Book Review – Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting.

3 out of 5 stars.

I would like to thank Kensington Books for providing me with a free ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

‘Murder at Morningside’ comes across as an interesting little debut cosy crime story. So, when I say “It was okay” I’m not being mean… I’m just letting you know it has the potential for greatness, but I just couldn’t see if from the first book alone. If that makes sense? I don’t yet get the urge to rave over it… but I can see it happening maybe one day. 😉

This is the first in a new series called ‘A Missy DuBois Mystery’ and yes, I did see some potential. But I also saw some glitches and hiccups that would have put me off it I had seen them in a book that was already part of an existing series. Being the first book, I am letting them be brushed aside as ‘first book jitters’.

I will also say I did find Missy herself a little too unbelievably ditzy and a tad too… can I say ‘antebellum’? But that is just how she came across to me. I simply felt the Southern Belle drawl was over played and the character a little too dumb at times to be as clever as she was.

But! That didn’t put me off enjoying the tale and reading it all the way through. It dragged a bit in places to build suspense and add red herrings, but all in all a well-paced and enjoyable mystery/ cosy crime.

And the fact I want to know what the deal with Ambrose is – gay? Shy? Another secret? – shows I can see myself visiting this series again one day.

Would I recommend this book to others?

I think I would. Yes it is a little shaky in places, it drags a bit and then races away in others… but it’s the first book in a new series and the author just needs to find her feet so cut her some slack! There is a lot of potential in this being a great new series so get in early so you can brag to others you’ve been a fan since the start. 😉

Would I buy this book for myself?

I might… but I would rather seek out other books in the series first before I made judgement. It was entertaining, ticked all the right mystery/ cosy crime boxes and I can see myself wanting to know how the characters are getting on… so, maybe at library book level for now, but that could change the more of the series I read.

In summary: An enjoyable start to a potentially good new cosy crime/ mystery series. It has its moments – both good and bad – but all in all worth a read.

Until next time,

Janis.