tylovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
girlonthecsaw's review against another edition
3.0
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I had not read book one of the series and that put me at a disadvantage. The mystery within a mystery angle is intriguing but I wasn't fully invested in the characters and their dysfunctional relationship is the key to this series. The author added enough twists to keep me engaged while the reluctant partners worked to solve the mystery but I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending. I plan to read Written Off before book three is published with the hope that I will care enough to continue the series.
lunifur's review against another edition
4.0
**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
This is a great book as long as you don't over think the premise. I spent the first few chapters thoroughly confused because I was so focused on figuring out who Duffy was rather than focusing on the actual story. After that, I found that it was an amazing story. In trying to figure out who Duffy is, they look into an old missing person case that might have ties to Duffy's past (if he even has a past). The mystery ends up slightly convoluted but very interesting, and it is hard not to get caught up in Duffy's enthusiasm.
This is a great book as long as you don't over think the premise. I spent the first few chapters thoroughly confused because I was so focused on figuring out who Duffy was rather than focusing on the actual story. After that, I found that it was an amazing story. In trying to figure out who Duffy is, they look into an old missing person case that might have ties to Duffy's past (if he even has a past). The mystery ends up slightly convoluted but very interesting, and it is hard not to get caught up in Duffy's enthusiasm.
kab599's review against another edition
4.0
A Mystery within a Mystery
Edited Out is an intriguing mystery that takes you behind the scenes of a mystery writer caught up in her own personal mystery, while solving a murder mystery at the same time. It is impressive how the author is able to intertwine the two with great success. Especially of interest is how the main character Rachel Goldman, the mystery writer, is more interested in creating and writing her fictional mystery world than solving an actual crime. Unfortunately for her, she always finds herself entangled in both. I found myself laughing out loud with Rachel as I read the book. She is easy to relate to with her candidness and down –to-earth take on life. This is the second book in the series by EJ Copperman. Looking forward to the next book! I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Edited Out is an intriguing mystery that takes you behind the scenes of a mystery writer caught up in her own personal mystery, while solving a murder mystery at the same time. It is impressive how the author is able to intertwine the two with great success. Especially of interest is how the main character Rachel Goldman, the mystery writer, is more interested in creating and writing her fictional mystery world than solving an actual crime. Unfortunately for her, she always finds herself entangled in both. I found myself laughing out loud with Rachel as I read the book. She is easy to relate to with her candidness and down –to-earth take on life. This is the second book in the series by EJ Copperman. Looking forward to the next book! I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
cherylanntownsend's review
3.0
Mystery writer, Rachel Goldman is hooked up with a man who claims to to be her fictional sleuth, having the same name and occupation as her character, Duffy Madison. He asks her to help him find a missing person (Damien Mosley) who just happened to disappear in the same time frame as Duffy took on the personae. Real “Duffy” has no memory before the segue, so it leans towards the probability the two are one. As they investigate Damien’s disappearance, those that knew him remark on the noticeable similarities. But then it comes to light that there really was a Duffy and he and Damien went to school together. And things get more intertwined in a contorted cast of characters that often have you rereading a sentence to be sure where it fits and how the person mentioned is currently involved.
It could be a fun read, but the annoying repetition of fake & real Duffy, how she wrote this characteristic or that whatever just gets in the way. Over and over and over.
But then it actually gets interesting, psychologically suspenseful even. Duffy gets pulled in for the murder of Damien’s wife when he tells the police where the gun that probably killed her is hidden. Then it twists more than Chubby Checker in his prime and gets downright juicy. Who’s zooming who?
More and more, I visualized Duffy as Ignatius J. Reilly. Characteristically most prominently. I wound up enjoying the read, (asides aside) and will probably read more. I like how Duffy’s mind works.
It could be a fun read, but the annoying repetition of fake & real Duffy, how she wrote this characteristic or that whatever just gets in the way. Over and over and over.
But then it actually gets interesting, psychologically suspenseful even. Duffy gets pulled in for the murder of Damien’s wife when he tells the police where the gun that probably killed her is hidden. Then it twists more than Chubby Checker in his prime and gets downright juicy. Who’s zooming who?
More and more, I visualized Duffy as Ignatius J. Reilly. Characteristically most prominently. I wound up enjoying the read, (asides aside) and will probably read more. I like how Duffy’s mind works.
vkemp's review
4.0
Who is Duffy Madison? He appears to have sprung into life five years ago when Rachel Goldman started writing her series of mystery books featuring him. He has no memory of his life before that. Rachel and Duffy are investigating to see if, perhaps, Duffy is actually Damien Mosley, a man who disappeared from Poughkeepsie NY about five years ago. But they more the dig, the more murders they uncover and then, Duffy is arrested for the murder of Michelle Testaverde, Damien Mosley's supposed wife. Did a fictional detective actually kill a real-life person? Could that be the event that triggered Duffy's amnesia? Wry dialog and snappy asides are scattered throughout, making this a very entertaining read.
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