pussreboots's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
chri5ti's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoy this series BUT she needs a better editor. The inconsistencies really annoy me. She’s ordering chicken and then eating clams. In one book she gets her coffee beans from Lille and in this one she sells to Lille. They are going away to winery in the north and few chapters later she says let’s plan a trip south. It’s just lucky they aren’t main story plot issues, just back story. Either way this series needs better editing.
houdini117's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
willac's review against another edition
4.0
This book is the fifth in the "Tourist Trap Mystery" series by Lynn Cahoon. I'm a huge fan of this cozy series. The protagonist, Jill, is a former lawyer who owns a coffee shop / book store in a tourist town. This installment deals with a "fun run" type fundraising event sponsored by the local small businesses. One of the event organizers is found dead, and the book deals with Jill trying to solve the murder mystery.
Of course, like most cozy mysteries, having the bookstore owner solve the murder, particularly when her boyfriend is a police detective (of course) is a bit unlikely, but that's the fun of them.
The only irritating thing I found was Jill's aunt, who lost her money in a confidence scheme and now works at the bookstore and does the books. She treats Jill as if Jill works for her, and is very dictatorial and insulting. I'm not one to argue about the motivations or behavior of book characters, but it would seem that Jill could show a little more backbone and stand up to her aunt, but that's just me.
Overall, I think this is a great series, and am looking forward to the next installment!
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Of course, like most cozy mysteries, having the bookstore owner solve the murder, particularly when her boyfriend is a police detective (of course) is a bit unlikely, but that's the fun of them.
The only irritating thing I found was Jill's aunt, who lost her money in a confidence scheme and now works at the bookstore and does the books. She treats Jill as if Jill works for her, and is very dictatorial and insulting. I'm not one to argue about the motivations or behavior of book characters, but it would seem that Jill could show a little more backbone and stand up to her aunt, but that's just me.
Overall, I think this is a great series, and am looking forward to the next installment!
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
m_elissa_m's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sunshinevibes's review against another edition
4.0
"Time to recharge..-Jill Gardner "
This one I had an idea who already done it. And was correct! But nonetheless it was a good storyline! Jill and her dog Emma have such a cute bound that I adore. Jill and Amy their friendship is the best. Also sometimes Aunt Jackie can fustrate me but I enjoyed the sleuthing time she had with Jill. Jill and Greg or Craig her honey has the sweetest and understanding relationship. Which we all hit hard times in relationships but communicating with eachother is the best. They make it work. I really didn't expect to enjoy this series. But I truly do.
This one I had an idea who already done it. And was correct! But nonetheless it was a good storyline! Jill and her dog Emma have such a cute bound that I adore. Jill and Amy their friendship is the best. Also sometimes Aunt Jackie can fustrate me but I enjoyed the sleuthing time she had with Jill. Jill and Greg or Craig her honey has the sweetest and understanding relationship. Which we all hit hard times in relationships but communicating with eachother is the best. They make it work. I really didn't expect to enjoy this series. But I truly do.
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
4.0
Bookstore/coffee shop owner Jill Gardner is looking forward to an Alaskan cruise with her boyfriend Greg King. However, plans often have to change when you’re dating a police detective. When a murderer strikes in South Cove, Greg is called to duty, but isn’t pleased to learn Jill is also on the case!
“Killer Run” is the fifth book in the “Tourist Trap” mysteries, following “Dressed to Kill.” I found this installment to be faster paced and more enjoyable to read. There are a couple negatives to the book. Jill does a fair amount of moping over her missed trip, and her Aunt Jackie is so bossy she can become annoying. However, I enjoyed the storyline about the charity run and found most of the characters in the book to be likeable and entertaining. I enjoy this light, cozy series and thought “Killer Run” was fun to read and kept my interest in the murder investigation and in Jill’s life throughout the whole book. I think fans of Sheila Connelly or Ellery Adams would enjoy this book.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
“Killer Run” is the fifth book in the “Tourist Trap” mysteries, following “Dressed to Kill.” I found this installment to be faster paced and more enjoyable to read. There are a couple negatives to the book. Jill does a fair amount of moping over her missed trip, and her Aunt Jackie is so bossy she can become annoying. However, I enjoyed the storyline about the charity run and found most of the characters in the book to be likeable and entertaining. I enjoy this light, cozy series and thought “Killer Run” was fun to read and kept my interest in the murder investigation and in Jill’s life throughout the whole book. I think fans of Sheila Connelly or Ellery Adams would enjoy this book.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
wildflowerz76's review
3.0
This was...fine, I guess. I don't get why any of these people spend any time with each other. Jill is extremely nosy to the point of being rude. Lille is beyond rude. Jill's aunt is barely more tolerable than Lille, but Jill describes her as having such charm. If she has, she never shows it. Josh is a jerk and also rude. Greg is bland and boring. How long have they been dating? Yet all they really do with each other is eat. They barely kiss and they never actually go out and DO anything. He's also sometimes a jerk to Jill and I'm not even talking about being annoyed at her sleuthing. THAT, at least, would be understandable.
And, once again, this author really need a continuity editor. At one point, early in the book, Jill's aunt asks her to take her to the hospital to visit someone. Jill notes that it's almost 6pm. She goes and picks up the aunt and drives to the next town and passes her travel agent, deciding to stop and get something taken care of. She then notes that it's just past 5pm. Evidently, they're time travelers. That's just one instance. There was a major one in the last book.
