Reviews

Progressive Dinner Deadly by Elizabeth Spann Craig

dunnadam's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A fun book and light read. A little less humour and supporting characters than the first book, I hope they come back in later books in the series. I missed the French exchange student for example and a lot more of the mystery seemed to take place in Myrtle's head. Still fast paced and fun.

kristirose's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Since she is not a great cook, Myrtle Clover is highly disappointed when her book club decides to become a supper club. She had hoped to persuade the group to begin reading classic literature instead. Nevertheless, Myrtle decides to make the best of the situation and volunteers to host the dessert course of the inaugural supper club meeting. However, the meeting is interrupted when Myrtle discovers the body of Jill Caulfield, who had volunteered to host the main course.

I enjoyed the book. I had never actually heard of a progressive dinner until I read this book. I wasn't in love with Myrtle as a character at first; however, I warmed up to her as the novel progressed. I do wish that it had included recipes. I would love to have the recipe for the slow cooker pulled pork mentioned in the book. I am looking forward to reading more of the books in this series.

tmleafs42's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Adorable mystery. A retired woman with her son cop meddling her business is again. While her son had hoped that her snooping into and solving murders was a one time thing, Myrtle finds herself up to her eyeballs in mystery. It is up to her to solve it before her son just to prove to him that she doesn't need him volunteering her for other social activities to keep her out of trouble. A very good read and I am looking forward to more!

tarana's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I liked the characters, which is why I keep reading/listening to this series. The plot was actually a bit better this book. Looking forward to next book!

manateemum's review

Go to review page

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? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

mrs_char_baker's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

This book was disappointing, it was very slow to get going and quite predictable.

tmleafs42's review

Go to review page

5.0

Adorable mystery. A retired woman with her son cop meddling her business is again. While her son had hoped that her snooping into and solving murders was a one time thing, Myrtle finds herself up to her eyeballs in mystery. It is up to her to solve it before her son just to prove to him that she doesn't need him volunteering her for other social activities to keep her out of trouble. A very good read and I am looking forward to more!

the_library's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-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

pattykakes's review

Go to review page

3.0

This book ticks most of the cozy mystery boxes, but I’m not sure that’s necessarily a compliment.

Myrtle Clover is a retired English teacher with a penchant for solving crimes in her small hometown. Conveniently, (or inconveniently, from Myrtle’s perspective) her son is the chief law enforcement officer. In this episode, a member of Myrtle’s book/supper club is murdered right before hosting the main course and Myrtle takes it upon herself to investigate. Translation: she’s desperate to solve the case before her son does. She withholds information. She puts herself at risk. She has a rather abrasive interview style. She’s no Jessica Fletcher. She’s not even an early Jane Marple.

And yet …

I kept reading.

While I enjoy elderly/retired detectives, not all of them are endearing. Myrtle has her quirks, but she often comes across as judgmental or condescending and I find that a little off-putting. Still, the plot is fast paced (although a bit stilted) and there was enough of a twist at the end to keep me engaged. So, even though I’m only giving this one three stars, I will most likely read another just because this one was sufficiently entertaining.

brokensporty's review

Go to review page

4.0

Great cozy mystery with strong female lead.

This is a great series with a strong female lead character who is funny and intuitive. Miss Myrtle is one of the best characters I have read this year.