Author: Maria DiRico
Published: March 28, 2023, Kensington
Format: Kindle, Paperback 304 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Catering Hall Mystery #4
First Sentence: If anyone had told Mia Carina that one day she’d wake up in bed next to a former male model, she would have spit whatever she was drinking out of her nose.
Blurb: The June events schedule at Belle View is busting out all over--proms, graduations, and of course, weddings. There are unexpected bookings too, including a casting call for the pilot of Dons of Ditmars Boulevard. But soon, Mia's fears about the cheesy reality show are confirmed.
Belle View quickly becomes the site of a sea of wanna-be goombahs and phony girlfriends, and some of Mia's friends insist on getting in on the action. The production company owner and his executive producer ex-wife--who's also very minor British royalty--have assembled a motley crew that does as much infighting and backstabbing as the on-screen "talent." Even so, it's a shock when a dead body is found in the pool house of a local mansion rented by the show.
Murder might boost the ratings. But Mia intends to make sure the killer gets jail time, not airtime. (GoodReads)
My Opinion: I was caught off guard by the unexpected twist in the book regarding the who-done-it since there seemed to be no prior indication of any communication between the characters involved. As a reader of amateur sleuth mysteries, I prefer to have some hints or clues. The sudden change, which had been running in a straight line with little sub-plotting, left me uncertain whether I liked it.
While Nonna made me chuckle, this book didn't quite hit the mark. The Cammie and Pete relationship felt overused, and Mia and Shane's relationship hiccup was boarding on "oh, poor me". The character of Pozi was entertaining, but I'm not sure what Maria DiRico can do to spice up the next installment. Some changes need to be made to keep the series fresh and engaging.
Blurb: The June events schedule at Belle View is busting out all over--proms, graduations, and of course, weddings. There are unexpected bookings too, including a casting call for the pilot of Dons of Ditmars Boulevard. But soon, Mia's fears about the cheesy reality show are confirmed.
Belle View quickly becomes the site of a sea of wanna-be goombahs and phony girlfriends, and some of Mia's friends insist on getting in on the action. The production company owner and his executive producer ex-wife--who's also very minor British royalty--have assembled a motley crew that does as much infighting and backstabbing as the on-screen "talent." Even so, it's a shock when a dead body is found in the pool house of a local mansion rented by the show.
Murder might boost the ratings. But Mia intends to make sure the killer gets jail time, not airtime. (GoodReads)
My Opinion: I was caught off guard by the unexpected twist in the book regarding the who-done-it since there seemed to be no prior indication of any communication between the characters involved. As a reader of amateur sleuth mysteries, I prefer to have some hints or clues. The sudden change, which had been running in a straight line with little sub-plotting, left me uncertain whether I liked it.
While Nonna made me chuckle, this book didn't quite hit the mark. The Cammie and Pete relationship felt overused, and Mia and Shane's relationship hiccup was boarding on "oh, poor me". The character of Pozi was entertaining, but I'm not sure what Maria DiRico can do to spice up the next installment. Some changes need to be made to keep the series fresh and engaging.
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