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git_r_read's review against another edition
4.0
I like the premise of this book. Did the author write her main character into being? I like the reasonable doubt that shows up. Either way it turns, I will be good.
And an amateur sleuth book about the writer of amateur sleuth books? I'm in. Plus I've been a fan of E J Copperman, aka Jeffrey Cohen, for a while. I miss his Double Feature Mystery series. His Haunted GuestHouse Mystery series is super and I was happy to find this one to add to his collection. And to my Nook.
I like the beginnings of the chemistry between the characters. I think my favorite is the assistant. She loves her job and doesn't take any crappe. She's a superb investigator, aka researcher.
Humor, a little scary, neat behind-the-scenes of the writing process and character interaction. This book is enjoyable and I can recommend the book, likely the series and definitely the author [in both his guises]
And an amateur sleuth book about the writer of amateur sleuth books? I'm in. Plus I've been a fan of E J Copperman, aka Jeffrey Cohen, for a while. I miss his Double Feature Mystery series. His Haunted GuestHouse Mystery series is super and I was happy to find this one to add to his collection. And to my Nook.
I like the beginnings of the chemistry between the characters. I think my favorite is the assistant. She loves her job and doesn't take any crappe. She's a superb investigator, aka researcher.
Humor, a little scary, neat behind-the-scenes of the writing process and character interaction. This book is enjoyable and I can recommend the book, likely the series and definitely the author [in both his guises]
dianevallere's review against another edition
5.0
This was a hilarious first book in what is bound to be a hilarious series. E.J. Copperman's first person POV as a series mystery writer had me chuckling almost the whole time--except for the cases when I was looking over my shoulder to see if I was a case study for the plot. Highly recommend--especially if you're a writer avoiding revisions!
gcolston1832's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
cariadreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
panda_charlotte's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
jodyladuemcgrath's review against another edition
5.0
This book is the first in a new series by E. J. Copperman, author of the Haunted Guesthouse series.
Rachel Goldman is a mystery novelist, who writes about a consultant for the prosecutor's office named Dusty Madison. When she starts getting phone calls and then approached by a man named Dusty Madison, who works as a consultant for the prosecutor's office, she dismisses him as a nut job. But when his strange story checks out and she finds out that there is a killer on the loose targeting mystery writers, she agrees to help Dusty with his investigation. The question is, has she she just agreed to help a serial killer?
I have read a lot of cozy mysteries. I mean a lot. This book was so very unique with its plot. Is Dusty who he claims to be, or is he imitating a character from her book? And how does his background check out? The other part of the plot with the serial killer was clever, and had me guessing between two people on and off. Rachel is a very likable character and is so clever and funny. I love how she talks about mystery novels in a mystery novel. It isn't exactly breaking the 4th wall, but more of poking fun out of overused clichés in the trope.
Dusty is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He doesn't just solve crimes, he makes a production out of it. He thinks everything should be a lesson and hints around at things he has figured out to get Rachel (and the reader) to follow his train of thought and arrive at the correct conclusion.while he is stiff and doesn't necessarily grasp normal social manners, he is very likable. This type of stand-offish character, like Sherlock Holmes, is quite popular right now, and Dusty does a great job in the role.
For anyone who has enjoyed E. J. Copperman's other works, or anyone who enjoys a funny cozy mystery, I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for the 2nd one to come out.
Rachel Goldman is a mystery novelist, who writes about a consultant for the prosecutor's office named Dusty Madison. When she starts getting phone calls and then approached by a man named Dusty Madison, who works as a consultant for the prosecutor's office, she dismisses him as a nut job. But when his strange story checks out and she finds out that there is a killer on the loose targeting mystery writers, she agrees to help Dusty with his investigation. The question is, has she she just agreed to help a serial killer?
I have read a lot of cozy mysteries. I mean a lot. This book was so very unique with its plot. Is Dusty who he claims to be, or is he imitating a character from her book? And how does his background check out? The other part of the plot with the serial killer was clever, and had me guessing between two people on and off. Rachel is a very likable character and is so clever and funny. I love how she talks about mystery novels in a mystery novel. It isn't exactly breaking the 4th wall, but more of poking fun out of overused clichés in the trope.
Dusty is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He doesn't just solve crimes, he makes a production out of it. He thinks everything should be a lesson and hints around at things he has figured out to get Rachel (and the reader) to follow his train of thought and arrive at the correct conclusion.while he is stiff and doesn't necessarily grasp normal social manners, he is very likable. This type of stand-offish character, like Sherlock Holmes, is quite popular right now, and Dusty does a great job in the role.
For anyone who has enjoyed E. J. Copperman's other works, or anyone who enjoys a funny cozy mystery, I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for the 2nd one to come out.
michellet85's review against another edition
3.0
Audio book. I really like the premise of this book. Crime writer Rachel Goldman is sought out to help investigate a case by a man she herself created.
I thought that story line of a charter coming to life was pretty cool. However, this book could have been better. This was hard for me to rate because I think two stars is too little but three stars is too much. In the end I decided to stick with three stars, because although I did find myself a little bored with the first half of the book, the second half kept my attention more and I really do like the narrator. I might try the next in this series or I might stick with the Haunted Guesthouse series by Copperman as I liked that better.
I thought that story line of a charter coming to life was pretty cool. However, this book could have been better. This was hard for me to rate because I think two stars is too little but three stars is too much. In the end I decided to stick with three stars, because although I did find myself a little bored with the first half of the book, the second half kept my attention more and I really do like the narrator. I might try the next in this series or I might stick with the Haunted Guesthouse series by Copperman as I liked that better.
tylovesbooks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.25