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jwhit7's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
joisaddler's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rileyalvarado's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
holly_keimig's review against another edition
3.0
Bronwyn's back! Crewse Creamery is doing well and growing. A big developer is planning a mall right in downtown Chagrin Falls, however, and most of the residents aren't happy, including Win. Her family also comes to town and starts trying to shake things up. One of Win's out of town friends suddenly becomes the main suspect in another murder and Win has to try to stop the developer, clear her friend's name, and keep making ice cream. I liked this book, although not quite as much as the first book. Looking forward to the third!
kimdavishb's review against another edition
4.0
A GAME OF CONES, the second book in the Ice Cream Parlor Mysteries by Abby Collette, is a sweet addition to a delightful series. From scrumptious frozen concoctions to a close-knit family to a charming town, Ms. Collette brings visual appeal to the book with her descriptive voice. The protagonist, Bronwyn “Win” Crewse, has revived her family’s ice cream shop, Crewse Creamery, and business is booming. The shops around town are thriving which makes a tempting target for a developer to swoop in and build a mall. When the developer’s representative is discovered murdered by one of Win’s friends visiting from New York, Win and her close circle of friends come together to provide support. The author builds on the theme of friendship, whether it’s from a friendship developed over a few decades from childhood on, or based on a shared interest and trust developed through a mutual employer. I also greatly admire the close family bond the author has developed for Win. Her Pop-Pop is a wonderful source of wisdom and advice while her parents support her every step of the way.
While most cozy mystery protagonists are eager, or at least compelled, to investigate murders, Win is quite the reluctant sleuth… which makes her seem more relatable. Her best friend, Maisie, on the other hand, is a wildcard and goes off on tangents based on watching mystery shows on Acorn TV. While Win provides a calming influence, Maisie still manages to drag her into all sorts of situations in her quest for finding the killer and despite her lack of focus, the two women manage to collect clues. As they investigate, there are a large number of town characters introduced, and all are potential suspects. I didn’t have the time to sit and read the book all at once, so I sometimes got a bit confused on who the minor characters were when I had a chance to pick up the book for a short while. Perhaps a list of characters at the front of the book might be helpful to those who find themselves unable to keep track. Other than that, this was an enjoyable read and once the surprising reveal came, the collected clues fell into place with a satisfactory conclusion.
Win’s family’s ice cream shop serves all sorts of mouthwatering creamy treats and Ms. Collette kept my tastebuds tempted with her tantalizing descriptions. I was so happy to see that she includes a few recipes at the back of the book… and they all sound fantastic!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While most cozy mystery protagonists are eager, or at least compelled, to investigate murders, Win is quite the reluctant sleuth… which makes her seem more relatable. Her best friend, Maisie, on the other hand, is a wildcard and goes off on tangents based on watching mystery shows on Acorn TV. While Win provides a calming influence, Maisie still manages to drag her into all sorts of situations in her quest for finding the killer and despite her lack of focus, the two women manage to collect clues. As they investigate, there are a large number of town characters introduced, and all are potential suspects. I didn’t have the time to sit and read the book all at once, so I sometimes got a bit confused on who the minor characters were when I had a chance to pick up the book for a short while. Perhaps a list of characters at the front of the book might be helpful to those who find themselves unable to keep track. Other than that, this was an enjoyable read and once the surprising reveal came, the collected clues fell into place with a satisfactory conclusion.
Win’s family’s ice cream shop serves all sorts of mouthwatering creamy treats and Ms. Collette kept my tastebuds tempted with her tantalizing descriptions. I was so happy to see that she includes a few recipes at the back of the book… and they all sound fantastic!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
la_ravenreader's review against another edition
2.0
The second book in the series and I was hoping it would get better, but it somehow got worse. Win's friends were so annoying it was hard to read. There were a lot of storylines that were introduced and then just left hanging there. Overall, not impressed.
tonyanicole's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0