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A review by alookinsideri
A Toxic Murder Medley: An Unputdownable Murder Mystery Full of Secrets and Suspense by Nelly Stein, Nelly Stein
4.0
In A Toxic Murder Medley, the first book in Nelly Stein’s Emma Lang Cozy Mystery series, we’re introduced to Emma Lang, a long-time employee at the Port Davis Resort, who, along with her quirky friends, finds herself embroiled in a chilling mystery. The book opens with Emma and her co-workers, Zac, Sophie, and Olivia, taking a break after a long day, their banter light and playful against the backdrop of the resort's idyllic setting. However, the tone quickly shifts when Emma spots a mysterious light in an abandoned restaurant, setting the stage for an eerie, tension-filled investigation.
As Emma ventures to investigate, she discovers Evelyn Montgomery, a wealthy guest of the resort, gravely injured and on the brink of death. Evelyn’s final, cryptic words—“Lilies bloomed in the shadows”—send Emma down a dark and twisting path. This pivotal scene is a perfect blend of suspense and intrigue, immediately pulling readers into the unfolding mystery and establishing the tone for the rest of the novel. From this moment, the stakes are set: was this a tragic accident, or was something more sinister at play?
The plot thickens as Emma, joined by her co-workers, dives into Evelyn’s life, determined to uncover the truth behind her death. Despite the authorities ruling it a suicide, Emma's instincts tell her otherwise, and the group soon becomes convinced that Evelyn was poisoned. The character development here is strong, as Stein crafts a close-knit group of friends who balance lighthearted humor with moments of real tension. Emma’s inner strength and curiosity drive the investigation forward, while her friends each bring unique skills and quirks to their amateur sleuthing.
Stein’s writing expertly weaves together a cozy setting with a dark mystery, filled with red herrings and unexpected twists. The narrative keeps readers guessing as Emma unearths secrets about the Montgomery family, some of whom seem almost relieved by Evelyn’s passing. The looming question of whether the killer is still lurking at the resort adds a palpable sense of danger, keeping the tension high as Emma races against time to solve the case before the murderer strikes again.
With its blend of mystery, humor, and suspense, A Toxic Murder Medley is a compelling start to a series that promises more clever investigations and quirky character dynamics. Fans of cozy mysteries will find Emma Lang’s debut both gripping and endearing.
As Emma ventures to investigate, she discovers Evelyn Montgomery, a wealthy guest of the resort, gravely injured and on the brink of death. Evelyn’s final, cryptic words—“Lilies bloomed in the shadows”—send Emma down a dark and twisting path. This pivotal scene is a perfect blend of suspense and intrigue, immediately pulling readers into the unfolding mystery and establishing the tone for the rest of the novel. From this moment, the stakes are set: was this a tragic accident, or was something more sinister at play?
The plot thickens as Emma, joined by her co-workers, dives into Evelyn’s life, determined to uncover the truth behind her death. Despite the authorities ruling it a suicide, Emma's instincts tell her otherwise, and the group soon becomes convinced that Evelyn was poisoned. The character development here is strong, as Stein crafts a close-knit group of friends who balance lighthearted humor with moments of real tension. Emma’s inner strength and curiosity drive the investigation forward, while her friends each bring unique skills and quirks to their amateur sleuthing.
Stein’s writing expertly weaves together a cozy setting with a dark mystery, filled with red herrings and unexpected twists. The narrative keeps readers guessing as Emma unearths secrets about the Montgomery family, some of whom seem almost relieved by Evelyn’s passing. The looming question of whether the killer is still lurking at the resort adds a palpable sense of danger, keeping the tension high as Emma races against time to solve the case before the murderer strikes again.
With its blend of mystery, humor, and suspense, A Toxic Murder Medley is a compelling start to a series that promises more clever investigations and quirky character dynamics. Fans of cozy mysteries will find Emma Lang’s debut both gripping and endearing.