Scan barcode
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first introduction to this series. Instantly, I connected with the characters. They were quirky. Just how I like my characters in cozy mysteries. This is the best art of these types of books. Cora is so sweet and someone that I would want to hang out with. Although, no offense as she may be known as the Puzzle Lady but she is not that great at solving crossword puzzles. The person that showed he had a real knack for solving puzzles is Harvey Beerbaum. I give credit to people who can solve crossword puzzles. I struggle at them. My forte are word searches.
Not to be forgotten is Chief Dale Harper. He did not showcase in my eyes that he is a strong leader but he is an alright guy. He does work well with others. When it counts the most, he does come through.
This book was made fun by the characters. The whodunit aspect was laid out and wrapped up I a nice package. Added bonus are the crossword puzzles inserted in this book. The puzzles actually help to solve the case. Which makes reading this book interactive.
Not to be forgotten is Chief Dale Harper. He did not showcase in my eyes that he is a strong leader but he is an alright guy. He does work well with others. When it counts the most, he does come through.
This book was made fun by the characters. The whodunit aspect was laid out and wrapped up I a nice package. Added bonus are the crossword puzzles inserted in this book. The puzzles actually help to solve the case. Which makes reading this book interactive.
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
THE PURLOINED PUZZLE by Parnell Hall
The Nineteenth Puzzle Lady Mystery
Cora Felton has a problem. Actually she has more than one. First of all, Melvin, the worst of her ex-husband, is in town. Secondly, an annoying teenage girl keeps pestering her to solve puzzles...puzzles which tend to disappear and reappear. Then there's the murder. With murder weapons appearing before crimes are committed, suspects arrested and released, nothing much makes sense. But the worst bit, Melvin has a contract for a tell-all book. Will he spill the beans about the Puzzle Lady? Will Cora have to kiss her career goodbye?
Whip like banter fuels this lightning fast paced novel. The plot is a bit audacious with everybody, including the reader, wondering what's going on. It's reminiscent of a who's on first routine except that nobody actually knows who's on first or who's even playing! The Puzzle Lady Mysteries employ a darker shade of humor with characters who aren't the nicest people, yet I'm still left smiling and snickering.
Confusion and misdirection abound, yet readers are led to a satisfying conclusion. Filled with witty repartee THE PURLOINED PUZZLE is a fun addition to this long running series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Nineteenth Puzzle Lady Mystery
Cora Felton has a problem. Actually she has more than one. First of all, Melvin, the worst of her ex-husband, is in town. Secondly, an annoying teenage girl keeps pestering her to solve puzzles...puzzles which tend to disappear and reappear. Then there's the murder. With murder weapons appearing before crimes are committed, suspects arrested and released, nothing much makes sense. But the worst bit, Melvin has a contract for a tell-all book. Will he spill the beans about the Puzzle Lady? Will Cora have to kiss her career goodbye?
Whip like banter fuels this lightning fast paced novel. The plot is a bit audacious with everybody, including the reader, wondering what's going on. It's reminiscent of a who's on first routine except that nobody actually knows who's on first or who's even playing! The Puzzle Lady Mysteries employ a darker shade of humor with characters who aren't the nicest people, yet I'm still left smiling and snickering.
Confusion and misdirection abound, yet readers are led to a satisfying conclusion. Filled with witty repartee THE PURLOINED PUZZLE is a fun addition to this long running series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
bookhussy's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
lunifur's review against another edition
3.0
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
This series is one of the hardest for me to figure out a rating for. As a mystery, it really isn't a strong book. I still can't figure out how that mystery even worked, let alone how Cora figured it out. Where it shines is in its bizarre sense of humor. It is similar to the rest of the series with constantly talking in circles, which can get confusing if you aren't used to it.
This series is one of the hardest for me to figure out a rating for. As a mystery, it really isn't a strong book. I still can't figure out how that mystery even worked, let alone how Cora figured it out. Where it shines is in its bizarre sense of humor. It is similar to the rest of the series with constantly talking in circles, which can get confusing if you aren't used to it.
sunshineariel's review
2.0
I might have liked it more if I realized it was book 19 in a series, and had read the prior books, as the characters might have been more likeable to me. The plot stands on its own, but all the references to past relationships among the characters were lost of me, as well as the reasons for the attitudes between them. They felt shallow and were uninteresting. I did finish the book, but won’t read any others in this series.
kryan123's review
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
More...