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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Final Exam by Carol J. Perry is the eighth A Witch City Mystery. Lee Barrett is a field reporter for WICH-TV in Salem, Massachusetts. Thanks to a tip, Lee is the first reporter on the scene when an old mustang and body are pulled from North Shore Granite Works quarry. When Aunt Ibby sees the news report, Lee notices that she has a reaction to the news. However, Lee can tell that she is not ready to talk. Ibby is busy preparing for the upcoming class reunion for the Class of 1974 and Lee has been roped into helping with the preparations. Lee continues to dig for information on the body brought up in the quarry and learns it is related to a cold missing person’s case that Detective Pet Mondello is investigating. When Aunt Ibby comes under suspicion, Lee begins researching her aunt’s classmates. With the help of O’Ryan, her cat, and her scrying abilities, Lee probes into the past in the hopes of excavating the killer.
It is May in Salem, Massachusetts. Lee and her camera woman, Francine Hunter are tracking down a lead and hope to get a juicy story. They find police divers exploring a quarry and Lee scoops other reporters when they find a mustang with bones inside about 120 twenty feet down. Unfortunately, the body turns out to be an old flame of Aunt Ibby’s who disappeared before their high school graduation. All this time, It was believed the victim had taken off after an altercation with his father. Lee begins having visions of the past which lead her to identifying the killer. Carol J. Perry’s writing style is informal writing style which makes Final Exam a pleasure to read. The story has good flow with gentle pacing. I like the variety of characters in A Witch City Mystery series with O’Ryan being my favorite. He is an astute cat who aids Lee in solving her crimes. It was cute how O’Ryan had a friend to play with in this story, and they managed to cause some misdirection and mischief. There are plenty of enjoyable moments between the characters. Lee’s scrying abilities are integrated into the storyline along with a tarot reading from her friend, River North. Her tarot card readings are always helpful. The mystery was intriguing because it involved a cold case. There are pointed clues to aid readers in solving the crime. Past misdeeds have a way of coming back to haunt us. I was appreciative of the epilogue that wrapped up the mystery. Final Exam can be read alone if you have not read any of the previous A Witch City Mysteries. I do want to let readers know that there is foul language scattered throughout the story which is unusual for a cozy mystery. Included in the book are recipes for ginger pancakes, grape nuts pudding and Lee’s bread dipping sauce. Final Exam transports readers to Salem as Lee probes into the past to excavate a killer.
It is May in Salem, Massachusetts. Lee and her camera woman, Francine Hunter are tracking down a lead and hope to get a juicy story. They find police divers exploring a quarry and Lee scoops other reporters when they find a mustang with bones inside about 120 twenty feet down. Unfortunately, the body turns out to be an old flame of Aunt Ibby’s who disappeared before their high school graduation. All this time, It was believed the victim had taken off after an altercation with his father. Lee begins having visions of the past which lead her to identifying the killer. Carol J. Perry’s writing style is informal writing style which makes Final Exam a pleasure to read. The story has good flow with gentle pacing. I like the variety of characters in A Witch City Mystery series with O’Ryan being my favorite. He is an astute cat who aids Lee in solving her crimes. It was cute how O’Ryan had a friend to play with in this story, and they managed to cause some misdirection and mischief. There are plenty of enjoyable moments between the characters. Lee’s scrying abilities are integrated into the storyline along with a tarot reading from her friend, River North. Her tarot card readings are always helpful. The mystery was intriguing because it involved a cold case. There are pointed clues to aid readers in solving the crime. Past misdeeds have a way of coming back to haunt us. I was appreciative of the epilogue that wrapped up the mystery. Final Exam can be read alone if you have not read any of the previous A Witch City Mysteries. I do want to let readers know that there is foul language scattered throughout the story which is unusual for a cozy mystery. Included in the book are recipes for ginger pancakes, grape nuts pudding and Lee’s bread dipping sauce. Final Exam transports readers to Salem as Lee probes into the past to excavate a killer.
