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A Funeral Parlor Mystery #1
A Grave Issue
After an on-air gaffe goes viral and jeopardizes her career, journalist Desiree Turner retreats home to Verbena, California for some peace and quiet. She begins working one of the quietest jobs around: presiding over funerals for her great-grandfather’s funeral parlor. But the action seems to follow her as a fistfight breaks out between neighbors Rosemarie Brewer and Lola Hansen at one of the first funerals she’s in charge of running. It exposes a nasty dispute and Rosemarie’s husband, Alan, is found murdered shortly after.
Lola’s husband, Kyle, is immediately arrested. Desiree, whose own father’s death was devastating, has always viewed Kyle as a second father. Determined to clear his name, Desiree jumps head first into the investigation and quickly discovers that Alan had several unsavory habits at his job and in his personal life, including putting assets into his mistress’s account to hide them from Rosemarie. People murder for money and love all the time, and there’s no telling who he offended just enough to push them over the edge.
Desiree is looking in all the right places, but she better catch the killer fast before they come for her next in A Grave Issue, the clever series debut by Lillian Bell.
Lola’s husband, Kyle, is immediately arrested. Desiree, whose own father’s death was devastating, has always viewed Kyle as a second father. Determined to clear his name, Desiree jumps head first into the investigation and quickly discovers that Alan had several unsavory habits at his job and in his personal life, including putting assets into his mistress’s account to hide them from Rosemarie. People murder for money and love all the time, and there’s no telling who he offended just enough to push them over the edge.
Desiree is looking in all the right places, but she better catch the killer fast before they come for her next in A Grave Issue, the clever series debut by Lillian Bell.
279 pages, Hardcover
Published February 13, 2018
59 people are currently reading
1,136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
October 31, 2017
After a huge mistake in her job as a journalist Desiree Turner finds herself returning home to Verbena, California for some peace and time to reset in the quiet town. Desiree also knows her family needs her help in their business, a funeral home, after her father had disappeared a few years before surfing leaving the family devastated. Desiree's first attempt at hosting a funeral however doesn't go well when two of the town's residents, Rosemarie Brewer and Lola Hansen, end up in a fight.
Shortly after the disastrous funeral Rosemarie’s husband, Alan, is found murdered. The police quickly arrest a suspect in the case, none other than Lola's husband Kyle. The neighbor's had been feuding for a while and when Kyle's gun is found nearby the police believe they have their man behind bars but Desiree is determined that Kyle is innocent. Kyle had been like a second father to Desiree so there is no way she's going to sit back and let him go to jail for something he didn't do.
A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell is the first book in the new cozy A Funeral Parlor Mystery series. This first book of the series was a really solid start into what looks to be another great cozy mystery series. We have all the great cozy elements involved in this first book, a strong female lead with a background that would have her used to research and crime, a small town full of unique characters to help the story along and an interesting mystery with plenty of twists and turns.
One thing that I found quite unique to this particular series to make it stand out as it's own story was the author's choice to begin chapters with a little news article. This really fit into the book with the main character having a background in journalism and gave it a little unique touch that added a few details into the story going on. In the end I quite enjoyed the story and will look forward to seeing what is in store next for Desiree and her family funeral home.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
Shortly after the disastrous funeral Rosemarie’s husband, Alan, is found murdered. The police quickly arrest a suspect in the case, none other than Lola's husband Kyle. The neighbor's had been feuding for a while and when Kyle's gun is found nearby the police believe they have their man behind bars but Desiree is determined that Kyle is innocent. Kyle had been like a second father to Desiree so there is no way she's going to sit back and let him go to jail for something he didn't do.
A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell is the first book in the new cozy A Funeral Parlor Mystery series. This first book of the series was a really solid start into what looks to be another great cozy mystery series. We have all the great cozy elements involved in this first book, a strong female lead with a background that would have her used to research and crime, a small town full of unique characters to help the story along and an interesting mystery with plenty of twists and turns.
One thing that I found quite unique to this particular series to make it stand out as it's own story was the author's choice to begin chapters with a little news article. This really fit into the book with the main character having a background in journalism and gave it a little unique touch that added a few details into the story going on. In the end I quite enjoyed the story and will look forward to seeing what is in store next for Desiree and her family funeral home.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
December 10, 2017
After 10 years away, Desiree Turner has returned to her hometown, Verbena, CA, and the family business -- Turner Family Funeral Home. Soon after she returns, a prominent Verbena businessman is murdered...shot through the forehead. The problem all started with feuding neighbors, dogs, a dead emu and a fist fight between two women at a funeral. It's not just small town drama because a man is dead, and a longtime Turner family friend is arrested for his murder. Desiree knows Kyle Hansen didn't kill anyone. But she's going to have to prove it.
I enjoyed this book. It was fun reading about Desiree's return to her hometown....dealing with former boyfriends, rivals, and annoying reporters. The story is a bit of a double mystery....the murder and all the drama surrounding it, plus the disappearance of Desiree's father two years before. The mystery moves along at a nice pace with plenty of suspects, gossip and investigation. Desiree does a good job of juggling funerals and sleuthing. I like her as a main character. She's feisty, but not foolish. Her friend Jasmine is a great sidekick and there are enough small town quirky folks to make the tale interesting. The ending was not a surprise, but there were some nice action packed events leading up to the final arrest. All in all, a nice beginning for a new cozy series!
