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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
I love a good cozy mystery from time to time. And this is a very good example of the genre. Well developed characters, an interesting plot, and a wonderful setup to the series. Especially love the Western NC mountain setting as well, especially as I’m missing my beautiful Asheville right now (evacuated post-Helene). The main character is Nora, a bookseller and bibliotherapist. That is to say, she has the ability to recommend the right book to ease a person’s deepest pain. So, literary references abound.
You have to know what you’re getting with a cozy. They’re not overly twisty. The characters and the town are as much the story as the mystery itself. And that’s certainly the case here. As the characters got to know each other and shared their pasts, however, there was a depth that gave some extra heft to this one.
Because of the depth, the food, and the cast of characters, Miracle Springs feels a bit like Three Pines to me. This story wasn’t on the same sophistication level as a Penny Gamache novel (not technically cozies, though the Three Pines setting certainly is), but there was a ring of the familiar for fans. I confess that I find the society name a bit clunky. Even after reading the first book, I still can’t remember it. That aside, I look forward to continuing this series. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
You have to know what you’re getting with a cozy. They’re not overly twisty. The characters and the town are as much the story as the mystery itself. And that’s certainly the case here. As the characters got to know each other and shared their pasts, however, there was a depth that gave some extra heft to this one.
Because of the depth, the food, and the cast of characters, Miracle Springs feels a bit like Three Pines to me. This story wasn’t on the same sophistication level as a Penny Gamache novel (not technically cozies, though the Three Pines setting certainly is), but there was a ring of the familiar for fans. I confess that I find the society name a bit clunky. Even after reading the first book, I still can’t remember it. That aside, I look forward to continuing this series. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I somehow managed to read this once then forget it, because when I started (re)reading it in an online sample, I was immediately hooked and only recalled parts of the solution as I got much deeper into the book. It could have used somewhat finer editing but is mostly enjoyable and I have requested the sequels from my library.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
I just wasn't interested in the mystery or characters
Listened to the audiobook.
Quick and easy listen that required zero brainpower. I don't mean that as a slight! This isn't a book to make you rethink your life decisions or question your values. A quick and easy, slightly campy, story to pass the time.
Quick and easy listen that required zero brainpower. I don't mean that as a slight! This isn't a book to make you rethink your life decisions or question your values. A quick and easy, slightly campy, story to pass the time.
emotional
mysterious
slow-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:
Yes
This is my first book by this author. It definitely won't be my last! I was delighted to see there are several more series after I've finished the four in this one. The main character who owns the bookstore, was the one I could most relate to. I'm hoping the other three women get starring roles through the remainder of the series.
The bad guys were a little too one dimensional, but overall, it was very much an above average entry into the cozy genre.
The bad guys were a little too one dimensional, but overall, it was very much an above average entry into the cozy genre.
It was SO boring and I didn't like any of the characters.