You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
Nice little cozy mystery. Enjoyed the storyline outside of the mystery as well.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I read this book to ease myself into spooky season with a light-hearted mystery, and that is exactly what this novel did. The writing is nothing to write home about, but it is a cozy way to start the fall.
The main character is very much a "not like other girls" girl which is frustrating representation for a fellow English major (I mean let me look good please). She belittles her younger sister a lot for being the pretty one. However, I will say that I think a lot of this is because of the confusing characterization Hannah as both confident and not confident. She is confident that she knows things and can bake, but she is uncomfortable in her femineity. She does explore more feminine aspects of life throughout the novel and gain some respect for them, if that gives you hope.
The book touches on a couple of heavy themes including loan sharks preying on the desperate, domestic violence, and sexual assault. This is not saying that any of the topics were handled particularly well. The sexual assault portion was actually brushed over and the evidence burned? Still, if future novels dive more into any of these topics, it could make future novels compelling and meaningful.
Overall, I think this novel is exactly its first impression - not stellar but not bad. The novel is very, very cheesy, but maybe the future books will improve.
The main character is very much a "not like other girls" girl which is frustrating representation for a fellow English major (I mean let me look good please). She belittles her younger sister a lot for being the pretty one. However, I will say that I think a lot of this is because of the confusing characterization Hannah as both confident and not confident. She is confident that she knows things and can bake, but she is uncomfortable in her femineity. She does explore more feminine aspects of life throughout the novel and gain some respect for them, if that gives you hope.
The book touches on a couple of heavy themes including loan sharks preying on the desperate, domestic violence, and sexual assault. This is not saying that any of the topics were handled particularly well. The sexual assault portion was actually brushed over and the evidence burned? Still, if future novels dive more into any of these topics, it could make future novels compelling and meaningful.
Overall, I think this novel is exactly its first impression - not stellar but not bad. The novel is very, very cheesy, but maybe the future books will improve.
I mostly enjoyed this book, it was a very cute and cozy murder mystery. I also definitely enjoyed the cookie recipes along the way and trying them with my kids was also a fun bonus! My only issue is with the character Bill, he’s not a very engaging character, seems lost half the time and also not very much like someone that might become a detective. If it wasn’t for Hannah this guy would have never figured anything out and the murder would have been a cold case. He is indeed frustrating. I look forward with continuing on with the series.
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
fast-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:
No
the main character constantly judging others puts a damper on what otherwise would be a great cozy mystery. It also over-explains at points
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse