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gamz's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
dmoritz65's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mschrock8's review against another edition
3.0
In chapter two, "incented" as a verb. Not sure how much of that I can handle.
Second in the series, so I am getting to know the characters.
Second in the series, so I am getting to know the characters.
mfrazier126's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
fun, lighthearted, cozy mystery
cassiecat's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
3.75
🎧3.5-3.75⭐️
No 2 in the Liz Talbot Mystery series
I had the audiobook narrated by Tiffany Morgan. I didn’t gel with the narrator, I struggled with the accent (sorry it’s not one that I enjoy listening to)
This is my first book by this author.
Calista McQueen is a dead ringer for Marilyn Monroe, and so far her life has echoed the events in Marilyn’s but she’s coming up to the date and big anniversary of her death, which is thought to have been made to look like suicide. Calista approaches Liz to try and stop a repeat of history.
It’s an easy quirky listen, surely a hit for Monroe fans, as a lot of her history and story is revealed in a modern day setting. I didn’t know anything of note about her life. It’s quite an imaginative plot line. There’s a romance thread alongside it, that doesn’t include sex scenes.
One bit made me smile as having left the dog home alone over night there was mention of feeding kibble, but no mention of letting it out for ablutions a puddle on the floor😂 I think that’s just the animal owner in me.
The cover made me think that it was going to be a much lighter more fun read, it is in fact a serious mystery with a unique angle, it was the MM connection which encouraged me to go for it. It took me a long time to settle into it, but I enjoyed it in the end. It had some interesting twists and turns. I’m not the biggest fan of the writing style and I found the dialogue somewhat stilted so I don’t think I’d read others in the series.
mayetra's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book in the series. It was a good, quick, light read. I found myself caring for the reoccurring characters. Very interesting and very Southern (which is not a bad thing IMHO)
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I rarely have a thing to say about publishing houses, but Henery Press has the best lineup of authors and books. Susan M. Boyer is definitely one of them and Liz Talbot Mystery series is superb.
This one could be a bit off-kilter in the hands of someone else as there's a wealthy client whose life parallels a famous actress and needs protection, there's a tinge of paranormal, spy-movie action galore from all angles....and it sounds like an oddball premise but it works really well. I'd have read faster but this was my bedtime book and sleep tends to take over sooner than I'd like.
Liz has a successful private investigation career going, she's smart and tough and has some idiosyncrasies that could be irritating but don't get in the way of the story.
I love the family and friends Liz has. She has a big heart and loves life. She's working through her love life and the main thing she knows is that she has to take care of herself.
I love this series and can definitely recommend it.
This one could be a bit off-kilter in the hands of someone else as there's a wealthy client whose life parallels a famous actress and needs protection, there's a tinge of paranormal, spy-movie action galore from all angles....and it sounds like an oddball premise but it works really well. I'd have read faster but this was my bedtime book and sleep tends to take over sooner than I'd like.
Liz has a successful private investigation career going, she's smart and tough and has some idiosyncrasies that could be irritating but don't get in the way of the story.
I love the family and friends Liz has. She has a big heart and loves life. She's working through her love life and the main thing she knows is that she has to take care of herself.
I love this series and can definitely recommend it.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Boy, did I love this book! It was a great mystery novel, but Boyer managed to give the story so much more. I loved the Marilyn Monroe twist to it, loved the well-developed characters, and I loved the setting she described. I want to live on a quaint little South Carolina island too! It is hard for me to believe that this is only Boyer's 2nd novel. It was well-written and I can't wait to go back and read Lowcountry Boil!
I found it so easy to fall in love with the characters in this book. Liz is a spunky private investigator and a lifelong resident of Stella Maris, a little island off of South Carolina. As is usual in a small town, everybody knows everybody so when outsider Calista seeks Liz's services for protection, it is intriguing. Especially when she sees that Calista is dead-ringer for Marilyn Monroe. At first, I didn't know what to make of Calista--was she lying? Crazy? Both?--she seemed a bit too much of a victim. However, as the story progressed, I liked Calista too. And the men? Please tell me the next story will focus on Blake! ; )
I don't want to give anything away about the plot because I thought Boyer did a great job weaving this tale. It was suspensful, but also playful. I thought the ending was very clever and unexpected. This is a must read for all mystery lovers!
Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books
I found it so easy to fall in love with the characters in this book. Liz is a spunky private investigator and a lifelong resident of Stella Maris, a little island off of South Carolina. As is usual in a small town, everybody knows everybody so when outsider Calista seeks Liz's services for protection, it is intriguing. Especially when she sees that Calista is dead-ringer for Marilyn Monroe. At first, I didn't know what to make of Calista--was she lying? Crazy? Both?--she seemed a bit too much of a victim. However, as the story progressed, I liked Calista too. And the men? Please tell me the next story will focus on Blake! ; )
I don't want to give anything away about the plot because I thought Boyer did a great job weaving this tale. It was suspensful, but also playful. I thought the ending was very clever and unexpected. This is a must read for all mystery lovers!
Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books