy)… but that is fine. Cosy crimes are MEANT to be a lighter and breezier look at life, it’s part of their cosy charm. If you want a more believable ‘real life’ read true crime. 😉
I did find the story was padded out a little too much for me, the same things rehashed (to prolong the word count) a little too much. And I feel that’s why the ending seemed too sudden. It wasn’t actually short or sudden, just seemed it by not being as prolonged and drawn out as the rest of the book. But, saying that, this book did end well for a first book in a series. It has left life, love and intrigue open and free to be picked up and enjoyed in the next book. I only ever expect a super duper wrap up in the final book of a series. The rest of the books need to be left open for the series to flow. So, this apparent sudden ending is no biggie as there is more to come, yay!
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would. For anyone interested in a cosy crime set in this area of the USA, ‘Flipped for Murder’ is a great choice when looking to start a fun new series. It fits the bill perfectly.
Would I buy this book for myself? I probably would, and I would look to read other books in the ‘A Country Store Mystery’ series. That’s me putting my money where my mouth is! 😉
In summary: This is a great start to a new cosy crime series, a good little book to enjoy curled up on the couch with a cuppa and something all fans of cosy crimes set in the USA would enjoy.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 