The Killer Read by Erika Chase
Berkley, 2012
Crime Fiction; 304 pgs
I was initially drawn to the cover of this book. And not just because of the cats or the idyllic setting. The words "book club mystery" also caught my attention. Cozy mysteries featuring cooking and knitting and arts and crafts aren't really my cup of tea--nor are cozy mysteries featuring coffee or tea for that matter! But I do enjoy a good cozy mystery now and then, and Erika Chase's series is right up my alley.
Lizzie Turner is a literacy specialist, acting as a consultant for educators and working with children and adults on literacy issues. As a mystery lover, she puts together a book club called the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straw Society. Meetings are held in the home of one of the members, Molly Mathews. And it is outside of her home, at the book club's first meeting, where a stranger who had just used Molly's phone is murdered. If that wasn't bad enough, the murder weapon appears to be Molly's antique gun.
Even despite the extra attention she is receiving from the police chief, Lizzie and the other book club members aren't too happy about the direction the investigation is going, particularly the focus of the lead detective on the case. As a result, they begin digging on their own, hoping to clear their names and catch the real killer.
I love the diversity of the book group. They are a motley crew made up of a retired police chief, a high school student, a lawyer, a teacher, an unwed mother, a wealthy elderly widow (Molly), and, of course, Lizzie herself. They each bring something different to the group. And each has their own problems, which I'm sure we will be exploring more in future books.
The book was slow going at times, but overall was such a fun romp. While a cozy on all counts--from the small town setting to the romantic thread and the crime happening off scene--there are some more serious themes (besides just the murder). I like a little bite in my cozies and this one did have that! A Killer Read is great on its own, but the list of books recommended by each of the book club's members at the end is like a cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
(Good +)
You can learn more about Erika Chase and her books on the author's website.
Source: I purchased a copy of the book for my reading pleasure.
© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I rarely read cozy mysteries, but this one sounds right up my alley. The diversity of the book club and the literacy specialist angle make it especially intriguing to me. And I appreciate the fact that it has a little bite. Thanks for the excellent review. :-) I'm off to add this to my list.
ReplyDeleteSteph - I like cozy mysteries now and then, but not as a steady diet. This is a fun one, especially with the literacy angle.
DeleteSounds like the kind of cozy I love!
ReplyDelete^_^
Eustacia - I think you'd like this one! I hope you get a chance to read it!
DeleteThis ones sounds like a fun winter cozy.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays with you cute little one and family.
Diane - I hadn't thought of it as a good winter cozy, but you are right! It was a perfect time to read it.
DeleteI love a good cozy mystery so I'm just going to have to add this one to my TBR list. Sounds like the perfect read for a wintery day :)
ReplyDeleteSamantha - It was and I hope you do get a chance to read it!
DeleteI don't read enough cozy books. I always seem to gravitate towards nonfiction or thrillers. I think a cozy mystery would be great in the new year!
ReplyDeleteKathleen - And I tend to gravitate towards more serious crime fiction. :-) Cozies are fun now and then though, especially during the holidays.
Delete