The Phantom of Oz (Ivy Meadows Mystery, #5)

by Cindy Brown

[layawaydragon]

I've missed reading cozy mysteries and took the opportunity of a familiar setting as an excuse to pick The Phantom of Oz up. It's rare to see Phoenix used as a setting. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it but Phoenix had nothing to do it.

Content Warning: Eating Disorder, Kidnapping, Abusive Relationship.

I read this as a stand alone and wasn't lost or confused. It was easy to jump right in. Okay, that little jump in time with the séance was confusing as hell as first TBH, but once the story started it was all good. I am going to put the earlier books on my TBR now to catch up on Ivy.

I was quickly sucked into Ivy Meadow's busy world. And learned a couple of things about where I live. Did you know in Phoenix has great children's theaters and one of them produced Emma Stone? (Ch. 8.) Beyond that Phoenix doesn't really play apart. I wonder how immigration and different political issues will show up and be handled.

My favorite part is Ivy and her brother's relationship. I totally get the guilt and overprotective mothering. I'm impressed with how his disability and group home are portrayed. It's so rare! I honestly can't think of another book with this included.

Ivy's an interesting mix of things. She's got insecurities, she's juggling different jobs and dreams, she's got relationship problems. I like how she fucks up in reasonable ways, that aren't annoying as shit, and fixes them as best she can. Her voice drew me and I was just hooked from the start.

The second best part for me was the subplot with a little munchkin and her mom. Families come in all different arrangements and reading their journey was heartbreaking and heartwarming.

For those looking for romance, it's very chaste with only a little euphemisms by Ivy making her boyfriend blush, which I thought was adorable.

Phantom of Oz is timely with the body positivity, though I wish it wasn't so "Goddess figure" centric. It's not all about hips and thighs. I'm sure all my fellow Apple shapes feel me. But I do love the magical panties spell.

Ivy's attempts at changing her judgmental thoughts towards other women ring true. It's really hard to change your perspective and it's obvious she's still working on it. It's very basic and shallow so far, but I hope to see more of Ivy's feminist evolution and be more than another White Feminist.