Scan barcode
bzzylz's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
lareinadehades's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
asanford's review against another edition
4.0
So bummed this Utah cozy mystery only has three books. The characters were fun, the mystery was complicated, and the setting was unique. Can’t wait to read number two.
sarahfett's review
4.0
I've been reading a lot of cozy mysteries lately, so wasn't sure if another one with a female protagonist and her cat would be redundant. It wasn't! The mystery, characters, and setting were all enjoyable. I look forward to the next book.
lecrockett's review
1.0
Read for genre study book club.
Cozy mysteries aren't my thing, or at least this particular one isn't. Unbelievable premise, inauthentic dialogue, not a whole lot of mystery, meh writing. But I did find amusement with the cat and the alley Clare's shop is on. Perhaps if I went into this pretending this was a comedy I'd bump up a star. In the end, though, it's just not for me. I'll have to try another book out!
Cozy mysteries aren't my thing, or at least this particular one isn't. Unbelievable premise, inauthentic dialogue, not a whole lot of mystery, meh writing. But I did find amusement with the cat and the alley Clare's shop is on. Perhaps if I went into this pretending this was a comedy I'd bump up a star. In the end, though, it's just not for me. I'll have to try another book out!
tibcanread's review
3.0
This was kind of fun to read. Never really read a cozy mystery before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Very Hallmark-y but I found it interesting nonetheless. The typewriter restoration was really interesting and I liked the characters well enough. Nothing super spectacular, but an enjoyable read.
yennaj11's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
3.25
sheltzer's review
2.0
This book plodded. Clare works with her grandfather in a shop which repairs typewriters and antique books as well as sell stationery. The shop is located in Bygone Alley in Star City, UT - home of tourists and skiers. I liked the setting and the idea of Bygone Alley. I even for the most part enjoyed Clare, her grandfather and niece. However, I found the book clunky. The dialog was stilted, there were weird plot interjections that didn't appear to serve a purpose (the cancer research story line) that disappeared with a nod of acceptance and of course there was the ending.
The ending followed a convention that is the worst in all of mystery telling
I thought maybe I could overlook my issues until I turned the last page to see the list of the author's other works... not a first time writer. I guess I know who I'm not adding to my to-read list!
The ending followed a convention that is the worst in all of mystery telling
Spoiler
- the murder did not appear at all during the narrative of the book only to show up out of nowhere. I don't understand the 5-star reviews that lauded that the reader doesn't see the ending coming. Of course not! The murderer wasn't a character! How could you see it coming?!? UghI thought maybe I could overlook my issues until I turned the last page to see the list of the author's other works... not a first time writer. I guess I know who I'm not adding to my to-read list!
momentum262's review
mysterious
slow-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
4.0