Don't get me wrong, overall these are fine and obviously I don't hate them too much because I'm still reading them, but there's just SO much here that could be fixed fairly easily that it irks me.
And, once again, this author really need a continuity editor. At one point, early in the book, Jill's aunt asks her to take her to the hospital to visit someone. Jill notes that it's almost 6pm. She goes and picks up the aunt and drives to the next town and passes her travel agent, deciding to stop and get something taken care of. She then notes that it's just past 5pm. Evidently, they're time travelers. That's just one instance. There was a major one in the last book.
Don't get me wrong, overall these are fine and obviously I don't hate them too much because I'm still reading them, but there's just SO much here that could be fixed fairly easily that it irks me.
bookwyrm_lark's review against another edition
3.0
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard, along with a guest post by Lynn Cahoon.
I’m still enjoying this light, breezy, sometimes humorous cozy series, particularly as some of the secondary characters get a little more character development and as new “regulars” are added. In Killer Run, we meet Harrold, the proprietor of a model-train shop in South Cover. He is getting on in years, and he’s a real sweetheart — I really hope we see a lot more of him. We also get to see more of Lille, for whom I have had a sneaking liking since the beginning. She’s brash and outspoken and has quite a temper, but I’ve had a suspicion there is more to her than that, and after this book I’m sure of it. She and Jill don’t get along, but they might – just might – have discovered a little common ground this time around.
Jill and Greg are both in fine form, of course – and still at odds over Jill’s investigating. Amy puts in a few appearances, as do Esmeralda and Darla. Aunt Jackie is, as always, a treat – sharp on the outside and soft on the inside. Toby is delightfully Toby, and Jill’s newest hire, Sasha, is doing well at Coffee, Books, and More.
As for the mystery, it has its ups and downs. There’s a fairly tense climactic scene which puts several people in significant danger (no, I’m not telling you who!); it had me turning pages as quickly as I could. On the other hand, I spotted the murderer before there was even a murder, and pegged the victim as one of two people, almost certainly one of them – and I was right on both counts. I didn’t have any evidence at that point, just instinct, but it was a little disappointing to be right – it’s much more fun to be surprised, or to struggle with the question of whodunnit until close to the end. Incidentally, there’s also a secondary mystery involving vandalism of one of South Cove’s stores, and (without giving anything away) it seemed to me that some things in that mystery weren’t completely explained. Based on those issues, I’d say that Killer Run is the weakest mystery of any of the books so far.
One thing that also perplexes me is that there’s barely a mention of Greg’s ex-wife. Given her determination to get Greg back, which was very evident in the last book, her absence from this one didn’t make sense. Not that I like the woman or particularly want to see more of her! But I found her absence odd.
Despite my quibbles, I did enjoy Killer Run, as much because I got to catch up with Jill and the gang as for any mystery. All the same, if you haven’t read this series, I suggest starting at the beginning. Familiarity with (and fondness for) the characters will carry you through the occasional rough spots in this book and leave you glad you spent a few more hours with Jill, Greg, Aunt Jackie, and crew.
I’m still enjoying this light, breezy, sometimes humorous cozy series, particularly as some of the secondary characters get a little more character development and as new “regulars” are added. In Killer Run, we meet Harrold, the proprietor of a model-train shop in South Cover. He is getting on in years, and he’s a real sweetheart — I really hope we see a lot more of him. We also get to see more of Lille, for whom I have had a sneaking liking since the beginning. She’s brash and outspoken and has quite a temper, but I’ve had a suspicion there is more to her than that, and after this book I’m sure of it. She and Jill don’t get along, but they might – just might – have discovered a little common ground this time around.
Jill and Greg are both in fine form, of course – and still at odds over Jill’s investigating. Amy puts in a few appearances, as do Esmeralda and Darla. Aunt Jackie is, as always, a treat – sharp on the outside and soft on the inside. Toby is delightfully Toby, and Jill’s newest hire, Sasha, is doing well at Coffee, Books, and More.
As for the mystery, it has its ups and downs. There’s a fairly tense climactic scene which puts several people in significant danger (no, I’m not telling you who!); it had me turning pages as quickly as I could. On the other hand, I spotted the murderer before there was even a murder, and pegged the victim as one of two people, almost certainly one of them – and I was right on both counts. I didn’t have any evidence at that point, just instinct, but it was a little disappointing to be right – it’s much more fun to be surprised, or to struggle with the question of whodunnit until close to the end. Incidentally, there’s also a secondary mystery involving vandalism of one of South Cove’s stores, and (without giving anything away) it seemed to me that some things in that mystery weren’t completely explained. Based on those issues, I’d say that Killer Run is the weakest mystery of any of the books so far.
One thing that also perplexes me is that there’s barely a mention of Greg’s ex-wife. Given her determination to get Greg back, which was very evident in the last book, her absence from this one didn’t make sense. Not that I like the woman or particularly want to see more of her! But I found her absence odd.
Despite my quibbles, I did enjoy Killer Run, as much because I got to catch up with Jill and the gang as for any mystery. All the same, if you haven’t read this series, I suggest starting at the beginning. Familiarity with (and fondness for) the characters will carry you through the occasional rough spots in this book and leave you glad you spent a few more hours with Jill, Greg, Aunt Jackie, and crew.