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A review by lynguy1
Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold
4.0
Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold combines police investigation and sleuthing in this story filled with humor, a murder, a wedding, and inquisitive characters. It’s Sara Cain and Sean McKinley’s wedding day. When Sara opens the bridal suite door, Darlene Day, who make the wedding cake, falls into the room with a knife in her back.
Sara and Sean were homicide detectives for Albany, New York police department until recently and can’t seem to let go of their investigative instincts. However, they’re in Sara’s nearby hometown of Cotton Spring Falls and the lead detective isn’t being cooperative when they want to do their own sleuthing. With over 400 guests, this is a closed-community center mystery instead of a closed-room mystery.
Sara is smart, independent, grounded, and has faith in humanity. Sean is more guarded and skeptical, but he’s also positive, confident, and charming. For those who read book one in the series, Magnum is back. Sara and Sean have adopted the beagle and he shows up frequently in this story.
Once again, there are multiple story arcs to follow in this novel. Why was Darlene murdered? Was this a murder of opportunity? Did the killer a history with her or did she witness something and someone else was the intended victim?
The story flows well and includes a couple of suspenseful scenes. The plot is good, but I was disturbed by the main characters’ tendency to go into crime scenes when they shouldn’t. Nevertheless, I was drawn into the investigation. One thing that stood out to me is Sara’s and Sean’s sense of purpose for finding justice for victims. How will that ultimately play out in their lives since they are no longer police detectives?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was engaging, entertaining, and humorous. While it’s very different from the other series I have read by this author, I found the writing style relatable, vivid, and irresistible. This is the second book in the series but enough background is given that this novel can be read as a standalone.
Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 29, 2023.
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My 3.78 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Sara and Sean were homicide detectives for Albany, New York police department until recently and can’t seem to let go of their investigative instincts. However, they’re in Sara’s nearby hometown of Cotton Spring Falls and the lead detective isn’t being cooperative when they want to do their own sleuthing. With over 400 guests, this is a closed-community center mystery instead of a closed-room mystery.
Sara is smart, independent, grounded, and has faith in humanity. Sean is more guarded and skeptical, but he’s also positive, confident, and charming. For those who read book one in the series, Magnum is back. Sara and Sean have adopted the beagle and he shows up frequently in this story.
Once again, there are multiple story arcs to follow in this novel. Why was Darlene murdered? Was this a murder of opportunity? Did the killer a history with her or did she witness something and someone else was the intended victim?
The story flows well and includes a couple of suspenseful scenes. The plot is good, but I was disturbed by the main characters’ tendency to go into crime scenes when they shouldn’t. Nevertheless, I was drawn into the investigation. One thing that stood out to me is Sara’s and Sean’s sense of purpose for finding justice for victims. How will that ultimately play out in their lives since they are no longer police detectives?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was engaging, entertaining, and humorous. While it’s very different from the other series I have read by this author, I found the writing style relatable, vivid, and irresistible. This is the second book in the series but enough background is given that this novel can be read as a standalone.
Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 29, 2023.
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My 3.78 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.