Reviews

Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower

andyn5's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely love the Magical Bookshop series! It's one of my favourite cosy mysteries.

As usual Amanda Flower created a nice murder plot in the small town of Cascade Springs, New York. There's a nice storyline and Flower leaves little clues throughout the story, pulling some unexpected twists here and there to keep things interested. I guessed who the killer was, but I wasn't completely sure until the end of the book.

Violet is still the same charming, witty character and Grandma Daisy with a young spirit and quickness. I was jumping in my seat to finally see some action between Violet and the handsome
Chief Rainwater after they danced around each other from book one. The character development from novel to novel is very well made and very satisfying to see them grow both individually and together.

I'm looking forward to see what the next installments will bring!

git_r_read's review

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4.0

Slow start....excellent finish

I like Amanda Flower's other series I've read. This is a bit of a different angle for her with the mystical lean . It took a bit for me to get into the story and it was slow going at first . Then the characters and story took hold and it became more enjoyable.
I do like the main character though some of the dialogue and her involvement in the investigation felt a bit forced. It smoothed out and I understood her reasoning. I think it might be she feels like a real person. She makes mistakes and rushes around. I like her.
I can recommend this book and series and definitely recommend this author.I look forward to the rest of the adventures in Cascade Springs and Charming Books

lepumpkinn's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

msnyderk's review

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4.0

I loved the setting of the ice wine festival for this third in the series. I loved that the series is moving forward with the new characters in the Red Inkers as well as Violet finally making that decision we’ve all been waiting for. I was a little bummed with who the murderer was and how that impacted other characters. Still, I’m really excited to see where the series goes now. One of my favorites!

sdevine's review

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adventurous 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

3.75

crackercrumblife's review

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funny hopeful mysterious relaxing medium-paced

4.0

thisandthatwithkaren's review

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4.0

Amanda Flower is one of my 2018 favorite cozy mystery authors. This is the third book in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series. This series is set in the quaint village of Cascade Springs, New York.

The author has done a great job of the character development as each character is unique, well written, and some even a bit quirky. I enjoy the relationship between Violet and her Grandma Daisy. They are still feeling their way around their new roles since Violet became the new Caretaker of the tree. The blossoming romance between Violet and Chief Rainwater is progressing but there are going to be a few hiccups along the way.

The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming which added to the mystery. I did suspect the identity of the killer early on but then changed my mind and I think readers will be surprised who the culprit is.

This series also has a nice hint of the paranormal that runs throughout each story. I don't think it is overpowering and I enjoy how the bookshop sends Violet hints on what she needs to solve a mystery.

This book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished in a couple nights. I hope there will be more books in this series because I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out for a few of the main characters.

* There were several spelling and grammar errors that really need to be amended before it goes to print in February, but that is what we are doing besides reviewing we are proofreaders too.

I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

lisabooksit's review

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5.0

Belinda Perkins, author of a best selling wine tasting book, is found stabbed. 
She is Lacey's sister (bakery co-owner) and Belinda refuses to talk to her. 

Their mom had an accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Lacey had to make the decision to take her off life support as she could not contact Belinda (off touring Europe). Lacey was left guardianship of younger kids. She found Adrian and fell in love and opened cafe/bakery. Her other sisters refuse to talk to her now. 

Belinda had the letter Lacey was trying to give her that night but refused to accept. 

Sister Adele is about to be cut off financially by Belinda. Nate saw her carrying the letter that night.

Nathan makes a move on Violet but she tells him it's in the past.

Sadie gets a literary agent offer! 

Grant did it!!! Like what? She was going to bad mouth the winery their family owns and it would destroy it. Nathan wanted to let his brother go too! Grant shot him as he got in front of Violet when Grant went to shoot her. 

The Little Women book was because of the brother's relationship not Lacey and her sisters. The books know at the Charming Bookshop!

And Aunt Daisy is running for mayor!!!
 

cradlow's review

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mysterious

5.0

racheldeal's review

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0