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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
Charley is the member of a book club of which its members are referred to as the Agathas. This is a reference to Agatha Christie, one of the well known women mystery writers. When bodies start turning up in the town of Oakwood, Ohio it sets everyone on edge. To make matters worse, the people are being killed in ways that have been discussed in the book club meetings. Before long, Charley, and the totally hot detective, Marcus Trenault, being to wonder if the killer is one of the Agathas.
I really enjoyed this book. I certainly hope there will be more books in this Oakwood Mystery series. I look forward to reading future novels by Leslie Nagel.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I certainly hope there will be more books in this Oakwood Mystery series. I look forward to reading future novels by Leslie Nagel.
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty:
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/05/bookish-thoughts-book-club-murders-by.html
The Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel
Alibi, 2017
Crime Fiction (Cozy); 271 pgs
Source: NetGalley
I loved The Book Club Murders from the start. It's got a good combination of mystery and romance, all in a cozy setting. Charley Carpenter is the newest member of the Agathas Book Club and a bit of an outsider. The members are the wealthy and elite of Oakwood, Ohio. Charley does love to read, but her ulterior motive in joining the group was to expand notice of her store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She's been doing her best to fit in, but often feels more like the square peg trying to fit into the group's round hole. Luckily, one of her best friends is a member of the group and that makes the situation much more bearable.
On her way to a book club meeting one night, Charley is made to take a detour because her usual way is blocked by the police. Someone has been murdered. When the police come knocking on the door of the house where the group is meeting, it all becomes evident that the dead person is someone they know.
Detective Marcus Trenault hasn't seen a murder like this since his days working in the big city. The murder scene is well staged and the evidence scant. The weight of the investigation is on his shoulders as his boss and the mayor demand quick results.
Charley and Marc share a shaky past, one built on animosity. Just the same, their attraction to each other is immediate, although they both make an effort to resist. I was kind of taken surprise by the strength of the romance in The Book Club Murders, but it wasn't at all unwelcome. I thought Charley and Marc were well matched, and I though their story was well played out. Past grievances, misunderstandings, and family loyalty all coming into play.
Even with the strong romance thread, it never felt like the mystery took a backseat to the personal. When another body, clearly staged, is discovered, the pieces begin to come together for Charley, who is reluctant to go to the police. Charley and her friend, Frankie, had already begun nosing around the first murder, concerned that the Oakwood elite would close ranks against the police if questioned, and knowing they would have a better chance at getting answers.
Marc is none too happy with Charley's involvement in the investigation, but he does admire her persistence. When she finally does come to him with her suspicions about how the murders are connected, the staged death scenes taken straight out of the Agatha's reading list, he listens and does not immediately dismiss her. A quality I like in any love interest of the main character.
If I had a problem with this novel, it would be that Charley, as smart as she is, really should have come forward sooner with the information she had--and not just once. She also takes matters into her own hands a few times, doing more than just asking questions. She really needs to think more carefully before she acts. Even with that though, I really enjoyed reading The Book Club Murders. Charley is down to earth and resourceful. Marc is a bit brooding at the beginning, but I appreciate that he takes Charley seriously. He's also pretty smart, even though he and the police always seem one step behind Charley. I just wish she would trust him more to do his job.
The Book Club Murders was a hard novel to put down, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I admit I figured out the whodunit before I got there, but that did not hurt my enjoyment at all. It rarely does. I was just curious to see how everything would fall into place. I look forward to reading more about Charley and Marc in future books in the series.
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/05/bookish-thoughts-book-club-murders-by.html
The Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel
Alibi, 2017
Crime Fiction (Cozy); 271 pgs
Source: NetGalley
I loved The Book Club Murders from the start. It's got a good combination of mystery and romance, all in a cozy setting. Charley Carpenter is the newest member of the Agathas Book Club and a bit of an outsider. The members are the wealthy and elite of Oakwood, Ohio. Charley does love to read, but her ulterior motive in joining the group was to expand notice of her store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She's been doing her best to fit in, but often feels more like the square peg trying to fit into the group's round hole. Luckily, one of her best friends is a member of the group and that makes the situation much more bearable.
On her way to a book club meeting one night, Charley is made to take a detour because her usual way is blocked by the police. Someone has been murdered. When the police come knocking on the door of the house where the group is meeting, it all becomes evident that the dead person is someone they know.
Detective Marcus Trenault hasn't seen a murder like this since his days working in the big city. The murder scene is well staged and the evidence scant. The weight of the investigation is on his shoulders as his boss and the mayor demand quick results.
Charley and Marc share a shaky past, one built on animosity. Just the same, their attraction to each other is immediate, although they both make an effort to resist. I was kind of taken surprise by the strength of the romance in The Book Club Murders, but it wasn't at all unwelcome. I thought Charley and Marc were well matched, and I though their story was well played out. Past grievances, misunderstandings, and family loyalty all coming into play.
Even with the strong romance thread, it never felt like the mystery took a backseat to the personal. When another body, clearly staged, is discovered, the pieces begin to come together for Charley, who is reluctant to go to the police. Charley and her friend, Frankie, had already begun nosing around the first murder, concerned that the Oakwood elite would close ranks against the police if questioned, and knowing they would have a better chance at getting answers.
Marc is none too happy with Charley's involvement in the investigation, but he does admire her persistence. When she finally does come to him with her suspicions about how the murders are connected, the staged death scenes taken straight out of the Agatha's reading list, he listens and does not immediately dismiss her. A quality I like in any love interest of the main character.
If I had a problem with this novel, it would be that Charley, as smart as she is, really should have come forward sooner with the information she had--and not just once. She also takes matters into her own hands a few times, doing more than just asking questions. She really needs to think more carefully before she acts. Even with that though, I really enjoyed reading The Book Club Murders. Charley is down to earth and resourceful. Marc is a bit brooding at the beginning, but I appreciate that he takes Charley seriously. He's also pretty smart, even though he and the police always seem one step behind Charley. I just wish she would trust him more to do his job.
The Book Club Murders was a hard novel to put down, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I admit I figured out the whodunit before I got there, but that did not hurt my enjoyment at all. It rarely does. I was just curious to see how everything would fall into place. I look forward to reading more about Charley and Marc in future books in the series.
This review was originally posted on NetGalley.
This book is the perfect definition of a "Cozy Mystery". Secrets, friendship, murder and an amazing reference to the the Queen of Mystery herself, Agatha Christie.
Everything in the story comes together perfectly, from the cozy bookshop to the realistic characters. The touch of romance gives it an additional spark to all the twists and turns of the mystery story. I really felt the spark between Marc and Charley. I really liked her as the main character and her charming personality. It was impossible not to connect with her and admire her loyalty.
This book felt like a painting in movement, full of color and impossible to stop looking to see that comes next.
Addictive, brilliant cozy mystery that I highly recommend! Definitely deserves the 5 stars.
This book is the perfect definition of a "Cozy Mystery". Secrets, friendship, murder and an amazing reference to the the Queen of Mystery herself, Agatha Christie.
Everything in the story comes together perfectly, from the cozy bookshop to the realistic characters. The touch of romance gives it an additional spark to all the twists and turns of the mystery story. I really felt the spark between Marc and Charley. I really liked her as the main character and her charming personality. It was impossible not to connect with her and admire her loyalty.
This book felt like a painting in movement, full of color and impossible to stop looking to see that comes next.
Addictive, brilliant cozy mystery that I highly recommend! Definitely deserves the 5 stars.
This was the pick for our online cozy book club. I will say that it is more intense than a traditional cozy. I read cozies because I don't like sexual situations or vulgar language in my books. Although this had a little of both, it did not cross the line in my opinion.
I adored the name of the book group, The Agathas!! That was great. This isn't the first book that I have read where the murders mimic scenes in books (as that is very AC) and I love it. Its like murder with flair. The characters were well developed and easily relatable. I thought it had just enough twists, all the way to the end, but not so many that you couldn't follow where it was going.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely continue on with the series.
I adored the name of the book group, The Agathas!! That was great. This isn't the first book that I have read where the murders mimic scenes in books (as that is very AC) and I love it. Its like murder with flair. The characters were well developed and easily relatable. I thought it had just enough twists, all the way to the end, but not so many that you couldn't follow where it was going.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely continue on with the series.
This is an excellent cozy mystery debut. Great twists, a fun romance on the side. Characters are interesting, but setting is minimally explored. I'm wondering where a series would go after the events of this book. Advance e-galley provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest opinion.
See my full review (and more!) on my blog Mystereity Reviews
Fantastic book! I first heard about this book from Wanderlust's fantastic review and couldn't wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Club Murders, so much so that I turned around and read it again, just to see if I could pick up all the things I missed!
Great characters and a fast-paced plot sucked me in right from the the first chapter. Guileless Charley and intense Marc are equally matched in the strong-willed and stubborn department. While I thought their romance was a bit overwrought, it was cute and softened the story a little.
And the plot! Full of red herrings, surprise twists and fast-paced action, it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how all the red-herrings were a plot thread in themselves, from Ronnie's problems to Wilson's secrets. The Agathas and their secrets and tragedies added just the right amount of drama to give the plot lots of depth and dimension. I have to ask, though: who shot the video at the crime scene? Did they ever investigate it? Perhaps it will be in the next book...
Overall, an exceptional mystery and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
Thank you so much to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Fantastic book! I first heard about this book from Wanderlust's fantastic review and couldn't wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Club Murders, so much so that I turned around and read it again, just to see if I could pick up all the things I missed!
Great characters and a fast-paced plot sucked me in right from the the first chapter. Guileless Charley and intense Marc are equally matched in the strong-willed and stubborn department. While I thought their romance was a bit overwrought, it was cute and softened the story a little.
And the plot! Full of red herrings, surprise twists and fast-paced action, it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how all the red-herrings were a plot thread in themselves, from Ronnie's problems to Wilson's secrets. The Agathas and their secrets and tragedies added just the right amount of drama to give the plot lots of depth and dimension. I have to ask, though: who shot the video at the crime scene? Did they ever investigate it? Perhaps it will be in the next book...
Overall, an exceptional mystery and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
Thank you so much to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It's romance and there is murder. I don't think I want to be in a book club that kills people, but Charley Carpenter has other ideas. She runs her own store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She is so very desperate to have her store be a smashing success that she joins a book club. Agatha's book club is sure to get her more wealthy, harder to reach clients. All the biggest names and ritziest women are members of this book club.
Of course, that is when things start going wrong. People are dying. The victims are set on the stage, chillingly enough, the stage of a book the club was just reading. Surely that is an inside job if you ever heard of one! Poor Charley, her former male interest is now the police lead investigator. Did you see that coming? Marcus is going to have to work with Charley to solve the murders because she is determined, and deep in the middle of knowing everything she can about every member of the club.
The ending is good, and the characters are all strong and interesting. Marc can be irritating sometimes, but the relationship between him and Charley feels realistic. Over all, this is an very good job on a "cozy" that didn't go stale half way though or in the ending.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
Of course, that is when things start going wrong. People are dying. The victims are set on the stage, chillingly enough, the stage of a book the club was just reading. Surely that is an inside job if you ever heard of one! Poor Charley, her former male interest is now the police lead investigator. Did you see that coming? Marcus is going to have to work with Charley to solve the murders because she is determined, and deep in the middle of knowing everything she can about every member of the club.
The ending is good, and the characters are all strong and interesting. Marc can be irritating sometimes, but the relationship between him and Charley feels realistic. Over all, this is an very good job on a "cozy" that didn't go stale half way though or in the ending.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
See my full review (and more!) on my blog Mystereity Reviews
Fantastic book! I first heard about this book from Wanderlust's fantastic review and couldn't wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Club Murders, so much so that I turned around and read it again, just to see if I could pick up all the things I missed!
Great characters and a fast-paced plot sucked me in right from the the first chapter. Guileless Charley and intense Marc are equally matched in the strong-willed and stubborn department. While I thought their romance was a bit overwrought, it was cute and softened the story a little.
And the plot! Full of red herrings, surprise twists and fast-paced action, it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how all the red-herrings were a plot thread in themselves, from Ronnie's problems to Wilson's secrets. The Agathas and their secrets and tragedies added just the right amount of drama to give the plot lots of depth and dimension. I have to ask, though: who shot the video at the crime scene? Did they ever investigate it? Perhaps it will be in the next book...
Overall, an exceptional mystery and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
Thank you so much to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Fantastic book! I first heard about this book from Wanderlust's fantastic review and couldn't wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Club Murders, so much so that I turned around and read it again, just to see if I could pick up all the things I missed!
Great characters and a fast-paced plot sucked me in right from the the first chapter. Guileless Charley and intense Marc are equally matched in the strong-willed and stubborn department. While I thought their romance was a bit overwrought, it was cute and softened the story a little.
And the plot! Full of red herrings, surprise twists and fast-paced action, it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how all the red-herrings were a plot thread in themselves, from Ronnie's problems to Wilson's secrets. The Agathas and their secrets and tragedies added just the right amount of drama to give the plot lots of depth and dimension. I have to ask, though: who shot the video at the crime scene? Did they ever investigate it? Perhaps it will be in the next book...
Overall, an exceptional mystery and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
Thank you so much to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved everything about this book! I rarely give 5 stars to a cozy, but this book absolutely deserved them.
I was totally sucked into this story literally from the first page. The pace of the plot feels like it starts slowly but before you know it, the action is racing like a raging river. The way the story built felt natural and smooth, but you find yourself racing through to find out how everything will turn out.
I loved these characters, too! They feel real, and the lives they live in this small town feel real too. You can totally believe that these people would do the things they do, and be the people they are. I REALLY loved Charly and Frankie!! They are a great pair of friends, and their sleuthing was a riot to watch. All the supporting characters are also buckets of fun, especially Dimitri. The snappy repartee between these people made me laugh out loud more than once.
The murder mystery and its investigation was, I thought, quite cleverly conceived, and there's a twist that I did not see coming, so that was kind of a cool surprise in the later part of the book.
Even the requisite romance between Charly and Marc was set up quite cleverly and was more believable than these sorts of things usually are in cozy mysteries.
This was a great first book, and I will absolutely be reading future books in this series. I loved every page of it and was sorry when I got to the end.
I was totally sucked into this story literally from the first page. The pace of the plot feels like it starts slowly but before you know it, the action is racing like a raging river. The way the story built felt natural and smooth, but you find yourself racing through to find out how everything will turn out.
I loved these characters, too! They feel real, and the lives they live in this small town feel real too. You can totally believe that these people would do the things they do, and be the people they are. I REALLY loved Charly and Frankie!! They are a great pair of friends, and their sleuthing was a riot to watch. All the supporting characters are also buckets of fun, especially Dimitri. The snappy repartee between these people made me laugh out loud more than once.
The murder mystery and its investigation was, I thought, quite cleverly conceived, and there's a twist that I did not see coming, so that was kind of a cool surprise in the later part of the book.
Even the requisite romance between Charly and Marc was set up quite cleverly and was more believable than these sorts of things usually are in cozy mysteries.
This was a great first book, and I will absolutely be reading future books in this series. I loved every page of it and was sorry when I got to the end.
Can you imagine discovering that a member of your book club has committed murder?
Or could it be one of their husbands who has knowledge of the group’s activities?
Charley Carpenter found herself in that exact situation when a murder was discovered in their small town of Oakwood.
By chance, Charley discovers that the murder was staged in the same manner as a murder in one of the books her book club had read. The book club, called the Agathas, consists of a group of women who read murder mysteries and take turns hosting and presenting the book each month.
As if it isn’t bad enough that Charley learns there is a murderer in her midst, the detective on the case is a hot hometown heartthrob that she’s had a previous unpleasant encounter with earlier in the year.
Charley swallows her pride and goes to the detective with her information and together they work to solve the case. But will they be able to figure out who the murderer is before more murders are discovered? And will they be able to resolve their feelings for each other before it’s too late?
The Book Club Murders was a quick, entertaining read and I was kept guessing as to who the murderer was throughout the book. The unexpected romance was a fun addition to the “whodunnit.”
Thank you to Net-Galley and Random House/Alibi Publishing for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Or could it be one of their husbands who has knowledge of the group’s activities?
Charley Carpenter found herself in that exact situation when a murder was discovered in their small town of Oakwood.
By chance, Charley discovers that the murder was staged in the same manner as a murder in one of the books her book club had read. The book club, called the Agathas, consists of a group of women who read murder mysteries and take turns hosting and presenting the book each month.
As if it isn’t bad enough that Charley learns there is a murderer in her midst, the detective on the case is a hot hometown heartthrob that she’s had a previous unpleasant encounter with earlier in the year.
Charley swallows her pride and goes to the detective with her information and together they work to solve the case. But will they be able to figure out who the murderer is before more murders are discovered? And will they be able to resolve their feelings for each other before it’s too late?
The Book Club Murders was a quick, entertaining read and I was kept guessing as to who the murderer was throughout the book. The unexpected romance was a fun addition to the “whodunnit.”
Thank you to Net-Galley and Random House/Alibi Publishing for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.