peggyemi's review
4.0
I do not typically read historical cozy mysteries, but Joyce St. Anthony is a pen-name for Joyce Tremel and I was a fan of her short-lived A Brewing Trouble Mystery. So, given that I enjoyed those books, I wanted to support the author in her latest venture. I found this to be a delightful start to a new series. The main character is a bit similar to the main character in her other series in that both of them were women pursuing careers that at the time were very heavily male-dominated. In Front Page Murder, Irene Ingram, the protagonist, takes over as editor-in-chief for the local newspaper. She is taking over for her father, who has left to report on the events of World War II. I like Irene. She is a clever and determined woman, trying to make her father proud. Ms. St. Anthony also touches on the changing societal norms of the time, due to the war along with the rise of anti-Semitic beliefs fueled by some of the more radical groups of this time period.
The mystery was well crafted with a pace that moved along nicely. The author providers her readers with several suspicious characters to consider as the possible killer while throwing in some twists that will keep the reader on their toes. The mystery kept me intrigued and guessing until the reveal.
This is a wonderful start to a new series for this author and I think fans of this time period and/or historical cozy mysteries will be delighted. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by the manner in which I received this book.
The mystery was well crafted with a pace that moved along nicely. The author providers her readers with several suspicious characters to consider as the possible killer while throwing in some twists that will keep the reader on their toes. The mystery kept me intrigued and guessing until the reveal.
This is a wonderful start to a new series for this author and I think fans of this time period and/or historical cozy mysteries will be delighted. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by the manner in which I received this book.
dougbiv4's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I started this 1 on a whim and couldn't put it down. Characters and plot mixed well from the start. A strong look at what it takes to be a true american.
ash_the_cryptid02's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was very fun to read, but I feel like the ending was extremely predictable. I did enjoy it though!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism and War
Minor: Blood
jsant's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
WWII murder mystery, the writing Ave the narration are a bit forced, but there's potential there.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Antisemitism
mmarie1127's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
meezcarrie's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s Brewing Trouble Mysteries series (under the name of Joyce Tremel), so I was really eager to read her new historical cozy mystery series set during World War II. Her warm writing voice (which is one of the reasons I loved her previous series) is engaging and draws you right into the main character’s perspective and into the heart of the story.
Irene Ingram is exactly what I would want an intrepid, trail-blazing newspaper editor to be. She’s big-hearted and savvy, confident in her abilities but vulnerable enough to admit she doesn’t have all the answers. She’s also plucky and doesn’t let anyone give her any guff, despite several people who try their best to intimidate her. After all, her father put her in charge of his paper when he went overseas to be a war correspondent so she knows that at least he believes she can do it. And that’s enough for her to stay the course.
I really enjoyed the glimpses of stateside life during the war, some of them given through the newspaper headlines that start each chapter and some through the day-to-day experiences of our main & supporting characters. Along with the mystery, we are also treated to a close-up view of women’s workplace conditions, social issues, popular music, how rations affected everyone, and the general sense of patriotism – of wanting to do something, anything, to help the war effort. All of this is woven naturally throughout the story, so that it enhances the sense of time and place and keeps us grounded in the era as we read … without feeling like an info dump or distracting from the plot.
Speaking of the plot, the murder mystery is full of twists and turns as well as a healthy dose of intrigue. A Jewish shop owner attacked at his place of business. A dead newspaper reporter. A mysterious boarder. A local factory with some unusual accidents. Are these related incidents or separate from each other? Irene and her best friend Peggy are smart investigators (though some things that I thought were obvious seemed to stump them for a bit lol), and I enjoyed their sleuthing methods as well as their friendship. Some of the crime solving turned out as I thought it would while other aspects ended up surprising me.
