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katy82's review against another edition
4.0
It was a solid cozy murder. Fun read, good mystery , but I didn’t fall in love with the characters
readerjenn's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.25
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Furbidden Fatality is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Deborah Blake. Due out 23rd Feb 2021 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages (print edition) and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an engaging and undemanding read. The plucky protagonist is a waitress turned millionaire lottery winner who buys a dilapidated animal sanctuary threatened with closure. She finds herself unwillingly involved in a murder investigation when the local animal control officer is found strangled on her property after a public contretemps.
This is a promising start to a new cozy series by an established author, and it ticks a lot of boxes: funny and down to earth protagonist, lots of animals, twists and red herrings blended into the plot, decently written dialogue that isn't clunky, and a satisfying denouement and resolution. I enjoyed it as a fun and enjoyable clean cozy mystery. The language is "PG" rated, a few hells and damns but nothing worse. The crimes occur off-page and there's no graphic content. There is some mention of illicit drugs, but nothing egregious or triggering (in my opinion).
Four stars. It'll be fun to see how this one develops. (Especially recommended to fans of cozy mysteries featuring animals).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Furbidden Fatality is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Deborah Blake. Due out 23rd Feb 2021 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages (print edition) and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an engaging and undemanding read. The plucky protagonist is a waitress turned millionaire lottery winner who buys a dilapidated animal sanctuary threatened with closure. She finds herself unwillingly involved in a murder investigation when the local animal control officer is found strangled on her property after a public contretemps.
This is a promising start to a new cozy series by an established author, and it ticks a lot of boxes: funny and down to earth protagonist, lots of animals, twists and red herrings blended into the plot, decently written dialogue that isn't clunky, and a satisfying denouement and resolution. I enjoyed it as a fun and enjoyable clean cozy mystery. The language is "PG" rated, a few hells and damns but nothing worse. The crimes occur off-page and there's no graphic content. There is some mention of illicit drugs, but nothing egregious or triggering (in my opinion).
Four stars. It'll be fun to see how this one develops. (Especially recommended to fans of cozy mysteries featuring animals).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
missilebird's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
menniemenace's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
I personally believe that the first book of a cozy mystery series isn't the best, Which is why I'm so excited about the next book of this series.
The premise is amazing. It's so fresh and fun. The animal shelter setting is also great. I love the set up of the series. The mystery.. not so much.
I enjoyed this, but I think I'll enjoy the next book more.
I personally believe that the first book of a cozy mystery series isn't the best, Which is why I'm so excited about the next book of this series.
The premise is amazing. It's so fresh and fun. The animal shelter setting is also great. I love the set up of the series. The mystery.. not so much.
I enjoyed this, but I think I'll enjoy the next book more.
caitkom's review against another edition
4.0
This is an awesome first book in the series. The setting is a small quaint town in the Catskills where every body knows every body and their business! The MC, Kari was down on her luck when she stopped at a gas station to buy a bag of cat litter and ended up with a $5 million winning lottery ticket. Instead of going out and buying a flashy new car or huge house, Kari decides to wait and think about what she wants to spend the money on. A tiny ball of kitten helps her make that decision when she adopts herself in to Kari's life. Kari takes the kitten to a shelter, but the shelter is full. It is through them that Kari learns about The Sanctuary. A shelter in town that is being shut down, resulting in even more homeless animals. Kari decides to put her winnings to good use and buys the Sanctuary.
Unfortunately, along with soon to be homeless animals, Kari also inherits a dirty and deceptive animal control officer. When that animal control officer is found bludgeoned to death while trying to "set up" one of the shelter dogs, Kari becomes the prime suspect. Kari, along with the quirky characters at The Sanctuary decide to prove their innocence and find the real killer. I loved the characters and the small town and the nice twist that this story took. I am really looking forward to the next one!
Unfortunately, along with soon to be homeless animals, Kari also inherits a dirty and deceptive animal control officer. When that animal control officer is found bludgeoned to death while trying to "set up" one of the shelter dogs, Kari becomes the prime suspect. Kari, along with the quirky characters at The Sanctuary decide to prove their innocence and find the real killer. I loved the characters and the small town and the nice twist that this story took. I am really looking forward to the next one!
theorysloth's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
theaprilwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.25
mayarelmahdy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
I personally believe that the first book of a cozy mystery series isn't the best, Which is why I'm so excited about the next book of this series.
The premise is amazing. It's so fresh and fun. The animal shelter setting is also great. I love the set up of the series. The mystery.. not so much.
I enjoyed this, but I think I'll enjoy the next book more.
I personally believe that the first book of a cozy mystery series isn't the best, Which is why I'm so excited about the next book of this series.
The premise is amazing. It's so fresh and fun. The animal shelter setting is also great. I love the set up of the series. The mystery.. not so much.
I enjoyed this, but I think I'll enjoy the next book more.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
4.0
Kari is getting by, working at a diner. But when the impulse purchase of a lottery ticket on a trip to buy some kitty litter makes her $5 million richer, she vows to carefully plan how to spend the money. But all that goes out the window when she up and buys an almost defunct animal sanctuary. Despite the massive cash outlays to upgrade the place, all is going well until Kari finds the body of the town dog warden by her fence in the middle of the night.
This start to a new cozy mystery series was fun! I look forward to getting to know more about Kari's background and hearing about the adorable animals in her care.
This start to a new cozy mystery series was fun! I look forward to getting to know more about Kari's background and hearing about the adorable animals in her care.