Reviews

Beating the Wrap by Julie Anne Lindsey

peggyemi's review

4.0

Bless her heart, Bonnie Balfour just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Frankly, that's a good thing for fans of Ms. Lindsey's third book in the Bonnie & Clyde Mystery series. This was an entertaining read from start to finish, and this time Bonnie has a little help getting into trouble - Clyde and his kleptomaniac behavior. The result- Bonnie has a run-in with a new store owner that ends with tense words and is witnessed by 1/2 the town. When the store owner shows up dead, Bonnie once again becomes a prime suspect.

These characters just keep getting better. I love Bonnie's relationship with her family, particularly her grandmother Gigi (who is more times than not right by Bonnie's side actively sleuthing). The regular cast of secondary characters is charming and adds so much to this story. This time around we meet two new characters - Thelma and Louisa - and I am hoping that if we don't see more of them in this series that they will become one of the spin-offs the author has hinted at in the past. I
also love how Ms. Lindsey is writing the romance between Mason and Bonnie. They have great chemistry, and there is wonderfully witty dialogue as well as plenty of stubbornness on both their parts. It is going to be a fun ride watching these two finally reach their destination.

I just want to rent space and live in the author's brain. If she can write such wonderful characters, I can only imagine those still trapped in her mind waiting for their turn. I am always in awe of authors who can create characters that draw their readers in and make them feel like the characters are real. Ms. Lindsey has a wonderful talent and as a fan, I always look forward to what she brings us with each new book and series.

I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the author. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are in no way impacted by the manner in which I received this book.

auntbopp's review

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? No

4.25

dollycas's review

funny lighthearted mysterious

5.0

Dollycas's Thoughts

Bonnie Balfour and her kitty Clyde are back and Clyde has been getting into a bit of mischief. Bonnie had no clue until she found a batch of complaints in her A Gift of Gratitude box. The idea was to encourage people to " leave messages of good tidings for neighbors and friends". Instead, her neighbor across the way used the opportunity to spout off about Bonnie. After a little public argument, Bonnie does try to make things right but unfortunately, someone killed the man before she can make amends. Thankfully that fine-looking Sheriff Wright knows Bonnie had nothing to do with the murder even though the evidence points her way. But, he doesn't like her nosing into his investigation especially after it is clear she is on the killer's radar. As Thanksgiving quickly approaches will the good people of Bliss be thankful the killer is behind bars? Or will they be mourning the death of the owner of Bless Her Heart?

_____

Another stellar cozy from Julie Anne Lindsey!

Ms. Lindsey has created a wonderful cast of core characters. Bonnie is crafty and creative, she's also very smart and becoming quite the amateur sleuth. She has a great assistant at Bless Your Heart in Lexi. The girl is wise beyond her years and a good friend and helper to Bonnie. Then you have Gigi, Bonnie's grandmother. Most people Gigi's age would be slowing down but this woman is opening a new bake shop right next to Bonnie's store. She is strong in health and opinions and not afraid to take anyone on. Bonnie's parents Bud and Blossom own a flower farm and are just as sweet as can be. They are always around to lend a hand. Sheriff Mason Wright aka HANS (Handsome New Sheriff) may just be Bonnie's, Mr. Right. And I can't forget Clyde, Bonnie's black cat who wears bow ties to match his owner's attire and is as cute as can be but sometimes he is very naughty. All these characters are genuine and dynamic and continue to develop nicely.

The mystery was very well-plotted and written with all the real-life subplots entangled perfectly. Ms. Lindsey threw in some great twists, a red herring or two, and just the right amount of humor and romance. She sets a brisk pace which makes it virtually impossible to put the book down.

I really value the author's descriptive writing style. I could easily visualize everywhere Bonnie traveled. I felt like I walked right into Bless Your Heart and pulled up a chair to take in all the store has to offer. I could look out the window and see all the happenings Bonnie's friend Cami has organized on the square. I even caught a ride out to the victim's place and took in what his neighbor had going on and to Bonnie's new home and the Sheriff's unique place too. Yes, her words allowed me to escape right into this book.

Beating the Wrap
really tickled my fancy. I love these characters and this fun little town. I am looking forward to Gigi opening her bakery and Bonnie and Clyde's next adventure. I hope to escape into Eyelet Witness
soon.

cruchotzke's review

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.0

Can you ever go wrong with a book by Julie Anne Lindsey? The answer is no. I love this series! 

amkozy23's review against another edition

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

3.5

This book was not as engaging as the last one. Although I enjoyed Mason and Bonnie's relationship in this book, the plot was not as interesting. I often found myself forgetting who was even murdered and what the mystery was. It was still an easy and fast read. 

corinneh's review

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

3.75

neverloweonbooks's review

5.0

I am absolutely loving this series and this one was soooo freakin good!!! Beating the Wrap is book three of the Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries and my favorite so far. Funny and sweet with a side of murder and mystery.

There were a few moments that gave me chills and tears may have filled my eyes. This one pulled at the heart strings a bit.

Julie seriously knocked it out of the park with this one and the references to her other series was a nice touch! I’m so excited for the next book.

cdubiel's review

5.0

Lindsey's delightful series continues with a return to Bliss, Georgia during Thanksgiving. (May I just say that I love having a Thanksgiving book - especially when so many Christmas books abound!) Bonnie Balfour has set a box asking for thoughts of gratitude outside her fashion resale shop in the idyllic town of Bliss. When she begins receiving insulting messages in the box, she discovers that her shop's neighbor, Joe Fryer, isn't a fan of her cat, Clyde. Bonnie stands up for her cat, but Joe turns up dead the next day, and Bonnie's on the suspect list. With her track record of solving mysteries, it's no surprise that Bonnie is going to investigate, despite the protests of her sheriff friend, Mason. Bonnie's relationship with Mason goes deeper in this book, and we have a glimpse of a new possible spinoff character, too. Although these are slim volumes with crimes as their focus, Lindsey has a knack for developing character arcs through the course of a series, and I look forward to reading more.

bwilhoite8's review

5.0

I adored this book! Left me with that cheesy goofy smile. I want to be apart of Bliss, GA. I love the hidden Easter eggs that Julie put in this book and some of her others. Just a little extra for her readers that know her other series. Definitely recommend this series and this excellent author.

rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

This series is so fantastic and this book is no exception. I have to say, I enjoyed that this book focuses almost equally on the murder and Bonnie's personal life. Don't get me wrong, I love a good murder mystery. However, my biggest joy in this series is Bonnie and watching her personal growth, and her relationship with family, friends, and the towns people. I love reading about this tight knit community and all the different small shops. Bonnie is just so real and down to Earth and is learning to mend old wounds caused by her psychologically abusive ex-husband. Watching her and Mason try and navigate their feelings despite those wounds is so wonderful to see.  And I enjoy reading about anything that Bonnie tries to mend and make new. The mystery was interested and the ending was shocking. And Clyde is a sneaky and cute as ever. I can't wait to read more!