Author: Jenn McKinlay
Published: October 8, 2024 by Berkley
Format: Kindle, 317 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Library Lover's Mystery #15
First Sentence: "Let it snow, let it snow, Let it snow..." a voice sang softly.
Blurb: During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. To try to spread some Christmas cheer, library director Lindsey Norris invites the new writer in residence to join her crafternoon club. Helen politely refuses and when an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, Lindsey begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason.
Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town.
When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before "The End" becomes Helen's final sentence.
My Opinion: The book starts strong, engaging readers with characters that quickly elicit solid reactions—a mix of irritating and suspicious roles, along with a third character caught in their scheming. It’s a promising beginning for an amateur sleuth mystery. However, the introduction of two additional characters, who seem to serve only to stir up trouble, left me unsure of their importance to the overall plot.
The premise of two women plotting to ban an author’s books and cancel a writer-in-residence program at a small town library felt somewhat far-fetched and weakly plotted. It’s hard to imagine this being a major issue in the grand scheme of things.
Around 100 pages in, the victim finally appears—though not the person I had anticipated. Do writers still print out manuscripts? The relationships in the book become twisty, adding confusion to the mix. One of the many subplots left me wondering whether this was an amateur sleuth mystery or a commentary on book banning.
The middle of the book turns out to be rather superficial and follows typical genre tropes. Lindsay, of course, must throw herself into the investigation, even though the Chief of Police, Emma, is more than capable of handling it. The usual twists are present, but none are particularly shocking or groundbreaking.
While the beginning held promise, A Merry Little Murder Plot ultimately became a “why bother” read. It’s books like this that make me question why I continue with the amateur sleuth genre. Despite the initial intrigue, the weak plotting and predictable twists left me disappointed.
Blurb: During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. To try to spread some Christmas cheer, library director Lindsey Norris invites the new writer in residence to join her crafternoon club. Helen politely refuses and when an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, Lindsey begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason.
Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town.
When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before "The End" becomes Helen's final sentence.
My Opinion: The book starts strong, engaging readers with characters that quickly elicit solid reactions—a mix of irritating and suspicious roles, along with a third character caught in their scheming. It’s a promising beginning for an amateur sleuth mystery. However, the introduction of two additional characters, who seem to serve only to stir up trouble, left me unsure of their importance to the overall plot.
The premise of two women plotting to ban an author’s books and cancel a writer-in-residence program at a small town library felt somewhat far-fetched and weakly plotted. It’s hard to imagine this being a major issue in the grand scheme of things.
Around 100 pages in, the victim finally appears—though not the person I had anticipated. Do writers still print out manuscripts? The relationships in the book become twisty, adding confusion to the mix. One of the many subplots left me wondering whether this was an amateur sleuth mystery or a commentary on book banning.
The middle of the book turns out to be rather superficial and follows typical genre tropes. Lindsay, of course, must throw herself into the investigation, even though the Chief of Police, Emma, is more than capable of handling it. The usual twists are present, but none are particularly shocking or groundbreaking.
While the beginning held promise, A Merry Little Murder Plot ultimately became a “why bother” read. It’s books like this that make me question why I continue with the amateur sleuth genre. Despite the initial intrigue, the weak plotting and predictable twists left me disappointed.
No comments:
Post a Comment