Scan barcode
book_concierge's review against another edition
2.0
2.5**
Book two in the Soup Lover’s Mystery series. There’s a lot going on this summer in Snowflake, Vermont. A developer is running afoul of local residents with his plans to build a big car wash in a prominent location. Construction workers uncover a skeleton that may require examination by an archeologist or historian. There’s to be a Revolutionary War battle re-enactment. The village’s car mechanic is found murdered in his office. The mayor has gone missing. And then another murder takes place.
At least Lucky tries to leave the murder investigations to the police, but she is all over trying to find Elizabeth, who is the Mayor (and a close family friend). And, of course, instead of working with one of the teams of volunteers who are searching for clues, she has to go off on her own without telling anyone where she is or when to expect her.
The main problem I have with this story line is that despite ALL the stuff that’s going on, it feels as if the action is dragging. And what’s with the insistence on using Naval time-telling? Yes, I know that Lucky’s grandfather was in the Navy but do both Jack and Lucky have to keep time this way? Over and over there’s a reference to “four bells” and then a translation to “2 o’clock.” I just found this irritating.
Book two in the Soup Lover’s Mystery series. There’s a lot going on this summer in Snowflake, Vermont. A developer is running afoul of local residents with his plans to build a big car wash in a prominent location. Construction workers uncover a skeleton that may require examination by an archeologist or historian. There’s to be a Revolutionary War battle re-enactment. The village’s car mechanic is found murdered in his office. The mayor has gone missing. And then another murder takes place.
At least Lucky tries to leave the murder investigations to the police, but she is all over trying to find Elizabeth, who is the Mayor (and a close family friend). And, of course, instead of working with one of the teams of volunteers who are searching for clues, she has to go off on her own without telling anyone where she is or when to expect her.
The main problem I have with this story line is that despite ALL the stuff that’s going on, it feels as if the action is dragging. And what’s with the insistence on using Naval time-telling? Yes, I know that Lucky’s grandfather was in the Navy but do both Jack and Lucky have to keep time this way? Over and over there’s a reference to “four bells” and then a translation to “2 o’clock.” I just found this irritating.
cute_monkey_girl's review against another edition
4.0
Like the previous book, A Broth of Betrayal is warm and comforting like a bowl of hot soup on a cold day. Purely a pick-me-up and comfort food for the soul.
jasminewolfe's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
2.5
I didn't find this book nearly as engaging as her first book (A spoonful of Murder). I personally struggled to keep a few of the characters straight, making the intricacies of the plot a bit hard to grapple with. All in all it reads easy just like her other books, but to me it didn't have quite the same air of excitement. I did like how the mystery unraveled in the last 50 or so pages though!
_kristiew_'s review against another edition
4.0
Another strong entry into this series. I enjoyed the plot and getting to know the characters better.
angrygreycatreads's review against another edition
4.0
A Broth of Betrayal is the second in A Soup Lover’s Mystery series. I am really enjoying this series. The main character, Lucky, is charming and her grandfather, Jack, seems to have recovered nicely from his issues in the first book. The mystery plot was very well done, combining murder(s), assault and a kidnapping of the town mayor and Lucky’s good friend, Elizabeth. I really liked the plot in this outing of the series. Definitely, a series I will be continuing to follow.
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Snowflake, Vermont is picturesque town frequented by tourists from the nearby Snowflake Ski Resort during the winter season. Off season it is home to year round residents, many who own businesses supported by the tourists. But there is a new business trying to open and none of the residents are happy. An ugly car wash has been approved by the town council and the people are protesting with a march in front of the site. Then all of the sudden the digging stops, it seems they have uncovered a skeleton that may date back to the Revolutionary War.
The town is then shaken by two more discoveries. Local mechanic, Harry Hodges, has been found dead in his shop and the mayor of the town, Lucky’s friend, Elizabeth has gone missing. Lucky plans to use her noodle to find her friend and the killer no matter how much trouble she stirs up.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This book is full of wonderful mysteries, a skeleton discovered, a missing person, and a murder. The pages flew by.
Archer has created such lively characters. Lucky is a strong protagonist who doesn’t mind finding herself “in the soup” as she tries to save her friend or catch a killer. Her romance with her middle school crush, Dr. Elias Scott is progressing nicely. My favorite character is Lucky’s grandfather Jack, a retired Navy man who still tells time according to bells. He is devoted to his granddaughter and truly her right arm as she runs the business left to her by her parents.
I found the historical element in this story very interesting. Bodies hastily buried during the Revolutionary War being found today like this one can have a very eventful story when researched. The reenactment of The Battle of Bennington was a great way to tie this element together in this town to with a sultry summer activity.
I was also intrigued by the story that evolves as historic towns try to stay true to the historic quality and feeling as modern needs try to fit in. The car wash may have not been so bad with a few architectural elements to help in blend in with the surrounding businesses.
After reading the first book in this series, A Spoonful of Murder, I knew the author had a “souper” idea for her cozy series and that her stories would be filled with drama. She exceeded my expectations with this installment. I liked it even better than the last. She gives us a taste of the next story, A Roux of Revenge, and she has definitely whetted by appetite for more. My next visit to Snowflake cannot come soon enough!
The town is then shaken by two more discoveries. Local mechanic, Harry Hodges, has been found dead in his shop and the mayor of the town, Lucky’s friend, Elizabeth has gone missing. Lucky plans to use her noodle to find her friend and the killer no matter how much trouble she stirs up.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This book is full of wonderful mysteries, a skeleton discovered, a missing person, and a murder. The pages flew by.
Archer has created such lively characters. Lucky is a strong protagonist who doesn’t mind finding herself “in the soup” as she tries to save her friend or catch a killer. Her romance with her middle school crush, Dr. Elias Scott is progressing nicely. My favorite character is Lucky’s grandfather Jack, a retired Navy man who still tells time according to bells. He is devoted to his granddaughter and truly her right arm as she runs the business left to her by her parents.
I found the historical element in this story very interesting. Bodies hastily buried during the Revolutionary War being found today like this one can have a very eventful story when researched. The reenactment of The Battle of Bennington was a great way to tie this element together in this town to with a sultry summer activity.
I was also intrigued by the story that evolves as historic towns try to stay true to the historic quality and feeling as modern needs try to fit in. The car wash may have not been so bad with a few architectural elements to help in blend in with the surrounding businesses.
After reading the first book in this series, A Spoonful of Murder, I knew the author had a “souper” idea for her cozy series and that her stories would be filled with drama. She exceeded my expectations with this installment. I liked it even better than the last. She gives us a taste of the next story, A Roux of Revenge, and she has definitely whetted by appetite for more. My next visit to Snowflake cannot come soon enough!
dannafs's review against another edition
3.0
Broth of Betrayal is the second installment in Connie Archer´s soup-based murder mystery series. In Broth of Betrayal, the reader returns to Snowflake, VT, a quaint touristy ski-town. Lucky is the protagonist, and she owns a small soup and sandwich shop, called the Spoonful. The Spoonful is the center of town, and the local residents are in and out telling stories and passing the time. For the second time, Snowflake is struck by murder. The sleepy town´s residents are shocked, and Lucky finds herself smack in the middle of everything as she seeks to answers in the murder investigation.
I think that this second book reads better than the first; Archer´s writing seems to have improved with her second book--it is tighter and reads well. Enjoyable and light reading. Recommend for a fun, mystery read.
I think that this second book reads better than the first; Archer´s writing seems to have improved with her second book--it is tighter and reads well. Enjoyable and light reading. Recommend for a fun, mystery read.