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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
3.0
The Lies that Bind by Karen MacInerney is the third book in The Snug Harbor Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Max Sayers owns Seaside Cottage Books in Snug Harbor, Maine. Max’s shop is a little off the beaten path and she wonders how she can attract tourists to her shop (a free cookie with purchase does not seem to be working). Max’s friend, Denise is upset because the owner of the local coffee shop reneged on her promise to sell her shop to her. A visiting millionaire and his son offered the owner significantly more than Denise. When Mr. Moneybags ends up dead, Denise is the prime suspect. Max knows her friend would not harm a fly and sets out to prove it. Max likes to bake, spend time with her dog, read (of course), spend time with Denise, and treasure hunt with her beau. Max is dealing with her daughter who is currently not attending college. She is staying at her grandmothers since Max has a small one-bedroom abode. Max is hoping her daughter will figure out what she wants to do (very, very soon). Max must also deal with her visiting ex-husband and his new girlfriend (who are also staying with Max’s mother—awkward). Max is surprised that locals believe that Denise committed murder (Denise does have a problem with her temper). Max asks questions and searches for clues. I wish the whodunit had been at the forefront of the story. I feel it took a backseat to everything else especially treasure hunting. The mystery was straightforward with an obvious solution. The reveal was entertaining. I was puzzled at Max’s reluctance to deal with her daughter. If you are paying the person to work, they should be working (not sleeping and eating all your food). Max is worried about the bookstore’s finances, but she spends little time there. She is paying two employees, has no website for the store, and no social media presence. I can see why her shop is struggling. I wonder if Max wrote up a business plan before opening the bookstore. The Lies that Bind is an upbeat cozy mystery with a scrummy cookies, a disturbing daughter, a quest for treasure, a distraught Denise, Cape Cod cocktails, and an adorable dog.
claireaa's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
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