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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I started listening to this series as the first few books had been free on audible. This was the newest release and decided to purchase it as I had previously enjoyed the easy listen of these books. Good murder plots, grilled cheese restaurant and a cute dog? Whats not to like!
The murder plot for this installment I enjoyed and it was very interesting to see how the pandemic was written into the story and the affects of it. The murderer I had guessed but theThe second story line about gem smuggling was quite a shock? I don't know if I missed all the hints but I felt as if that had come out of nowhere?
I usually like the different characters but it became repetitive when they all constantly and collectively tell the main character they worry about her sleuthing and that she must stop. This is a trope a lot of cosies which then becomes tiresome when the sleuths constantly going against the worries of others without as much as a thought for how it effects them. They come across so sleepy centred and this was the first time I really felt this about Carley.
This next comment isn't necessarily book specific but I figured this issue would have been solved by now but Ari is sooo boring. I reccomended this series to my sister and it was the first thing she noticed too. The relationship, whilst I know this is a cosy mystery so relationships are never anything above a PG13 however there is no chemistry between them at all. Throughout the whole series there has never been any cause for me to root for the couple.
The murder plot for this installment I enjoyed and it was very interesting to see how the pandemic was written into the story and the affects of it. The murderer I had guessed but the
I usually like the different characters but it became repetitive when they all constantly and collectively tell the main character they worry about her sleuthing and that she must stop. This is a trope a lot of cosies which then becomes tiresome when the sleuths constantly going against the worries of others without as much as a thought for how it effects them. They come across so sleepy centred and this was the first time I really felt this about Carley.
This next comment isn't necessarily book specific but I figured this issue would have been solved by now but Ari is sooo boring. I reccomended this series to my sister and it was the first thing she noticed too. The relationship, whilst I know this is a cosy mystery so relationships are never anything above a PG13 however there is no chemistry between them at all. Throughout the whole series there has never been any cause for me to root for the couple.
mysterious
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book Review: Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
Rating: 3 Stars
When I picked up Brie Careful What You Wish For, I was immediately drawn in by the adorable cover. Isn’t it just the cutest? It set the perfect tone for what I hoped would be a delightful cozy mystery. Set against the backdrop of Balsam Dell, a small town where gossip travels faster than the summer heat, the story pivots around the shocking murder of a mean and quarrelsome woman. Most residents seem to think her demise was long overdue, but for Carly Hale, the local grilled cheese restaurant owner, it's more than just gossip—it’s a matter of defending her friend.
The plot unfolds with Carly’s delivery guy, Ross Baxter, being falsely accused of murder after he discovers the victim's lifeless body during a sandwich drop-off. Determined to clear his name, Carly dives into an investigation that reveals a tangled web of motives involving estranged family members and a past filled with broken marriages. Each twist and turn was well plotted, keeping me engaged and guessing until the end.
However, my experience with this book was a mixed bag. While I appreciated the charming setting of Balsam Dell, I found myself frustrated with Carly's character. In this installment, she came across as unlikable and obnoxious at times, which made it hard for me to root for her. I had previously enjoyed her character in the last book, but here I felt that her actions were more self-serving than heroic.
On a positive note, the mystery itself was well-crafted, with enough red herrings and suspects to keep me intrigued. The recipes at the end were an absolute highlight—YUM! They made me want to whip up some grilled cheese delights in my own kitchen.
In conclusion, Brie Careful What You Wish For offers a compelling mystery set in an inviting town filled with quirky characters. Despite my frustrations with Carly's character development, the engaging plot and delightful recipes made it a worthwhile read. I would give it a solid three stars—there's potential for improvement, but it still has its charm.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
When I picked up Brie Careful What You Wish For, I was immediately drawn in by the adorable cover. Isn’t it just the cutest? It set the perfect tone for what I hoped would be a delightful cozy mystery. Set against the backdrop of Balsam Dell, a small town where gossip travels faster than the summer heat, the story pivots around the shocking murder of a mean and quarrelsome woman. Most residents seem to think her demise was long overdue, but for Carly Hale, the local grilled cheese restaurant owner, it's more than just gossip—it’s a matter of defending her friend.
