Reviews

I read and enjoyed this book back in 2016, but never continued on with the series for some reason. Since I want to get back to it but I couldn't remember any of the characters, I decided to go for a re-read. Luckily, my memory is terrible so it was *almost* like reading a book I'd never read before. Ha! One of the benefits of getting old...

At any rate, I enjoyed the book the second time around just as much as I did the first. The setting is atmospheric and cozy. Jacobia is an appealing heroine. She's likable, not just because she's caring and devoted to her friends but also because she's feisty and not afraid to stand up for herself. Her Eastport friends are a colorful bunch. Not all of them are likable, but they are fun to read about! There are a lot of them who are introduced in this series opener, which got a little confusing. The plot kept me reading, with lots of action and at least one twist I didn't see coming. As far as the killer goes, their identity probably won't surprise you. Still, Graves threw in enough red herrings to keep things interesting. Bottom line: I enjoyed this book (again) and will happily continue on with the series.

hedgielib's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Too many strings headed too many different ways. While the main character was somewhat empathetic, ultimately I couldn't find her likable. The ending with suddenly everyone fine and the crazy threatening controlling ex-husband suddenly being meek and mild and reconciling with his son doesn't work. You don't avoid your controlling evil ex on one page and rant about how awful he is and then call him for favors on the next page.

rebelbelle13's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

I realize that the first entry in a cozy mystery series isn't always showcasing the author's best work, but Dead Cat Bounce seems a little iffy at best. It follows the stereotype: a woman in the middle of her life fresh from divorce moves to a secluded little town where everyone knows everyone, and takes up a challenge- a business or otherwise, and finds herself solving murder mysteries. For such a worldly woman- being on her own since the age of 16 and scraping enough money together to go to college and deal with the stock market, money and accounting, Jacobia sure isn't very smart or put together. It takes her ages to figure things out, and she accuses all the wrong people of the murder. The house that she purchased is a literal death trap, and it makes zero sense to keep trying to fix it. Anyone else would tear the thing down and start from scratch. So not only is her sleuthing frustrating, so is her money pit of a house. The plot also seems random and meandering. We're introduced to new characters without much warning, and we're supposed to care about who they are and what they do, even though we're given next to no information about them. It feels very much like there are chapters or information missing. I even double checked to make sure this was the first in the series, and I hadn't skipped over an entire book by mistake. The take-away here is that the premise is interesting, but the story wasn't. The next might be better, but it will be awhile before I try to pick it up.

hugbandit7's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book because it seemed hard to get into, but I did eventually and enjoyed the book. didn't suspect who the killer was (but rarely do) and am interested to see how the rest of the series goes

muddymind's review against another edition

Go to review page

Too white

letrod94's review

Go to review page

slow-paced

2.0

kwheelies2495's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

It was cute! I would read another! I love a cozy murder.

More...