Book Details:
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Publication Date: May 24, 2022
ASIN: B09CLLJN32
ISBN-10: 1728248604
ISBN-13: 978-1728248608
Print Length: 291 pages
Amazon: https://amzn.to/40ARKtk
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58758641-buried-in-a-good-book
About the Book:
Bestselling thriller writer Tess Harrow is almost at the end of her rope when she arrives with her teenage daughter at her grandfather's rustic cabin in the woods. She hopes this will be a time for them to heal and bond after Tess's recent divorce, but they've barely made it through the door when an explosion shakes the cabin. Suddenly it's raining fish guts and…is that a human arm?
Tess was hardly convincing Gertie that a summer without Wi-Fi and running water would be an adventure. Now she's thrust into a murder investigation, neighbors are saying they've spotted Bigfoot in the woods near her cabin, and the local sheriff is the spitting image of her character Detective Gabriel Gonzales—something he's less than thrilled about. With so much more than her daughter's summer plans at stake, it's up to Tess to solve this case before anyone else gets hurt.
My Review:
Buried in a Good Book is the first book in the By the Book Mysteries by Tamara Berry. Tess Harrow and her teenage daughter Gertrude make their way to Tess's grandfather's cabin for some peace, quiet, and hopefully, bonding after Tess's divorce. When they are barely on the property a few minutes and there's an explosion, Tess is concerned. She's even more concerned when there's another explosion and a very human arm comes shooting out of the pond, landing on Tess.
The explosions and appearance of body parts are quite the introduction of Tess and Gertie to the townsfolk of Winthrop, Washington, including the local sheriff who shares an uncanny resemblance to the Detective in the novels she pens. What ensues is a hilarious cozy mystery where Tess has a blurred vision between fiction and reality as she tries to mold Sheriff Victor Boyd into Detective Gabriel Gonzales. Add in a an excellent Bookmobile librarian and this is definitely the makings of a terrific cozy mystery series.
The mystery itself is complex with several threads and suspects. There are suspects that have means, motive, and opportunity. Hidden dangers abound and there are surprises and red herrings around every corner. I enjoyed the twists and turns as Tess tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for herself and Gertie, and epically fails.
The character development was done well throughout the book as we learned more about Tess, Gertie, the ex, the sheriff, and Nicki. I'm a huge fan of Victor and Nicki. They are patient and kind with Tess and her halfcocked theories, research, and suggestions. There's a little bit of chemistry between Tess and Victor but it's not really explored in Buried in a Good Book. Nicki cracks me up. Her character is fantastic and I can't wait to see her again in the next book.
The setting was fun and interesting - a rustic cabin in the middle of the woods in Northern Washington State, a logging operation, a old-timey downtown. The author created a wonderful world for these characters. I was complete engaged in this fast-paced story. The world building was done well and I was able to visualize everything.
My review copy courtesy of my local library's MelCat program.
My Rating:
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