princessofpups8's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
claireaa's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amandacat13's review
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
asanford's review
3.0
I enjoyed this story, for the most part, and the murder was interesting but I kind of quit caring before it got resolved. I felt like the characters were a bit too whiny. And I struggle when the lead character is fairly weak and doesn't demand respect. I felt like Lyla deserved every comment when she was talked down to like she didn't have a clue. I want her to be stronger. I'll read number 2 but hope she gains a backbone.
sunshinevibes's review
4.0
4.5 Enjoyable Audiobook. I really like the whole gang of the Jane Doe Mystery Book Club.
I love the small town of Sweet Mountain Georgia. The description sounds lovely. I want a treat from The Smart Cookie. (Mel's shop).
Lyla does not mess around, and I admire her for it. She gets to the bottom of it no matter what. That little sleuth she is. Amazing!
Lyla and her grandmother are two peas in a pod. The greatest bond there is. So sweet. Her grandmother is a trip! Also, Lyla and Mel are the best of friends who love each other dearly and got each other's back. They crack me up when they are together.
The plot for the book was pretty good! The twists and turns had me want to keep listening. And then there were none references ugh so good! Southern Belles for sure!
I love the small town of Sweet Mountain Georgia. The description sounds lovely. I want a treat from The Smart Cookie. (Mel's shop).
Lyla does not mess around, and I admire her for it. She gets to the bottom of it no matter what. That little sleuth she is. Amazing!
Lyla and her grandmother are two peas in a pod. The greatest bond there is. So sweet. Her grandmother is a trip! Also, Lyla and Mel are the best of friends who love each other dearly and got each other's back. They crack me up when they are together.
The plot for the book was pretty good! The twists and turns had me want to keep listening. And then there were none references ugh so good! Southern Belles for sure!
bellafirefly's review
4.0
I received this book through Netgalley.
The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. I love me a good cozy mystery so I was happy to jump right in.
Now this copy was an unedited version so I knew to expect formatting issues and spelling mistakes. That didn’t take away from the story.
The characters were well written though a little out there, like the over dramatic mother and the pompous judge. But that made the story more interesting and kept me hooked.
I loved the plot line of how a book they were reading helped the main character in her sleuthing through I will say the murderer surprised me as I was sure I had it figured out (I was dreadfully wrong).
Well written, interesting plot, colorful characters and good use of other famous murder mysteries to help tie it all together.
Will hopefully get to read another story invoking the Jane Does!
The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. I love me a good cozy mystery so I was happy to jump right in.
Now this copy was an unedited version so I knew to expect formatting issues and spelling mistakes. That didn’t take away from the story.
The characters were well written though a little out there, like the over dramatic mother and the pompous judge. But that made the story more interesting and kept me hooked.
I loved the plot line of how a book they were reading helped the main character in her sleuthing through I will say the murderer surprised me as I was sure I had it figured out (I was dreadfully wrong).
Well written, interesting plot, colorful characters and good use of other famous murder mysteries to help tie it all together.
Will hopefully get to read another story invoking the Jane Does!
cj_mo_2222's review
3.0
Lyla Moody is a receptionist at her uncle’s private investigation firm in the small town of Sweet Mountain, Georgia. She enjoys her book club which discusses both fictional and real crimes. LIfe is good until her best friend Melanie goes on vacation and her cousin starts dating Lyla’s ex-boyfriend. Things get even worse when the dead body of one of her club members is found in a suitcase on her doorstop. The suitcase belongs to Melanie who just returned to town and now Lyla must put her knowledge of true crime to use and clear her friend’s name.
This book has a really interesting premise and Lyla reminded me of a cross between Charlaine Harris’s Aurora Teagarden and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum. The book is a little more graphic than a typical cozy mystery, but has some of the elements including a spunky main character with a pushy mom, a small Southern town, and a friend who is falsely accused of murder. Unfortunately for most of the book, those elements just don’t come together for me. I like Lila and how independent she is, but couldn’t connect with too many of the other characters to make the book enjoyable. If there had been more scenes with the club members interacting, it may have given me a chance to get to know some of the other characters in more depth. It starts out slow, but does pick up as the story gets moving.
The mystery is a little darker and more complex than in some cozies. It is suspenseful and I could never have guessed the identity of the actual killer. I enjoy the real books that are sometimes mentioned in the story. The threatening text messages Lyla receives add some excitement as well. Lyla has the potential to be a good investigator and the series does have potential. The story doesn’t always flow smoothly so I was sometimes confused about what was going on. There are some things left in the air at the end to create interest in subsequent books. I like the premise and I like how well Lyla and her grandmother get along. I’m not sure I will keep following the series, but I think the book may appeal to those who usually read thrillers and are looking for a bit of a traditional mystery mixed in with the suspense element.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Crooked Lane. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on Smitten Review Site and Blog.
This book has a really interesting premise and Lyla reminded me of a cross between Charlaine Harris’s Aurora Teagarden and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum. The book is a little more graphic than a typical cozy mystery, but has some of the elements including a spunky main character with a pushy mom, a small Southern town, and a friend who is falsely accused of murder. Unfortunately for most of the book, those elements just don’t come together for me. I like Lila and how independent she is, but couldn’t connect with too many of the other characters to make the book enjoyable. If there had been more scenes with the club members interacting, it may have given me a chance to get to know some of the other characters in more depth. It starts out slow, but does pick up as the story gets moving.
The mystery is a little darker and more complex than in some cozies. It is suspenseful and I could never have guessed the identity of the actual killer. I enjoy the real books that are sometimes mentioned in the story. The threatening text messages Lyla receives add some excitement as well. Lyla has the potential to be a good investigator and the series does have potential. The story doesn’t always flow smoothly so I was sometimes confused about what was going on. There are some things left in the air at the end to create interest in subsequent books. I like the premise and I like how well Lyla and her grandmother get along. I’m not sure I will keep following the series, but I think the book may appeal to those who usually read thrillers and are looking for a bit of a traditional mystery mixed in with the suspense element.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Crooked Lane. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on Smitten Review Site and Blog.
rants_n_reads's review
4.0
In all honesty, I think a majority of this book is a 3/5. It does a good job of setting up the characters and showing Lyla’s personality. I could tell it was planting the seeds for later books. There were a few areas that really shone like when Lyla talked about the importance of giving A Jane Doe back her identity and importance in a community. But, a lot of it was only so-so. I also got irritated with the cousin character who was meant to be unlikeable, but I don’t really care for female characters who dislike other women because of man they like or are dating. It feels insulting and too simplistic to both women. However, the ending really did throw this book into 4 stars for me. And can I just say? Kate Young, you ALMOST got me! Almost! The twists had me questioning if I had actually solved the whodunnit or not! It was just enjoyable enough for me to definitely request the next book.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lwilliams's review against another edition
4.0
A suspenseful cozy…Southern style!
A truly enjoyable southern cozy. It had me second guessing myself after every chapter! So many twists and turns throughout the book made for a pretty satisfying ending. The book was a little bit creepy at times!Missing 1 star because some of the minimal characters added nothing to the overall plot and Lyla’s relationship to them got a little confusing at times. Overall, this is a great book club read, which happened to be my monthly book club’s pick.
A truly enjoyable southern cozy. It had me second guessing myself after every chapter! So many twists and turns throughout the book made for a pretty satisfying ending. The book was a little bit creepy at times!Missing 1 star because some of the minimal characters added nothing to the overall plot and Lyla’s relationship to them got a little confusing at times. Overall, this is a great book club read, which happened to be my monthly book club’s pick.