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yennaj11's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kbucheit's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
thatlemonadelife's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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? No
4.0
lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
On Spine of Death by Tamara Berry is the second book in the By the Book Mysteries series. I’ve seen this categorized as a cozy mystery and that fits although it is slightly more gritty and gripping than many. It is also laugh-out-loud funny in places.
Tess Harrow is a bestselling thriller writer who has inherited her grandfather’s rustic cabin in the woods near Winthrop, Washington as well as his hardware store. Now that she and her daughter Gertie have updated the cabin, they are working to convert the hardware store into an independent bookstore. However, when the renovations result in bones from a cold case being found, the work comes to a halt. Was her grandfather a murderer or is there more to the story?
Tess has a hard time separating her fictional detective’s methods, which aren’t always “by the book”, and local Sheriff’s Victor Boyd’s method of following procedure, which leads to some fascinating and funny interchanges between the two. Dealing with real law enforcement officers is harder than she expected. The normally calm and levelheaded sheriff doesn’t stay that way as he interacts with Tess. Additionally, Gertie seems to enjoy being part of a murder investigation a little too much for Tess’s comfort. Now she wants to job shadow the town coroner.
For book lovers, readers not only get a main character who is a thriller writer, but there is a bookmobile that makes the rounds of the local communities and a deputy that has been writing a science fiction novel in her spare time. There’s also a couple of other book and author related tie-ins. Themes include parent-child relationships, friendship, murder, trust, family, and much more.
The writing is terrific. What an opening scene! The characters, as well as the story, quickly engage readers. Visual and auditory imagery comes through vividly. The plot is absorbing and intriguing with a storyline that has a few red herrings, a couple of surprises, and lots of humor.
Overall, this engaging and funny novel immediately pulled me into the storyline and the lives of the characters. If you enjoy excellent cozy mysteries with a little extra grit, then I recommend that you check out this series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book of the series.
Poisoned Ped Press and Tamara Berry provided a complimentary DRC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022.
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4.31 rounded to 4 stars.
Tess Harrow is a bestselling thriller writer who has inherited her grandfather’s rustic cabin in the woods near Winthrop, Washington as well as his hardware store. Now that she and her daughter Gertie have updated the cabin, they are working to convert the hardware store into an independent bookstore. However, when the renovations result in bones from a cold case being found, the work comes to a halt. Was her grandfather a murderer or is there more to the story?
Tess has a hard time separating her fictional detective’s methods, which aren’t always “by the book”, and local Sheriff’s Victor Boyd’s method of following procedure, which leads to some fascinating and funny interchanges between the two. Dealing with real law enforcement officers is harder than she expected. The normally calm and levelheaded sheriff doesn’t stay that way as he interacts with Tess. Additionally, Gertie seems to enjoy being part of a murder investigation a little too much for Tess’s comfort. Now she wants to job shadow the town coroner.
For book lovers, readers not only get a main character who is a thriller writer, but there is a bookmobile that makes the rounds of the local communities and a deputy that has been writing a science fiction novel in her spare time. There’s also a couple of other book and author related tie-ins. Themes include parent-child relationships, friendship, murder, trust, family, and much more.
The writing is terrific. What an opening scene! The characters, as well as the story, quickly engage readers. Visual and auditory imagery comes through vividly. The plot is absorbing and intriguing with a storyline that has a few red herrings, a couple of surprises, and lots of humor.
Overall, this engaging and funny novel immediately pulled me into the storyline and the lives of the characters. If you enjoy excellent cozy mysteries with a little extra grit, then I recommend that you check out this series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book of the series.
Poisoned Ped Press and Tamara Berry provided a complimentary DRC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022.
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4.31 rounded to 4 stars.
kimlb's review
5.0
This series has lots of plot twists and plenty of " I didn't see that coming". Great thriller series!
kimdavishb's review
5.0
ON SPINE OF DEATH is the second book in the By the Book Mystery series by Tamara Berry. From the very first sentence, I was captivated until I’d read the very last word. The action starts immediately and the author’s vivid descriptions pulls you in to experience everything that protagonist Tess Harrow is experiencing. I love that Tess is a thriller author, and the reader gets a peek into her writing process, which seems to mirror the murder mysteries she somehow finds herself involved in. I also enjoyed that Tess is a single mom raising her teenage daughter, Gertrude. Given Tess’s occupation, her daughter is quite used to the discussion of murder, and Gertrude is eager to help her mom out when needed. However, there’s still the typical teenage attitude with plenty of banter between the pair. Ms. Berry’s “voice” is full of humor, and I found myself chuckling often. Between the well-plotted murder that kept me glued to the pages and the laugh-out-scenes and repartee that imbued the story, this series has become one of my favorites.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
purple676's review
4.0
This series has become one of my all time favorite cozy mysteries. It’s so charming and fun. I love it.