wildflowerz76's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little disappointed in this one. There wasn't really much to the mystery at all. And most of the time, the book focused just on the two girls and their moms. I didn't get why THIS mystery brought in the involvement of the AG.
And for #*&%s sake, Y'ALL does not refer to one person! Only someone who's not from the South and has little exposure to Southern people would make that mistake, yet one recurring character here does it all the time and another character even did it in this one.
And for #*&%s sake, Y'ALL does not refer to one person! Only someone who's not from the South and has little exposure to Southern people would make that mistake, yet one recurring character here does it all the time and another character even did it in this one.
bookwyrm_lark's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
A spunky heroine, a bookstore-cum-cafe, a host of interesting secondary characters, and Florida’s West Coast — this series is a lot of fun! Read to Death is the third book*, and Moran is on a roll. Sassy makes a delightful heroine, and Bridgy is a stalwart if not always enthusiastic friend, business partner, and sidekick. In this case, though, Bridgy finds the body, putting her near the top of the suspect list. And while the local police force is perfectly competent, Sassy’s loyalty to her friend puts clearing Bridgy’s name at the top of her to-do list. Luckily, she’s curious, clever, and creative enough to come up with some useful information.
I suspected the killer pretty early on, but was so entertained that I had to keep reading, not only to see if I was right (I was) but to enjoy the unfolding story. There were several incidents and clues that made me wonder if I had the wrong suspect, so I wouldn’t say that the mystery is too easy to solve; I could certainly have focused on a different person.
Two of my cozy-mystery bugaboos are heroines with TSTL syndrome (that’s too stupid to live, in case you’re wondering), and unbelievable police, whether it’s because they are portrayed as incompetent or because they share too much with the heroine without a legitimate reason. Moran skirts close to the line regarding TSTL, particularly in book one, but so far, almost everything I’ve seen Sassy do is in character, and this time around, she’s smarter about taking backup with her. As for the police, for the most part Sassy respects them, and while she doesn’t always get along perfectly with them—particularly the police chief—she does have a reasonable and believable relationship with them, and vice versa.
One of the things I liked most about Read to Death is that it introduces Sassy and Bridgy’s mothers. If you think Bridgy’s Aunt Ophelia is a tad eccentric (albeit a lot of fun), wait ’til you meet Sassy’s mother! Bridgy’s mom is a bit more traditional, but all three older ladies are sure to make you smile. There’s a strong theme of loyalty to family and friends that runs through this series—something I really relate to and appreciate. I also really enjoyed the teen book club’s yarn bombing; it’s always fun when knitting makes an unexpected appearance in a book (or in real life!)
I was expecting some sort of romantic relationship to have developed by now, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it hasn’t. That’s not to say there aren’t some potential love-interests for one or the other of the main characters, but so far, everything seems to be staying on a friendship level, and I’m just fine with that. Not every series has to include romance!
If you’re looking for a cozy series with with warmth, humor, and just a dash of whimsy, give Read to Death and the Read’ Em and Eat cafe a whirl. I think you’ll thank me.
*I read the first book, didn’t get to read the second (something I plan to rectify next time I get to the library), and thoroughly enjoyed the third without feeling I was missing anything, so you could start with this one if you wanted to.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy as part of a blog tour. All opinions are entirely my own.
A spunky heroine, a bookstore-cum-cafe, a host of interesting secondary characters, and Florida’s West Coast — this series is a lot of fun! Read to Death is the third book*, and Moran is on a roll. Sassy makes a delightful heroine, and Bridgy is a stalwart if not always enthusiastic friend, business partner, and sidekick. In this case, though, Bridgy finds the body, putting her near the top of the suspect list. And while the local police force is perfectly competent, Sassy’s loyalty to her friend puts clearing Bridgy’s name at the top of her to-do list. Luckily, she’s curious, clever, and creative enough to come up with some useful information.
I suspected the killer pretty early on, but was so entertained that I had to keep reading, not only to see if I was right (I was) but to enjoy the unfolding story. There were several incidents and clues that made me wonder if I had the wrong suspect, so I wouldn’t say that the mystery is too easy to solve; I could certainly have focused on a different person.