bella_lettore's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
melanietalksbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I like the characters but I was disappointed that the book was so obvious. I thought it was so obvious that it was a red herring. I still liked the fact that I got to catch up with the characters’ lives.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This was another fun read in the ongoing WITCH CITY MYSTERY series. I continue to find Lee, a likable heroine. I also enjoy her continuing romance with Pete. Although...why are these two not living together yet?? (lol) Aunt Ibby and the cat O'Ryan continue to be great secondary characters. The mystery in this one was well laid out with some good twists and turns. However, I did figure out the "who done it" very early on, but the "why" and the "how" kept me guessing right up until the end.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Lee and company get up to next.
raemelle's review against another edition
2.0
I literally only read these books because of their setting in Salem. Lee is a very boring Mary Sue and the mysteries have cheesy explanations.
(Such as Spoiler: “T” meaning “Two men did it?” Why would he have written that instead of just their names?)
Also, the chapter markers are dropped into the most random spots! Typically authors put them after a change of setting, or after something shocking - but not in this series. Right in the middle of a mundane scene.
Well at least Lee finally aged up a year: after like two or three in-world years. Can only have a character remain 32 for so many Christmases, man.
(Such as Spoiler: “T” meaning “Two men did it?” Why would he have written that instead of just their names?)
Also, the chapter markers are dropped into the most random spots! Typically authors put them after a change of setting, or after something shocking - but not in this series. Right in the middle of a mundane scene.
Well at least Lee finally aged up a year: after like two or three in-world years. Can only have a character remain 32 for so many Christmases, man.
pathfindernicole's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
karen_the_baroness's review against another edition
5.0
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Final Exam by Carol J. Perry is a fabulous mystery about a cold case. This book is the first book I have read by this author and in this series. Lee Barrett is the female sleuth she is a pretty cool character. She is a reporter, and her boyfriend is a detective. Lee is very determined to help her aunt find out what happened to her old boyfriend.
The one thing that I didn't like is that Lee's daily tasks take over the story at times.
Final Exam by Carol J. Perry is a great cozy and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Ms. Perry did a fantastic job with the mystery. It kept me guessing. The cast of characters is awesome. I will definitely at some point come back and read the rest of the series.
So, if you haven't read a book from A Witchy City Mystery series, then you should. I recommend it, especially if you like cozy paranormal mysteries.
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Prize: (3) Print Copy - Final Exam (A Witch City Mystery) by Carol J. Perry (U.S. Only)
Will they be able to solve the murder?
Final Exam by Carol J. Perry is a fabulous mystery about a cold case. This book is the first book I have read by this author and in this series. Lee Barrett is the female sleuth she is a pretty cool character. She is a reporter, and her boyfriend is a detective. Lee is very determined to help her aunt find out what happened to her old boyfriend.
What I like:
- Lee reminds me of Nancy Drew.
- Lee comes up with a book title like the Nancy Drew books for the case that she is working.
- The mystery was pretty cool and very different.
- I felt bad for the aunt since her high school boyfriend won't return as she thought he would.
- The cat that Lee and Aunt Ibby have is pretty funny.
What I dislike:
The one thing that I didn't like is that Lee's daily tasks take over the story at times.
Five Stars
Final Exam by Carol J. Perry is a great cozy and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Ms. Perry did a fantastic job with the mystery. It kept me guessing. The cast of characters is awesome. I will definitely at some point come back and read the rest of the series.
So, if you haven't read a book from A Witchy City Mystery series, then you should. I recommend it, especially if you like cozy paranormal mysteries.
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March 4 – The Montana Bookaholic - CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 4 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
March 4 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW
March 5 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW, RECIPE
March 5 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 5 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 6 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
March 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
March 6 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
March 7 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 8 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW, RECIPE
March 8 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
March 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
March 9 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
March 9 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 9 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
March 10 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove