I liked the Harris' Teagarden series the least of all of her books. Aurora's actions often seem to be at odds with the character that Ms. Harris has created. I realize that humans often act out of character, however, with this character, it seems that the author cannot decide how exactly to write her.

The book was a quick read and it was a not unpleasant way to pass the afternoon I spent reading it, but I can't highly recommend this to someone who has limited reading time. ( )

I really enjoyed the first one in this series - the real murder aspect was cool. This one felt a bit flat - especially since I've seen the movie. The movie seemed to have a lot more investigating and back and forth and progress - the book she thought about it briefly and the culprit fell into her lap. There was no actual sleuthing involved to get to that point. Which seemed odd. Still I kind of like Aurora, she's quirky. ( )

Light fare indeed. ( )

So, I loved the first book in this series, I even gave it 5 stars. However, I just did not enjoy this one that much. It was still a quick read, but I picked this up after watching almost all of the Hallmark versions of these movies. I was a bit disappointed that the Real Murders Club was still disbanded, as one of my favorite parts of the movies was watching them work together to solve the mystery. But that is not the reason I gave this book two stars, at least, not the only reason. I did enjoy how Roe put together that the skull was in the window seat, but that was really the end of the detective work she did.

That being said, as well as the information I divulge below, if you enjoy the romance with a bit of a mystery thrown in, but not the entire plot being a mystery with a bit of romance thrown in, then this book is for you. Otherwise, don't pick this up.

I don't normally give spoilers in my reviews, but I feel like it is necessary in order to justify why I am giving this book such a low rating. So, you have been warned, spoilers follow. I thought that Roe would be the daring person she was in the movies, trying to solve the mysteries. I understand that books and movies are seldom the same, but the stark difference frustrated me. This book was not a mystery. This book was a romance story that just so happened to have a mysterious element in it. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the love story between Roe and the pastor, but I picked this up wanting a murder mystery.

Also, I felt like the ending happened so quickly that I was hit in the face. I understand why Roe called in Arthur, and I thought it was interesting that it was Lynn who answered the phone. However, and I may be remembering this wrong, but the way Lynn gave birth, and Roe was able to help deliver the baby and get the murderer to confess and Lynn didn't even scream, just seemed to me like too easy. ( )

I really like this series. These early books were written in the early 90’s, but it’s not obvious except when talking about the phone. I like Roe, the main characters. She’s well written and reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum. It’s unlikely so many murders would occur in a small town all involving Roe, but one must suspend belief for these little “cozy” mysteries to work. Can’t wait to read the next one. ( )