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brii_brii's review
2.0
This book feels very similar to a book that was already done in this series. An author giving a seminar is killed… versus a publisher giving a seminar at a retreat is killed… Honestly, I was frustrated reading the same thing over again.
I complained once about Mina turning against Healthcliff in the holiday novella, and I have the same issue here. The girl has literally no faith in these guys that she loves. Just assume right off the bat they're the killers, like she doesn't even know them at all. It feels silly to me. She also spends a lot of time wallowing about people not liking her book, and feeling like a failure, which kind of ruined her character growth and development over the last 7 books.
The one thing that absolutely KILLED this book for me is the shameless, SHAMELESS self plugs of trying to get me over to read Bree's books. It bothered me so much. It also really bothered me that Mina was writing the first book in this series. It just felt wrong, it didn't really feel like it fit for me, and it wasn't all that cohesive.
It feels a little weird reviewing a book negatively when the author spent several chapters negatively reviewing her own work in this book, I won't lie.
becky_m8's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries. When people ask me what my favorite series is I always reply with Nevermore Bookshop mysteries. It combines so many elements I love. Fictional characters coming to life, a sweet reverse harem, bookshops and some murder mysteries to add a little bit of danger. I will therefore be really sad that the series ends with the ninth book. I will also enjoy these last two books to the fullest. Especially since I got an arc for this book via BookSprout.
This book has everything one can possibly want in this series. Of course our four heroes are at the centre of everything. I like how established this relationship is. How they can be honest with each other, even when thoughts might not be the kind of thoughts the other wants to hear. There is no doubt anymore that these people love each other and that they're willing to do everything to fight for that love and its right to exist.
This book also rekindled my own love for writing, for the process, for telling your own story. I love how Mina wrote all her own adventures down and is now trying to get them published and I love how the author put so much of her own love for writing in the story. And I don't even doubt that the dirt and mean comments in this story are just as real. The writing and publishing world isn't perfect, after all. It does lead to loads of delicious secrets and characters.
And that's what you need when you write a closed room mystery. You want to create a situation where everyone in that room has a motive, an opportunity and the knowledge to get it done. It took the author some time to build everything up, to introduce these characters and to show us who they are, but it's absolutely and totally worth it in the end. The mystery is solved in a very satisfying and surprising way and the last few chapters were just warming my heart.
In a way I don't want to next book to be released, because it will be the last one, and in a way I can't wait to read it!
This book has everything one can possibly want in this series. Of course our four heroes are at the centre of everything. I like how established this relationship is. How they can be honest with each other, even when thoughts might not be the kind of thoughts the other wants to hear. There is no doubt anymore that these people love each other and that they're willing to do everything to fight for that love and its right to exist.
This book also rekindled my own love for writing, for the process, for telling your own story. I love how Mina wrote all her own adventures down and is now trying to get them published and I love how the author put so much of her own love for writing in the story. And I don't even doubt that the dirt and mean comments in this story are just as real. The writing and publishing world isn't perfect, after all. It does lead to loads of delicious secrets and characters.
And that's what you need when you write a closed room mystery. You want to create a situation where everyone in that room has a motive, an opportunity and the knowledge to get it done. It took the author some time to build everything up, to introduce these characters and to show us who they are, but it's absolutely and totally worth it in the end. The mystery is solved in a very satisfying and surprising way and the last few chapters were just warming my heart.
In a way I don't want to next book to be released, because it will be the last one, and in a way I can't wait to read it!
abass0630's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
librarianally's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
2.0
_snowy_m's review
4.0
I have come to love anything written by Steffanie Holmes. I like this little world she is creating between the series that she writes. This is a Why Choose, reverse harem book. If that upsets your sensibilities, please don't read this author. The characters are so well developed. I love the book characters (if you've read these you get it). I just adore the gents and friends in this book and how far they have come with each other. Our little crew can't go anywhere without attracting a new mystery or two. The last fourth of this is just such a joy. I am so ticked book (9) isn't out yet. I MUST HAVE IT!
As per always on series, start with the first before going forward. Even if it says stand alone.
As per always on series, start with the first before going forward. Even if it says stand alone.
arsilyn's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
i_escape_2other_worlds's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
The penultimate book in the series. Ended with kittens in the bookshop and an engagement. I’ve enjoyed this series, lighthearted and fun.