Reviews

Murder in Red by Jessica Fletcher, Jon Land

thephdivabooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I love pretty much ALL cozy mysteries, but I have a special place in my heart for a few of my favorite amateur sleuths—Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, and of course, the irreplaceable Jessica Fletcher. In Jon Land’s latest installment in the Jessica Fletcher catalog, Murder She Wrote: Murder in Red, Jessica Fletcher is back with a mystery that hits close to home in Cabot Cove, ME. The death of a friend, a suspicious medical clinic, and the return of an old friend make this a fun read with a good mystery and an ending I never would have guessed!

About the Book

As the book opens, the residents of Cabot Cove are at a funeral for the local librarian. A new clinic poaching clients right and left from Jessica Fletcher’s long time friend and physician Seth is the talk of the reception. The Clifton Clinic seems to operate in flashy yet mysterious ways, touting a number of services without clear medical protocol. Jessica’s friend Mimi Van Dorn is one of the patients, there for treatment of her diabetes and some anti-aging regimen.

But when Mimi dies suddenly of seemingly medical-related complications, Jessica and Seth suspect that there may be more to Mimi’s death than meets the eye. And they soon discover they are right—Mimi’s death is anything but natural. And then one of Jessica’s dear friend George arrives in town for a medical procedure at the Clifton Clinic… Jessica knows she must get to the bottom of what is happening at that clinic before another person loses their life.

Reflection

I was so excited to pick this up and see Jessica Fletcher back in Cabot Cove, ME for this book, after her wild adventures all the way to the white house in the last one! Really, I like to see Jessica Fletcher anywhere, if I’m being honest. But boy, Cabot Cove is sure a dangerous place to live!!!

I have to say, that Clifton Clinic really had me suspicious! It was a bit too slick, and the owner a bit too smug. But the patients seemed happy, even if they were paying an arm and a leg for their procedures and treatment. You do have to wonder though if they’d be quite as happy if they found out that they may pay with their life!

Jessica’s friend George was such a sweet part to this. They are a couple that would be together if their work and geography didn’t separate them. Jessica’s fondness for her friends and loved ones is one of her most endearing qualities, and it softens her up when she can be quite sassy and direct other times! I loved her repartee with the other characters too. Jessica Fletcher may be getting older, but her mind is sharp as a tack!

And the mystery was pretty engaging! I couldn’t quite tell where it would go, but let’s just say an old scandal may come to light and hold the key to a few of the answers to this mystery! And even when that was revealed, I wouldn’t have guessed the ending. This was a great mystery with a fantastic conclusion, that fans of Jessica Fletcher and first-timers alike will love!

Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.

melsellers's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved.

lisabooksit's review against another edition

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3.0

It was my first Murder She Wrote book and it was an audiobook. Not sure I'll seek out more but good mystery. I think it made some of the loveable characters unlikable honestly!

emintobooks's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

suericker's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

cj_mo_2222's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm still getting used to Jon Land's take on this long going mystery series based on the beloved television show. Jessica is a little more outspoken in her conversations with Mort and Seth and a little more impulsive, such as when she runs after an attacker. However, the characters do seem more like "themselves" in this installment. He especially captures the voice of Jessica's old friend Harry McGraw and I love his involvement in the investigation. I loved seeing George Sutherland return in this book and play such a large role. It seems he had been forgotten in the last several books, so it's good to see him back again. The plot was intriguing, involving "pay to participate" drug trials. The book has a few slow spots in which things are repetitive. However, they pick up at the end for a dramatic, satisfying conclusion. I have read each prior "Murder, She Wrote" book and in spite of some flaws, I enjoyed this latest addition to the series.

cinephilegirl_'s review against another edition

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4.0

I needed something cozy thrilling and with Jessica Fletcher.

melmo2610's review against another edition

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4.0

Another good installment in one of my favorite series! I was pleased to see George in this story as he is a favorite of mine. The mystery is very good with two unexplained deaths and kept me guessing. Jessica’s still got it, that’s for sure!! Looking forward to more of Jessica’s adventures. Great read!

growintogardens's review against another edition

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mysterious
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.75

mrsburg528's review against another edition

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4.0

I was provided an ARC from Penguin Books and First to Read for my honest review.

I have never read a Jessica Fletcher novel before and seized the opportunity to give it a try. I truly enjoyed the adventure that was this book. The characters were interesting and well developed. The story line was easy to follow and the plot moved at a pace that kept me interested. I enjoyed the complexity of the mystery and the suspense. I had no idea of the whodunnit. The perfect weekend read.
I would definitely read another Jessica Fletcher mystery.