Two of my cozy-mystery bugaboos are heroines with TSTL syndrome (that’s too stupid to live, in case you’re wondering), and unbelievable police, whether it’s because they are portrayed as incompetent or because they share too much with the heroine without a legitimate reason. Moran skirts close to the line regarding TSTL, particularly in book one, but so far, almost everything I’ve seen Sassy do is in character, and this time around, she’s smarter about taking backup with her. As for the police, for the most part Sassy respects them, and while she doesn’t always get along perfectly with them—particularly the police chief—she does have a reasonable and believable relationship with them, and vice versa.
One of the things I liked most about Read to Death is that it introduces Sassy and Bridgy’s mothers. If you think Bridgy’s Aunt Ophelia is a tad eccentric (albeit a lot of fun), wait ’til you meet Sassy’s mother! Bridgy’s mom is a bit more traditional, but all three older ladies are sure to make you smile. There’s a strong theme of loyalty to family and friends that runs through this series—something I really relate to and appreciate. I also really enjoyed the teen book club’s yarn bombing; it’s always fun when knitting makes an unexpected appearance in a book (or in real life!)
I was expecting some sort of romantic relationship to have developed by now, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it hasn’t. That’s not to say there aren’t some potential love-interests for one or the other of the main characters, but so far, everything seems to be staying on a friendship level, and I’m just fine with that. Not every series has to include romance!
If you’re looking for a cozy series with with warmth, humor, and just a dash of whimsy, give Read to Death and the Read’ Em and Eat cafe a whirl. I think you’ll thank me.
*I read the first book, didn’t get to read the second (something I plan to rectify next time I get to the library), and thoroughly enjoyed the third without feeling I was missing anything, so you could start with this one if you wanted to.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy as part of a blog tour. All opinions are entirely my own.
helenwhite83's review against another edition
5.0
Sassy Cabot and Bridgy Mayfield return in the third instalment of the Read’em and Eat mystery series. Following a visit to the mainland with one of their book clubs, Bridgy and Sassy are once again embroiled in murder when their tour driver Oscar winds up dead in their cafe parking lot. Bridgy soon falls under the suspicious eye of local the local law enforcement, leading to the arrival of hers and Sassy’s mothers. Along with fielding arguments between Bridgy’s mum Emelia and her aunt Ophelia, Sassy digs deeper into Oscar’s past in order to clear her best friend’s name.
As with the previous two novels in the series, Terrie Farley Moran has created a cast of likeable characters and a well-written plot that keeps readers hooked until the end. The Read ‘em and Eat series has become one of my favourites - so imagine my disappointment in finding out that there hasn’t been another instalment since Read to Death was released three years ago! I’m hoping that Sassy and Bridgy are written into another adventure soon!
As with the previous two novels in the series, Terrie Farley Moran has created a cast of likeable characters and a well-written plot that keeps readers hooked until the end. The Read ‘em and Eat series has become one of my favourites - so imagine my disappointment in finding out that there hasn’t been another instalment since Read to Death was released three years ago! I’m hoping that Sassy and Bridgy are written into another adventure soon!
thehodgenator's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the story - good mystery, good pace, just enough tension to keep me turning the page. It's just the way I love my cozy reads.
I love the Read 'Em and Eat bookstore cafe. I I wish we had one where I live because it's a fab combo.
I love the Read 'Em and Eat bookstore cafe. I I wish we had one where I live because it's a fab combo.
marjolaine_lafreniere's review against another edition
1.0
Part of the rating probably comes from my state of mind (I have a hard time focusing on novels at the moment) but it felt like a lot of filling and not much plot.
momentum262's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun group of characters. The mystery plot itself was little slow, but the actions of the characters kept things entertaining, even when the mystery itself was not progressing. Will definitely keep reading more of this series.
pugmomsbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
Moms, and mayhem and murder, OH MY! That's what you'll find in Terrie Farley Moran's 3rd Read
'Em and Eat mystery book!
