Scan barcode
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley is the second novel in A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series. Lena London lives with famous author Camilla Graham in Blue Lake, Indiana. She is happy that her boyfriend, Sam West is returning to town after being gone for the last month. Sam has been in New York searching for his missing wife, Victoria with the help of a private investigator. Taylor Brand, a friend of Victoria’s and a blogger, stated on her blog that she would be coming to Blue Lake to apologize to Sam in person for her accusations (she accused him of harming Victoria). Lena is on her way to Sam’s to drop off a copy of the book she co-wrote with Camilla when she comes across a person in a blue coat in the snow. Lena has discovered Taylor and she will not be making that apology. Once again, Sam is a suspect in a murder and the press are out in full force. Lena needs to find Taylor’s killer and clear Sam from suspicion. She also wants to find a clue that will lead them to Victoria. Lena enlists the help of Belinda, research librarian at the Blue Lake Library. Can they finally discover what happened to Victoria West? The paparazzi are making it difficult for Sam and Lena to spend time together since they are trying to keep their relationship under wraps. Can Lena unravel the clues and uncover Taylor’s killer?
Death in Dark Blue is packed full of action. Lena is busy solving two mysteries, spending time with Sam, and working on Camilla’s latest novel. I thought the book contained good writing and it has a good flow. The pace is medium level. The murder mystery was child’s play to solve. I identified the killer before the body made it to the morgue. The suspect pool is very limited. I give Death in Dark Blue 3.5 out of 5 stars. I suggest that you read A Dark and Stormy Murder before Death in Dark Blue. The first book sets the stage for what occurs in Death in Dark Blue. There is some repetition of information (especially regarding Victoria). I wish the author had not put so much focus on the romance between Lena and Sam. Their relationship has moved too quickly (aka they are already cozy between the sheets) especially since he is technically married and his wife MIA. The story ends with a cliffhanger that will have me reading the next book in the series. I admit that I am curious to see what happens next in the Sam and Victoria saga. Let us hope, though, that Sam does not end up suspected of murder again in the next novel in A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series.
Death in Dark Blue is packed full of action. Lena is busy solving two mysteries, spending time with Sam, and working on Camilla’s latest novel. I thought the book contained good writing and it has a good flow. The pace is medium level. The murder mystery was child’s play to solve. I identified the killer before the body made it to the morgue. The suspect pool is very limited. I give Death in Dark Blue 3.5 out of 5 stars. I suggest that you read A Dark and Stormy Murder before Death in Dark Blue. The first book sets the stage for what occurs in Death in Dark Blue. There is some repetition of information (especially regarding Victoria). I wish the author had not put so much focus on the romance between Lena and Sam. Their relationship has moved too quickly (aka they are already cozy between the sheets) especially since he is technically married and his wife MIA. The story ends with a cliffhanger that will have me reading the next book in the series. I admit that I am curious to see what happens next in the Sam and Victoria saga. Let us hope, though, that Sam does not end up suspected of murder again in the next novel in A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series.
auntbopp's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
melinda1962's review against another edition
4.0
4.5. I love the overall plot from book 1 to this book and now at least into book 3. The book’s individual mystery I figured out just before the reveal so it was still intriguing. But the characters are what make this a real winner for me.
jennthumphries's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
lmd64's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
peggyemi's review against another edition
5.0
Julia Buckley has delivered an engaging and suspenseful second installment in the Writer's Apprentice Mystery series with a gothic feel, a touch of romance and a complex and layered mystery that is woven throughout the story. I am one of those readers who has to read a series in order, even if they can be read as a stand alone. That is not the case with this series. I would highly suggest that you read book one first. I, personally, don't feel like these are stand alone books as there is a secondary mystery that is woven throughout both stories. Lena London, our protagonist, is joined by Sam, Camilla and the cast of characters from the first book. We are introduced to some new characters that round out the team nicely. The mystery is layered and complex while being woven throughout the entire story. The ending of this one, I think, sets up book three nicely.
I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the next book.
I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the next book.
jupiter2932's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
baekho_888's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5