A review by meguniqueuser
A Willing Murder by Jude Deveraux

mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Kate is discerning, determined, funny, resourceful and guys apparently fall head over heels for her at first sight. She enters the town and all the men are drooling after her. Her interactions with Alister were especially cringy not only because she’s 23 and he’s 38 so a bit concerning, but also because he is so full on and proposing marriage to her and talking about kids immediately; I was gagging it was so bad. 

Overall it is not the type of the book I usually go for, but not bad. I think if it was a kitschy, fun mystery movie I would enjoy it. The ending did feel rushed and overly cringy. I’m pretty sure we’re essentially told who the murderer is near the beginning so the story is more about figuring it out and how it was done. 

Several themes throughout are eating disorders, family and found family, prejudice, age, and victim blaming. 
The author leans heavily on jokes about foods and calories for the humor in the book and for the bonding between Kate and her love interest. It is a lot, especially considering eating disorders. 

It never did answer why Sarah didn’t marry her sweetheart. 
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