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A review by katiemack
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The cozy mystery aspect of this book is fun, but I found the multigenerational dynamics between Lana, Beth, and Jack far more interesting. As the formidable matriarch recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer, Lana is a force of nature in her ability to track down clues--but her newfound vulnerability makes her more human and relatable. I also loved the teenage Jack; she reminds me a bit of myself when I was that age. I wish Nina Simon had spent more time on Beth, but it was great to see how she raised not only Jack but herself starting at age eighteen.
Also, the author's note at the end about Simon's own mother's lung cancer made me cry (and made me appreciate the book more).
The cozy mystery aspect of this book is fun, but I found the multigenerational dynamics between Lana, Beth, and Jack far more interesting. As the formidable matriarch recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer, Lana is a force of nature in her ability to track down clues--but her newfound vulnerability makes her more human and relatable. I also loved the teenage Jack; she reminds me a bit of myself when I was that age. I wish Nina Simon had spent more time on Beth, but it was great to see how she raised not only Jack but herself starting at age eighteen.
Also, the author's note at the end about Simon's own mother's lung cancer made me cry (and made me appreciate the book more).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Minor: Death, Murder, and Pregnancy