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scientist's review
3.0
I'm enjoying this series, but the unconscious fat phobia is constantly present. There are lots of food related scenes, but each one has a note about how the figure feels the food is good tasting, but fattening, and she should be making other choices. Similarly with scenes of clothing chosen for a day, it is chosen either to disguise "problem areas" or despite the fact that it doesn't disguise. Both are now tedious; as well as not adding anything to the characterization of the main character in the book it is just constantly fat phobic, in almost every chapter. I find the mysteries themselves entertaining, if no more farfetched than one would expect for a cozy mystery. In this particular book the fatphobia is accompanied with comments on HIV/AIDS and homosexuality that are, at best, outdated as well as religious preaching from the main character, despite her discussion of disliking it from other characters.
In previous books other friends of Dorothy helped to tame down some of her own dislikable qualities, but on her own here, she is left to wallow in them. I do enjoy hearing some of the characteristics, which differentiate Dorothy from some of the other cozy mystery heroines (enjoyment of hats, cats, religion, good food), but if they remain as overwhelming in book four as they were in book three, I may have to move on. If this were the first book in the series I read, I certainly would not have continued on.
In previous books other friends of Dorothy helped to tame down some of her own dislikable qualities, but on her own here, she is left to wallow in them. I do enjoy hearing some of the characteristics, which differentiate Dorothy from some of the other cozy mystery heroines (enjoyment of hats, cats, religion, good food), but if they remain as overwhelming in book four as they were in book three, I may have to move on. If this were the first book in the series I read, I certainly would not have continued on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
Minor: Sexual assault and Pedophilia
cantwelljr's review
3.0
Another solid mystery from Jeanne Dams.
Spoiler
But really, Dorothy, at the beginning of the book he's just a 'dear friend' and by the end of the book you're agreeing to marry him? Honestly!janlhill's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
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