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csewimbush's review against another edition
4.0
This is an enjoyable first novel and a promising start to a new cozy mystery series. Although initially the narrator seemed bland, she and the other characters steadily grew on me--especially Aunt Gully, who is entirely lovable without being annoyingly quaint. It is worth reading the book just to watch how Gully manages tragedy: by going about her business and making everyone in sight eat steaming bowls of chowder. (Don't read this book when you are hungry. The food descriptions are mouthwatering.)
The story was nicely plotted and paced, with a satisfying twist at the end. All in all, this was lots of fun on a rainy winter day. I'll certainly read the next installment.
The story was nicely plotted and paced, with a satisfying twist at the end. All in all, this was lots of fun on a rainy winter day. I'll certainly read the next installment.
laurierreads's review against another edition
I didn’t care for any of the characters and the writing felt stiff. It felt like names were just being thrown around without any character development to go alongside it.
megasaurus_wes's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
constancepsych's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Excellent read, loved the characters and the plot. New author for me but I did like it enough to buy the next 2 and get to reading them next. If you love summer cozies, lobster, and a small town this is your book.
littletaiko's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this more than I did. First of all major points to the author for having a non-romance related reason for Allie to move back home. Allie is a professional dancer recuperating from an injury. While recovering, she is helping out at her aunt's lobster shack. There wasn't even a whiff of a romance much less the usual triangle that seems to feature in so many cozy mysteries. The mystery is set during a lobster roll competition that Aunt Gully is competing in. When all of the judges fall ill after eating one of the lobster rolls and suspiscion falls on Aunt Gully, Allie of course investigates on her own. While I enjoyed most of the characters, Allie was the one who aggravated me the most. She kept making idiotic choices that just didn't feel believable. It's the first in a series so there is potential for improvement.
tlvz721's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
peggyemi's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first in a new culinary cozy mystery series that is off to a good start. It is a well paced story with a lot happening throughout. I enjoyed the main character Allie, while recovering from a injured ankle, is helping her aunt with her new business venture - a lobster shack. Allie is fun, loyal and I enjoyed the way her relationship with her aunt and her best friend was written. In addition, there is a secondary cast of quirky fun characters that I think readers will enjoy. The one character I had trouble connecting with was Lorel, Allie's sister. To me she felt a bit distant and maybe a tad judgmental. The mystery was woven throughout the story and there were plenty of clues, twists and turns peppered throughout the plot along the way. There was a nice twist when the killer's identity was revealed that I didn't suspect.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley. This book is scheduled for release on January 30, 2018.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley. This book is scheduled for release on January 30, 2018.
caitkom's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first intstallment of the Lobster Shack Mysteries. Set in Mystic Bay, CT, Allie Larkin is home on medical leave from her job as a ballerina. She is helping Aunt Gully who is a well loved cafeteria lady turned Lobster Shack owner. The Lazy Mermaid has been selected to participate in the best lobster roll competition and this would be a great way for the Lazy Mermaid to get on the map, until one of the judges dies from eating one of the competetors lobster rolls. Allie is so set on proving that the competetor couldn't have poisoned their own lobster roll that she shifts the heat onto Aunt Gully. Allie along with her sister and her best friend start poking into the murder to prove Aunt Gully's innocence. This was a great first book in the series. I am looking forward to reading the other ones.