peggyemi's review
4.0
This is a quick, fun novella set in South Cove and part of the Tourist Trap mysteries. It has appearances by all of the reader's favorite characters. The town fire chief, who has made the town's business owners angry with code violations ahead of the 4th of July Festival, is found dead after a controlled burn. Once again, Jill finds herself investigating the crime trying to find the guilty party. The mystery has a nice twist that I didn't expect and winds up nicely even though this book is shorter in length.
I thought the novella worked in this series because the characters are so well developed that the abbreviated story telling was not impacted and the mystery didn't feel rushed. This is a perfect read for the 4th of July Holiday and a nice visit with the characters of South Cover until we get a longer length book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I thought the novella worked in this series because the characters are so well developed that the abbreviated story telling was not impacted and the mystery didn't feel rushed. This is a perfect read for the 4th of July Holiday and a nice visit with the characters of South Cover until we get a longer length book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
m_elissa_m's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
5.0
Barry Gleason, volunteer fire chief of South Cove, California, doesn't make many friends when he abuses his power to shut down local businesses because of questionable fire code violations. Jill Gardner, the owner of Coffee, Books, and More is one of the angry business owners not happy that her shop could be closed down during the busy Fourth of July holiday, but she is still shocked when Barry is found dead. In spite of her feelings about Barry, Jill is determined to get to the truth of his suspicious death.
I have read some of the full-length novels in this series, but think this novella would be the perfect introduction to "The Tourist Trap" series. Jill is an appealing main character. She's down-to-earth and determined and I like the realistic way in which her relationship with police detective Greg King is portrayed. Readers will be able to relate to their date nights of just hanging out and talking at home. I also enjoy the unique character, Esmerelda, who is a part-time police dispatcher and part-time fortune-teller. Jill's Aunt Jackie has brought down some of the earlier books with her brusque manner, but she makes only a brief appearance in this story.
This novella is a good length for an easy, summer read. It's not too long, but complex enough to keep readers interested until the end. There is an interesting solution to the case and a satisfying ending to the case. This story is a winner for returning fans of the series as well as new readers.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have read some of the full-length novels in this series, but think this novella would be the perfect introduction to "The Tourist Trap" series. Jill is an appealing main character. She's down-to-earth and determined and I like the realistic way in which her relationship with police detective Greg King is portrayed. Readers will be able to relate to their date nights of just hanging out and talking at home. I also enjoy the unique character, Esmerelda, who is a part-time police dispatcher and part-time fortune-teller. Jill's Aunt Jackie has brought down some of the earlier books with her brusque manner, but she makes only a brief appearance in this story.
This novella is a good length for an easy, summer read. It's not too long, but complex enough to keep readers interested until the end. There is an interesting solution to the case and a satisfying ending to the case. This story is a winner for returning fans of the series as well as new readers.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
historical_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught.
melmo2610's review against another edition
5.0
This was a cute short mystery perfect for an afternoon. Set between books 3 and 4 of the series, it was a fun mystery with a twist and set at the 4th of July which was enjoyable as well. It was nice seeing Sasha again and I enjoyed a quick visit with one of my favorite cozy series!
slferg's review against another edition
4.0
South Cove is having a fourth of July festival. But the new fire chief is threatening to close down all the businesses that don't meet his fire code until July 5th. He has a run-in with several people, including Jill, who is absolutely furious with the 'violations' he has come up with for her store and the hint that for a favor he might overlook them and not shut down the store. Then, after a practice burn he has called for the fire department, he is found dead in the burned building. Jill doesn't believe any of the volunteers in the fire department are guilty, they aren't capable of murder. So she decides to do a little checking on her own - and keeps running into Greg. Which gets her in a bit of hot water.
Note: This is a novella, so a quick read.
Note: This is a novella, so a quick read.
xkay_readsx's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you for this wonderful short story! I am really looking forward to the next Tourist Trap Mystery book in the fall. This one is a great quality short story. LOVE LOVE Tourist Trap series.
camelot565's review against another edition
3.0
My friend Susan was right that Greg is getting a little too aggressive with Jill.