Dropping the Dime (Miranda Vaughn Mysteries, #2)

by Ellie Ashe

[jesstheaudiobookworm]

4.5★ Audiobook⎮ Cozy mysteries are pretty hit-or-miss for me and I consider the Miranda Vaughn Mysteries series to be a hit! Dropping the Dime is the second Ellie Ashe title I’ve heard in a month. I am just as taken with Ashe’s writing now as I was in Chasing the Dollar.

When beginning Dropping the Dime, I was a little nervous that my overwhelmingly positive opinion of Chasing the Dollar was a fluke, because I am still pretty new to the cozy mystery genre. Luckily, Dropping the Dime did not disappoint. I credit my continued enjoyment to Ellie Ashe’s delightful writing style and Teri Schnaubelt’s equally flattering delivery of the material.

Dropping the Dime did not pick up exactly where Chasing the Dollar left off and it explored a very different type of mystery. However, its core characters remained the same. Between the ending of the previous installment and the beginning of this one, Ashe executed a seamless transition that did not at all feel abrupt or jarring. Despite a few weeks having past between my listening to the two installments, I had no trouble reentering Miranda Vaughn’s world. The sense of continuity between the two installments added to my overall level of coziness.

Although, I have to admit that the plot of Dropping the Dime didn’t quite knock me off my feet as much as Chasing the Dollar, but second installments rarely do. Dropping the Dime was not as action-packed or exotic as its predecessor, but the change in pace was refreshing. Dropping the Dime showed that Ashe is capable of writing a variety of settings and plots, while maintaining the structural integrity with which I’ve become so comfortable. This fact has me extremely eager to continue on with the series.

Narration review: Teri Schnaubelt can officially add me to her list of fans. Her narration brought me nearly as much joy as did Ellie Ashe’s writing. Schnaubelt’s characterization was very well-done, as were her rhythm and timing. I cannot recall hearing any noticeable dubbing or production errors. This was an exceptionally well recorded and produced audiobook. Not only am I looking forward to hearing the rest of the series, but I will also be looking into hearing more Teri Schnaubelt in the future! ♣︎

➜ This audiobook was graciously gifted to me by its author, Ellie Ashe, in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Ellie!