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gamz's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
applegnreads's review against another edition
3.0
According to my list, I had missed this one the first time through. These are fun even if Cora is particularly irritating in the beginning of the series.
eramser's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jbrueck's review against another edition
4.0
So I picked this up at the library, and really enjoyed it. If you like a good mystery, with interesting small town characters then this is definitely worth a read. I loved it because I've been reading some heavy stuff and it was just the right kind of 'light' read that I needed
cstaude's review against another edition
3.0
As cozy mystery style books go, this one was exceptionally good. The hook for me was the crossword puzzle feature in the story. I am an avid fan of those and this book even came with its own puzzle!
Main characters Sherry and her aunt Cora are charming. Cora is feisty and independent and perhaps a bit too attached to her liquor cabinet, but she is a fresh addition to the Miss Marple wannabe’s in other books of this genre! I will read more by Mr. Hall!
Main characters Sherry and her aunt Cora are charming. Cora is feisty and independent and perhaps a bit too attached to her liquor cabinet, but she is a fresh addition to the Miss Marple wannabe’s in other books of this genre! I will read more by Mr. Hall!
earace's review against another edition
4.0
A warm little mystery that I read out loud with my family over the summer, by the shore. It made us laugh, and after every chapter we would stop and talk to each other about our theories. The characters are ones that I will remember for their personalities and quirks, and the whole story holds a very fond place in my heart.
fiesta123's review against another edition
2.0
Mixed feelings. While it was an enjoyable read after a long days work due to the fun banter, there were some problematic, stereotypical prejudices for some characters. Not a fan of the acceptance of alcoholism but I understand it was a choice the author made to create some tension. Wasn't a fan of the use of domestic abuse and trauma as a plot device especially since it went no where and did not advance the story in my opinion on.
loveisforthenerds's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.5
zermeena's review against another edition
2.0
This book was very disappointing. It started out well, but then it was quickly revealed that "The Puzzle Lady" was a fraud and a drunk. The ending was particularly painful when she solved the mystery while being falling down drunk. I can't recommend this book and I won't be reading another one in this series.
tobyyy's review against another edition
3.0
Unread shelf project 2021: book 87.
I loved the snarky dialogue and the characters in this book. The mystery was a little… befuddling, to be honest, and even at the end it was completely unclear why the murderer killed the first victim. Or maybe I just spaced that part out? I dunno.
This book reads QUICK. There are several chapters that consist almost entirely of dialogue, which didn’t bother me but may bother others. I also didn’t get annoyed by the use of characters’ full names but if those are pet peeves of yours, probably plan to stay away.
But I do enjoy Cora and Shelly, and their interactions with each other as well as with the other side characters. I’ll be continuing with this series (and tbh partially because I own the next 3 books in the series as well). But overall not a bad intro to the Puzzle Lady.
Note/content warning: Cora is a raging & unapologetic alcoholic. Shelly tried to address this several times throughout the book but was unsuccessful. I feel like this may be part of the overarching plot (possibly???), so I’ll be curious to see if she drinks less/improves her ability to cope with life in the next 3 books. I’ll keep ya updated!
I loved the snarky dialogue and the characters in this book. The mystery was a little… befuddling, to be honest, and even at the end it was completely unclear why the murderer killed the first victim. Or maybe I just spaced that part out? I dunno.
This book reads QUICK. There are several chapters that consist almost entirely of dialogue, which didn’t bother me but may bother others. I also didn’t get annoyed by the use of characters’ full names but if those are pet peeves of yours, probably plan to stay away.
But I do enjoy Cora and Shelly, and their interactions with each other as well as with the other side characters. I’ll be continuing with this series (and tbh partially because I own the next 3 books in the series as well). But overall not a bad intro to the Puzzle Lady.
Note/content warning: Cora is a raging & unapologetic alcoholic. Shelly tried to address this several times throughout the book but was unsuccessful. I feel like this may be part of the overarching plot (possibly???), so I’ll be curious to see if she drinks less/improves her ability to cope with life in the next 3 books. I’ll keep ya updated!