leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
This didn’t feel like a first in a series, it felt like there was a lot of background we didn’t get, which made me feel like I had missed a book or two.
There’s a lot of multi generational drama and expectations that come together over a tea party. Then there’s a murder and things slowly come out. There’s also a deputy, who is really obnoxious until about 3/4 of the way through when he mellows out.
The narration didn’t really work for me either. The inflection was really cadenced to the point of distraction.
Overall it was okay, I never thought of DNFing it, I would even check out more in the series. It just wasn’t great. There wasn’t a lot of holiday in it and no peppermint that I can recall.
There’s a lot of multi generational drama and expectations that come together over a tea party. Then there’s a murder and things slowly come out. There’s also a deputy, who is really obnoxious until about 3/4 of the way through when he mellows out.
The narration didn’t really work for me either. The inflection was really cadenced to the point of distraction.
Overall it was okay, I never thought of DNFing it, I would even check out more in the series. It just wasn’t great. There wasn’t a lot of holiday in it and no peppermint that I can recall.
julianna_clare's review
3.0
2.75/5 rounded to 3. Loved the Christmas and the hint of mystery, but the main character is just so unrelatable and people don’t just easily speak their secrets to a random person. Cheesy just not in the best ways.
peggyemi's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first in a new cozy mystery series by debut author Joy Avon. I found this to be a quick read and a solid start to a series that has good potential. I thought the story had a quaint setting and a steady plot, set during Christmas. The characters engaged me as a reader with the exception of one whose reaction to our protagonist Callie Aspen was a bit confusing. I liked the protagonist and the cast of secondary characters, especially her aunt Iphy. The mystery was nicely done and had me guessing a bit at who exactly committed the murder. There is also a potential love interest for Callie but it wasn't over done and didn't take away from the mystery. I can see the potential relationship progressing naturally and over the course of several books.
All in all, I thought this was a solid start to a new series that was a quick and enjoyable read. I'm interested to see where the author takes the series so I will be back for the next installment.
I voluntarily read an advanced digital copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
All in all, I thought this was a solid start to a new series that was a quick and enjoyable read. I'm interested to see where the author takes the series so I will be back for the next installment.
I voluntarily read an advanced digital copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
sab_rose's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very fast listen and my introduction to Cozy Mysteries.
What through me off at first was how fast paced it was. There wasn't an explanation as to why Callie was just drawn to wanting to solve the case. Sure she was there when the crime happened but so were other people.
Even if my friends were in trouble, I don't think I could take it upon myself to dawn on my sleuthing cap and questioning possible suspects with my furry sidekick. But that is just me.
What through me off at first was how fast paced it was. There wasn't an explanation as to why Callie was just drawn to wanting to solve the case. Sure she was there when the crime happened but so were other people.
Even if my friends were in trouble, I don't think I could take it upon myself to dawn on my sleuthing cap and questioning possible suspects with my furry sidekick. But that is just me.
hlawona99's review against another edition
3.0
I rather enjoyed this book. It was an easy fast read. To top it off it's my guilty pleasure genre
eire2011's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
I enjoyed this book and looking forward to continuing on with the series.
Trigger warnings: death, murder, forced to give up child
Trigger warnings: death, murder, forced to give up child
kelsey24's review
3.0
A nice little fluff Christmas murder story. The plot wasn't great, and the characters weren't too interesting, but it was a cute little distraction book for the holiday season
mandyb_75's review against another edition
2.0
I felt like it was choppy and a little all over the place. The cover was really cute, but I probably won’t read anymore of the series.
tamsterdam_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cute series starter for a cozy mystery series. The cover is was initially drew me in and the story didn't disappoint. There were a lot of red herrings that threw me off who I thought would be the killer would be and there was a hint of a promise of a future romance.
sarahfett's review
2.0
I was drawn to the book by the promise of it appealing to fans of Jenn McKinlay, and I loved the premise of book themed tea parties. Unfortunately the writing felt forced and the characters and mystery felt flat.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.