tarana's review
4.0
Another funny mystery cozy set in the area where my sister lives (rural MN). Loved it. Still funny and quirky. Looking forward to the next one.
skis_vole's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mermaidsherbet's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
bodonereads's review
5.0
This is what I would call a soft mystery. I say that because the book focused more on building the series consistant features rather than the mystery its self. I still really enjoyed it. The main charcter is likeable and I will continue to read the series for her. This book, rather inexpilicably is a page turner.
mystereity's review
4.0
Just realized I didn't mark this one off my currently reading list. I'm doing a complete re-read of the series so I can remember the full story before I start the final book in the series. (Actually, that's just a disassociation tactic, I refuse to let Battle Lake and its eccentric citizens go off into the universe, never to be heard from again.)
This one starts with Mira getting an unpleasant awakening in the early hours by an old (and unwanted) associate who drunkenly made his way into her bed and went to sleep. After confronting him, he tells her that a treasure hunt is going to be started centering around an old legend of a diamond necklace that was lost in the lake over 100 years ago. This new treasure hunt is sponsored by a new resort in the area, and publicized by a newspaper story in the city as a way to drum up more tourism. Mira, (the part time reporter for the Battle Lake newspaper)is outraged at being scooped on such a big story and starts investigating, drawing her into a bigger mystery.
I'll admit, this series started out rough but the characters are what gives this series its oomph and I know how much better it gets as the series goes on. This is on the cusp of "cozy" mystery as there's more coarse language and adult situations that you'd find in a cozy, but less graphic than a regular mystery. Looking back on this as a long time reader, I love how the author grew as the series went on, and I loved being reminded of Mira's beginnings.
As for the plot in this one, the treasure hunt leading to a fake corpse in the lake and very real ones in town, I really enjoyed it. The colorful townspeople - Mayor Kennie Rogers (who, from the description tries to look like Dolly Parton, which I find hilarious) Police Chief Wohnt, Mrs. Berns and Johnny (*breathless gasp*) add flavor to the town and the quick pace led to a great action-packed ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed re-reading this one and it served to remind me of all the moments I'm looking forward to revisiting in later books.
This one starts with Mira getting an unpleasant awakening in the early hours by an old (and unwanted) associate who drunkenly made his way into her bed and went to sleep. After confronting him, he tells her that a treasure hunt is going to be started centering around an old legend of a diamond necklace that was lost in the lake over 100 years ago. This new treasure hunt is sponsored by a new resort in the area, and publicized by a newspaper story in the city as a way to drum up more tourism. Mira, (the part time reporter for the Battle Lake newspaper)is outraged at being scooped on such a big story and starts investigating, drawing her into a bigger mystery.
I'll admit, this series started out rough but the characters are what gives this series its oomph and I know how much better it gets as the series goes on. This is on the cusp of "cozy" mystery as there's more coarse language and adult situations that you'd find in a cozy, but less graphic than a regular mystery. Looking back on this as a long time reader, I love how the author grew as the series went on, and I loved being reminded of Mira's beginnings.
As for the plot in this one, the treasure hunt leading to a fake corpse in the lake and very real ones in town, I really enjoyed it. The colorful townspeople - Mayor Kennie Rogers (who, from the description tries to look like Dolly Parton, which I find hilarious) Police Chief Wohnt, Mrs. Berns and Johnny (*breathless gasp*) add flavor to the town and the quick pace led to a great action-packed ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed re-reading this one and it served to remind me of all the moments I'm looking forward to revisiting in later books.
kadiabel's review
4.0
This was a pretty good book. I've never read any mysteries like it and, was happy that all the random events made sense in the end. I will look into reading the other murder-by months.
hlandes1's review
4.0
This was a fun little poolside read - some hilarious moments and salty humor and well-developed protagonist. The author does a great job of describing the bad guy so really really don't like him. Great small-town humor as well. I got this free on Amazon Kindle - I'll read the other two she has out and forthcoming.
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