Bottom Line: Front Page Murder by Joyce St. Anthony combines fascinating history, endearing characters, war-time intrigue, and small town spirit with a murder mystery that will keep you on your toes! Readers will love cheering on Irene in both her professional & sleuthing endeavors, and we tip our collective hats to women like her from that era who paved the way for our own professional opportunities in today’s world. St. Anthony has crafted a compelling read that will not only entertain you but will leave you smarter for it, too. Perfect for WWII history buffs and cozy mystery aficionados!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are a few mild curse words scattered throughout this novel.
first reviewed on Reading Is My SuperPower
Irene Ingram is exactly what I would want an intrepid, trail-blazing newspaper editor to be. She’s big-hearted and savvy, confident in her abilities but vulnerable enough to admit she doesn’t have all the answers. She’s also plucky and doesn’t let anyone give her any guff, despite several people who try their best to intimidate her. After all, her father put her in charge of his paper when he went overseas to be a war correspondent so she knows that at least he believes she can do it. And that’s enough for her to stay the course.
I really enjoyed the glimpses of stateside life during the war, some of them given through the newspaper headlines that start each chapter and some through the day-to-day experiences of our main & supporting characters. Along with the mystery, we are also treated to a close-up view of women’s workplace conditions, social issues, popular music, how rations affected everyone, and the general sense of patriotism – of wanting to do something, anything, to help the war effort. All of this is woven naturally throughout the story, so that it enhances the sense of time and place and keeps us grounded in the era as we read … without feeling like an info dump or distracting from the plot.
Speaking of the plot, the murder mystery is full of twists and turns as well as a healthy dose of intrigue. A Jewish shop owner attacked at his place of business. A dead newspaper reporter. A mysterious boarder. A local factory with some unusual accidents. Are these related incidents or separate from each other? Irene and her best friend Peggy are smart investigators (though some things that I thought were obvious seemed to stump them for a bit lol), and I enjoyed their sleuthing methods as well as their friendship. Some of the crime solving turned out as I thought it would while other aspects ended up surprising me.
Bottom Line: Front Page Murder by Joyce St. Anthony combines fascinating history, endearing characters, war-time intrigue, and small town spirit with a murder mystery that will keep you on your toes! Readers will love cheering on Irene in both her professional & sleuthing endeavors, and we tip our collective hats to women like her from that era who paved the way for our own professional opportunities in today’s world. St. Anthony has crafted a compelling read that will not only entertain you but will leave you smarter for it, too. Perfect for WWII history buffs and cozy mystery aficionados!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are a few mild curse words scattered throughout this novel.
first reviewed on Reading Is My SuperPower
halfcentreader's review against another edition
4.0
Solid 4 star cozy mystery set somewhere between Pittsburgh and Buter PA in a small town called Progress. The reader instantly feels transported to that era just after America entered the war in 1942. Irene has taken over the editor position her father left (to report on the war in the Pacific) at their family operated hometown newspaper. From turns of phrase to what's for dinner... youll feel nostalgic and doubly so if you happen to be from Pittsburgh or anywhere near. There was even a shout out to everyone's favorite amusement park, Kennywood !
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment if just to be in 1940's PA.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment if just to be in 1940's PA.
sarahthereader's review
5.0
I love reading series books, especially mysteries and so thankful to Netgalley and Crooked Lane press for the ARC of Joyce St. Anthony’s series debut, Front Page Murder. This WWII era mystery features Irene Ingram. Irene has taken over as editor of her father’s newspaper, the Progress Herald, while her father serves the army as a correspondent. Irene is managing well despite the grumblings from the guys in the office, but then one of her reporters, Moe Bauer, ends up dead. The more Irene digs the more she believes that this wasn’t an accident.
A great small town mystery that had me transported (excellent side characters as well) and kept me guessing. I so enjoy stories that take place on the homefront during WWII. The details of what life was like are fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading book 2!
A great small town mystery that had me transported (excellent side characters as well) and kept me guessing. I so enjoy stories that take place on the homefront during WWII. The details of what life was like are fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading book 2!