The plot unfolds with Carly’s delivery guy, Ross Baxter, being falsely accused of murder after he discovers the victim's lifeless body during a sandwich drop-off. Determined to clear his name, Carly dives into an investigation that reveals a tangled web of motives involving estranged family members and a past filled with broken marriages. Each twist and turn was well plotted, keeping me engaged and guessing until the end.
However, my experience with this book was a mixed bag. While I appreciated the charming setting of Balsam Dell, I found myself frustrated with Carly's character. In this installment, she came across as unlikable and obnoxious at times, which made it hard for me to root for her. I had previously enjoyed her character in the last book, but here I felt that her actions were more self-serving than heroic.
On a positive note, the mystery itself was well-crafted, with enough red herrings and suspects to keep me intrigued. The recipes at the end were an absolute highlight—YUM! They made me want to whip up some grilled cheese delights in my own kitchen.
In conclusion, Brie Careful What You Wish For offers a compelling mystery set in an inviting town filled with quirky characters. Despite my frustrations with Carly's character development, the engaging plot and delightful recipes made it a worthwhile read. I would give it a solid three stars—there's potential for improvement, but it still has its charm.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
mysterious
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
Another great installment in this series. Liked the introduction of some new characters. I did figure out the killer pretty early on and there was almost the same “kidnapping” situation as in one of the previous books. But overall a good cozy mystery with a yummy restaurant and loveable main character.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
Dollycas's Thoughts
Carly Hale's Grilled Cheese Eatery is her dream come true. She and Grant Robinson, "grill cook extraordinaire", assistant manager Valerie Wells, and part-time server, Suzanne Rivers work together like a well-oiled machine. Ross Baxter wanted a way to earn money for college so he started Fab Food on Wheels. He picks orders from several restaurants, including the Grilled Cheese Eatery, and delivers to his clientele, mostly senior citizens.
Ross has one very difficult customer, Octavia Gray. She had several complaints about Ross but she kept calling for delivery. Ross arrives right on time with her perfect order but when he arrives he finds Mrs. Gray dead on the floor. Soon the police and many residents of Balsam Dell believe he killed her. Carly thinks they are all crazy so she decides to find the true killer so Ross can get back to work and off to college. She soon learns the woman had made a ton of enemies over the years and whoever murdered her may be ready to grill Carly and that's no cheese.
_____
I am happy this series found a new home at Beyond the Page Publishing and that we can return to Balsam Dell Vermont and Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery.
Ms. Reilly has created a great cast of characters. Carly is a strong protagonist who can't stay out of Chief of Police Fred Holloway's investigations. He is dating her assistant manager Valerie Wells so Carly hopes she will get some inside information. Instead, Valerie along with the rest of Carly's staff and her boyfriend Ari Mitchell try to convince her to leave the case to the police. Her BFF Gina Tomasso though is ready to help her investigate any way she can. Ross Baxter is a nice addition to the group. The young man is a hard worker and polite. How anyone could believe he was a killer makes no sense. These characters are well-developed and engaging. I have been invested in their lives since book 1, Up to No Gouda.
Octavia Gray was not a nice person which means plenty of suspects and motives. Carly did her best to pare them down but took some real risks as she repeatedly questioned people to try to make clues fit together. Ms. Reilly set up some interesting red herrings and I fell for every one. I knew both Carly and I were missing something but the actual killer wasn't even on my radar. The twists at the end were stellar. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.
There is a wonderful subplot with Ari and Carly. It had me captivated almost as much as the mystery. It came together in the final chapter along with other good news. I am excited about the future for Carly and all her friends. They are like one big family and I love that.
Brie Careful What You Wish For is a delightfully delicious read. From the wonderful characters to the twisted mystery to the yummy grilled cheese sandwiches and soups, I was all in on this terrific addition to the series. I can't wait to see what Ms. Reilly grills up for her readers to enjoy next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.