The clubbies go for a fun and informative tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and all seems to be going well. Who would think after eating some Robert Frost fruit tartlets that the day would end in murder! If that's not enough, Bridgy is continuously questioned by the police because she discovered the body. Sassy's quick thinking gets a lawyer to help her handle the interrogations and but nobody is prepared when Bridgy's mom, Aunt Ophie's sister, comes to visit...and brings Sassy's mom along with her! Between interesting descriptions of Fort Myers sight seeing to a tutorial for Miguel on how to grow an indoor herb garden using seashells, this book was a delight from start to finish! That is all for now...I have to go try out some recipes that are included in the book!
'Em and Eat mystery book!
The clubbies go for a fun and informative tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and all seems to be going well. Who would think after eating some Robert Frost fruit tartlets that the day would end in murder! If that's not enough, Bridgy is continuously questioned by the police because she discovered the body. Sassy's quick thinking gets a lawyer to help her handle the interrogations and but nobody is prepared when Bridgy's mom, Aunt Ophie's sister, comes to visit...and brings Sassy's mom along with her! Between interesting descriptions of Fort Myers sight seeing to a tutorial for Miguel on how to grow an indoor herb garden using seashells, this book was a delight from start to finish! That is all for now...I have to go try out some recipes that are included in the book!
literaryfeline's review against another edition
3.0
Review originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty:
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/03/bookish-thoughts-read-to-death-by.html
Read to Death (A Read 'Em and Eat Mystery #3) by Terrie Farley Moran
Berkley, 2016
Crime Fiction (Cozy); 304 pgs
Source: NetGalley
What book lover would not want to eat at a place called Read ‘Em and Eat Bookstore Café? One of my favorite parts of this book was hearing the menu items--all named after books and authors. The tables themselves were named after authors. Read to Death was my February TBR List poll winner, and it was nice to finally meet Sassy and Bridgy.
I haven't yet read the previous books in the series, but Read to Death is a self-contained novel for the most part. I wouldn't have minded having a little more background on both the novel's narrator Sassy and her best friend and business partner, Bridgy, however. I kind of want Sassy's job though from what I do know about her! Of course, how she finds time to read for all the book clubs she helps facilitate I have to wonder given her penchant for solving crimes in the area and working at the café. To the author's credit, there is a scene where Sassy does settle in with a book--something you rarely see in novels about readers.
I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about Ft. Myers, Florida and hanging out with Sassy, Bridgy, Miguel, and Ophie. No cozy is complete with at least one eccentric character and Ophie fits the bill perfectly. I quite enjoyed her appearances, and it is clear she loves her niece Bridgy. In Read to Death, the reader also gets to meet Sassy and Bridgy's mothers too--who are a fun pair; Sassy's mother Sage (at least that's her current name), in particular, who can see people's auras.
From near the start of the novel, it is clear that Sassy has a habit of stepping on the toes of the local law enforcement officials, unable to help herself from nosing around their investigations. Sassy sees nothing wrong it. All she wants to do in this case is uncover the truth of what happened to their bus driver, Oscar, when her best friend seems to be the prime suspect in his murder. One can't really blame her, I suppose. I found it interesting how she seemed to always be one step ahead of the police.
I enjoyed reading Read to Death, although I wasn't quite as enamored with it as I hoped I would be. I found it to be a little slow going at times, the mystery taking a back seat to Sassy and Bridgy's efforts to keep their mothers occupied during their visit. I also wish Sassy was a bit more forthcoming and cooperative with the police. It makes me wonder if I was missing a piece from a previous book.
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/03/bookish-thoughts-read-to-death-by.html
Read to Death (A Read 'Em and Eat Mystery #3) by Terrie Farley Moran
Berkley, 2016
Crime Fiction (Cozy); 304 pgs
Source: NetGalley
What book lover would not want to eat at a place called Read ‘Em and Eat Bookstore Café? One of my favorite parts of this book was hearing the menu items--all named after books and authors. The tables themselves were named after authors. Read to Death was my February TBR List poll winner, and it was nice to finally meet Sassy and Bridgy.
I haven't yet read the previous books in the series, but Read to Death is a self-contained novel for the most part. I wouldn't have minded having a little more background on both the novel's narrator Sassy and her best friend and business partner, Bridgy, however. I kind of want Sassy's job though from what I do know about her! Of course, how she finds time to read for all the book clubs she helps facilitate I have to wonder given her penchant for solving crimes in the area and working at the café. To the author's credit, there is a scene where Sassy does settle in with a book--something you rarely see in novels about readers.
