annieb123
Written on Jun 21, 2019
Plotting for Murder is the first book in a new cozy bookshop mystery series by Tamra Baumann. Released 14th March 2019 it's 228 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.
I'm a huge sucker for bookshop cozies. Bonus points for pets (cats or dogs, or in one notable example, a pet armadillo), baked goods, knitting, book clubs, and I don't mind the occasional obligatory hunky sheriff/detective love interest. This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. Underdog heroine lead character fighting against an unfair trust, (her uncle's a piece of poo), complicated history with the local hunky sheriff, an unexpected puppy (awww), and a few other appealing plot features which might be a little standard, but that's why we devour cozy mysteries.
This one is pretty well written, with good characterizations and pacing. The book's written in first person point of view which can be a little distracting, but it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. There are a scant few places where the dialogue was a bit rough, but again, nothing that killed my suspension of disbelief or lessened my enjoyment.
The language is clean, the crimes are bloodless, and there's a romance subplot but nothing sexually graphic. There are some minor plot elements leading to the next book, but no major cliffhangers. It's a safe and fun read.
Possibly worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.