Book Review Genre: Cozy Mystery
Disclaimer: Reading is all about exploring new worlds, but this Book Review does not shy away from spoiling specific scenes as this is more of my free-flowing thoughts about a book.
The Analysis:
This was a book club pick. Only my second effort of jumping into the genre. It wasn’t half bad. Now, if it pleases you, follow me on Goodreads.
Here’s The Blurb:
Ariana Ryder’s the rookie on the FBI’s paranormal investigative team in Nashville. She’s too young, too perky, and too immature. (At least according to some people.) She’s only got the job for one reason. She’s a psychic.
Her mama’s sure she can do more with her gifts. But what’s more important than solving crimes? Especially this one? The brutal murder of a young woman outside a club.
This murderer is just getting warmed up, and Ariana’s sight alone isn’t going to stop him, but the FBI aren’t the only one’s investigating…
The jurisdictional battle between the human and supernatural worlds isn’t the only thing boiling over as Ariana’s team and a new ally she shouldn’t trust, but is overwhelmingly attracted to, race to catch the killer before he strikes again, and gets what he really came for.
Cover Critique:
It’s not my favorite and I think it looks a little busy. The model on the cover is a familiar one in the worse way. It could probably stand to be updated, but if it’s still selling then as the old saying goes if it’s not broke don’t fix it.
Now The Story:
Book Info:
Pages: 262
Author: Amie Gibbons
Available: Amazon
Because it’s a short book, I felt like the character had to tell the reader a lot of things that I kind’ve wished had unfolded naturally. Especially in the beginning. However, I loved the world-building and it was not hard to get invested in the mystery of the raped dead girls. I was also intrigued as to how the supernatural would play into things beyond her gifts. We get our supernatural world in spades in the form of the falsely accused, who this time are vampires. Pretty cool, twist.
This book answers questions about vampires I didn’t even know I had. It was one of the best things about it. They were like vampire trivia facts. I’ve always accepted things at face value when it comes to vampire lore, but fanatics will love the attention to detail in this one. If they do anything out of the norm, she’ll give you a plausible reason why.
The story moves fast and keeps you engaged all along the way. There are hints of a love triangle. I think that’s par for the course with cozy mysteries. I wasn’t totally in the mood for it. I loved both guys. I like the vampire for her more. She had a pretty bad falling out with the second guy, who she also works with. I have to say, the guy hit her blow the belt (figure of speech) several times and while it was harsh I completely agreed. We’re getting to know a heroine who:
• Wears her heart on her sleeve in a profession where it pays off to be cool, calm, and collected.
• She’s scared of everything.
• She even comes across as a bit ditzy at times.
• And it’s clear she’s an FBI Agent in name only because of her abilities*
While, I like the heroine, things just happen like she’s Forest Gumping her way through being an FBI Agent. And I loved that the book recognizes that and takes a moment to call her out on it. Not just her crush, but others in the office are like cool down. One guy mentioned her being spoiled and getting special treatment. Just real talk cause she was coming off childish to me too.
Eventually, the heroine clears the air with her crush and they come to an understanding and it was an honest one at that. Their relationship starts to look more platonic at this juncture, but who knows how and if that might change. If I had to choose between our two love interests, I’d be going for her coworker. The vampire was exciting, charming, and genuinely interested in her. But the coworker was thoughtful and genuinely concerned about everyone on and off his team. When it comes to building a genuine life I’d go with that guy.
Nitpicky things: Halfway through the book, the heroine may have Bipolar Disorder. Nope, should’ve let that out because it feels tacked on. Also, a comment was made about journalists always leaning a certain way politically. It was so unnecessary as was the subsequent story as to why she tried to commit suicide. It was like we were back in the real world and not the one with monsters and creepy crawlers.
But I was reading for the mystery and the biggest disappointment there was Milo’s death. I was seriously considering reading on just for him. And then just like that, all my hopes were dashed. It sucked. The guy made a great vampire.
But there is a happy ending and outside of that one guy most of the favs made it through to see a better day. And there is enough intrigue to read on. Like learning how Milo’s brother might feel about his death. It was cool.
It’s too early for me to decide how I feel about the genre as a whole. I do appreciate this one more than the first because the romance was more at the forefront. But so far, I think the genre is a good one to entertain and wade into.
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Book Review At A Glance:
Recommendation: 4 out of 5
Book Cover Appeal:
🍓🍓🍓
Story & Narration:
🍓🍓🍓🍓
Romance:
🍓🍓🍓
Character/(s) Personality:
🍓🍓🍓
*Girl was doing grunt work, froze on a case out of fear, and couldn’t seem to physically protect herself. Psychic is the most important part. Cool, but don’t call her an Agent…maybe consultant/special liason or something. She was totally cringe.