I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about Ft. Myers, Florida and hanging out with Sassy, Bridgy, Miguel, and Ophie. No cozy is complete with at least one eccentric character and Ophie fits the bill perfectly. I quite enjoyed her appearances, and it is clear she loves her niece Bridgy. In Read to Death, the reader also gets to meet Sassy and Bridgy's mothers too--who are a fun pair; Sassy's mother Sage (at least that's her current name), in particular, who can see people's auras.
From near the start of the novel, it is clear that Sassy has a habit of stepping on the toes of the local law enforcement officials, unable to help herself from nosing around their investigations. Sassy sees nothing wrong it. All she wants to do in this case is uncover the truth of what happened to their bus driver, Oscar, when her best friend seems to be the prime suspect in his murder. One can't really blame her, I suppose. I found it interesting how she seemed to always be one step ahead of the police.
I enjoyed reading Read to Death, although I wasn't quite as enamored with it as I hoped I would be. I found it to be a little slow going at times, the mystery taking a back seat to Sassy and Bridgy's efforts to keep their mothers occupied during their visit. I also wish Sassy was a bit more forthcoming and cooperative with the police. It makes me wonder if I was missing a piece from a previous book.
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Cool Reads/Warm Climate Book Club goes on a field trip but it ends badly. The van driver, Oscar, is killed on the van after all the book club members have scurried off. Bridgy ends up finding his body when she returns to look for her missing sunglasses and that makes her the prime suspect for his death. Everyone knows she is innocent but the police don’t appear to be looking for other suspects. Before Bridgy is reading her books in a jail cell she and Sassy with the help of their friends do their best to find the real killer.
I have escaped right into all three books in this series. Sassy and Bridgy are fabulous characters and I wish the Read ‘Em and Eat bookstore café actually existed because I want to visit and meet them, Miguel, Ophie, and all the other characters that come through the doors. I really enjoy reading about the teenage book group and all the things they do.
The plot was terrific, just as I knew it would be. Plenty of suspects with plenty of twists. As each suspect was eliminated the focus kept returning to our Bridgy. When things seemed too dire Ophie always came to the rescue to brighten things up. Things were a little tense when her sister, Bridgy’s mom, came to town but Sassy’s mom came too and that helped to lift the tension. These women love to shop and you can’t stay mad when you are shopping.
Of course the setting was pure bliss and we get to see many different places as the girl’s investigation continued. We also traveled to some touristy spots to keep one certain mother out of Miguel’s kitchen.
An truly captivating cozy! Great characters with great relationships, an intriguing whodunit in a delightful setting! I can’t wait to return to the Read ‘Em and Eat!
I highly recommend the entire series!
The Cool Reads/Warm Climate Book Club goes on a field trip but it ends badly. The van driver, Oscar, is killed on the van after all the book club members have scurried off. Bridgy ends up finding his body when she returns to look for her missing sunglasses and that makes her the prime suspect for his death. Everyone knows she is innocent but the police don’t appear to be looking for other suspects. Before Bridgy is reading her books in a jail cell she and Sassy with the help of their friends do their best to find the real killer.
I have escaped right into all three books in this series. Sassy and Bridgy are fabulous characters and I wish the Read ‘Em and Eat bookstore café actually existed because I want to visit and meet them, Miguel, Ophie, and all the other characters that come through the doors. I really enjoy reading about the teenage book group and all the things they do.
The plot was terrific, just as I knew it would be. Plenty of suspects with plenty of twists. As each suspect was eliminated the focus kept returning to our Bridgy. When things seemed too dire Ophie always came to the rescue to brighten things up. Things were a little tense when her sister, Bridgy’s mom, came to town but Sassy’s mom came too and that helped to lift the tension. These women love to shop and you can’t stay mad when you are shopping.
Of course the setting was pure bliss and we get to see many different places as the girl’s investigation continued. We also traveled to some touristy spots to keep one certain mother out of Miguel’s kitchen.
An truly captivating cozy! Great characters with great relationships, an intriguing whodunit in a delightful setting! I can’t wait to return to the Read ‘Em and Eat!
I highly recommend the entire series!
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