Lillian Bell also writes the Popcorn Shop cozy series (as Kristin Bell). She also writes as Eileen Rendahl and Eileen Carr. For more information on the author and her books, check out her website:
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I enjoyed this book. It was fun reading about Desiree's return to her hometown....dealing with former boyfriends, rivals, and annoying reporters. The story is a bit of a double mystery....the murder and all the drama surrounding it, plus the disappearance of Desiree's father two years before. The mystery moves along at a nice pace with plenty of suspects, gossip and investigation. Desiree does a good job of juggling funerals and sleuthing. I like her as a main character. She's feisty, but not foolish. Her friend Jasmine is a great sidekick and there are enough small town quirky folks to make the tale interesting. The ending was not a surprise, but there were some nice action packed events leading up to the final arrest. All in all, a nice beginning for a new cozy series!
Lillian Bell also writes the Popcorn Shop cozy series (as Kristin Bell). She also writes as Eileen Rendahl and Eileen Carr. For more information on the author and her books, check out her website:
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
January 19, 2018
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Lillian Bell is off to a good start with this new series, A Funeral Parlor Mystery. One of the main things I liked about this book was how determined our heroine, Desiree is when it comes to finding out who really killed Alan. Even more, the author adds elements to the end of the story that will certainly pique readers interest in terms of getting the next installment (something in which I will be doing). So I think it's an all around winner in these aspects. On the downside, the story was a little too short for me. I think if the author added a little bit more character history and sleuthing then I would have liked it a little better. Everything just happened so quickly and cleanly that I found myself wondering if there was really any mystery at all.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Desiree has returned home after and embarrassing episode at her former job got her canned. Thankfully, she has a family business she can return to- running a funeral home- so she won't be completely out of a job. But upon her returning, the man who she considers her father, is arrested for a murder! Did he commit it? It's unlikely. Desiree knows what kind of a man he is and knows he gets squeamish with blood and wouldn't hurt a fly. So she jumps on the case herself in order to find out who the real killer is before it's too late!
Readers should be aware that there is also another mystery entwined with this one. It sets up a premise for the next story which looks like it would be amazing (I can't wait to see what happens). Unfortunately, I can't say what this mystery is as it would ruin the whole story, but I think many who read this one will be really intrigued.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Overall, I liked this book but I didn't love it. As I mentioned, everything happens very quickly and when you read it just as fast it the mystery aspects kind of slip past you. In addition to this, while I did like Desiree, I felt like I didn't really get to know her throughout the story. It would have been nice is she was built up a little bit more- past history, family history, etc. Perhaps as the series progresses we will get to know her better though.
If you are looking for a new cozy mystery series this year, you can certainly start with this one. It's good even though it wasn't a particular favorite of mine. That said, it doesn't mean it won't be a favorite of yours.
Actual Rating: 3 stars
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* Want more book reviews, recommendations, sales, upcoming releases, and more? You can find all of this on my blog >>
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Lillian Bell is off to a good start with this new series, A Funeral Parlor Mystery. One of the main things I liked about this book was how determined our heroine, Desiree is when it comes to finding out who really killed Alan. Even more, the author adds elements to the end of the story that will certainly pique readers interest in terms of getting the next installment (something in which I will be doing). So I think it's an all around winner in these aspects. On the downside, the story was a little too short for me. I think if the author added a little bit more character history and sleuthing then I would have liked it a little better. Everything just happened so quickly and cleanly that I found myself wondering if there was really any mystery at all.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Desiree has returned home after and embarrassing episode at her former job got her canned. Thankfully, she has a family business she can return to- running a funeral home- so she won't be completely out of a job. But upon her returning, the man who she considers her father, is arrested for a murder! Did he commit it? It's unlikely. Desiree knows what kind of a man he is and knows he gets squeamish with blood and wouldn't hurt a fly. So she jumps on the case herself in order to find out who the real killer is before it's too late!
Readers should be aware that there is also another mystery entwined with this one. It sets up a premise for the next story which looks like it would be amazing (I can't wait to see what happens). Unfortunately, I can't say what this mystery is as it would ruin the whole story, but I think many who read this one will be really intrigued.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Overall, I liked this book but I didn't love it. As I mentioned, everything happens very quickly and when you read it just as fast it the mystery aspects kind of slip past you. In addition to this, while I did like Desiree, I felt like I didn't really get to know her throughout the story. It would have been nice is she was built up a little bit more- past history, family history, etc. Perhaps as the series progresses we will get to know her better though.
If you are looking for a new cozy mystery series this year, you can certainly start with this one. It's good even though it wasn't a particular favorite of mine. That said, it doesn't mean it won't be a favorite of yours.
Actual Rating: 3 stars
Purchase a Copy
Amazon Kindle:
Amazon Print:
* Want more book reviews, recommendations, sales, upcoming releases, and more? You can find all of this on my blog >>
March 22, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this story. The protagonist, Desiree, and her best friend, Jasmine, were good characters, and I hope to see them grow in future books. When an animal dies in the first paragraph of Chapter One, however, that was a downer for me. I just couldn’t seem to get into the majority of the characters or the plot. The pace did pick up in the last fourth of the story when the author began to reveal motive and means, but altogether it was predictable and I’m rating it 3 Stars.
January 3, 2018
I started A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell on December 30th and I could not put it down. I read into the wee hours just so I could finish it. I was attracted to this series because I had read a wonderful series about a funeral director by Janice J. Richardson, which changed the way I felt about Funeral directors and funeral homes in general. Having lost my mother a few years ago and my brother not long after I normally would shy away from something like this, however I am glad I did not. I loved this story. The idea the family dynamic of running a Funeral Parlor. Main character Desiree returns home, tail between her legs after her her on air career as a reporter comes to an end. Home again and adjusting to the mysterious death of her father, a job that feels natural but just is not quite the perfect fit and a curious mind that will not stop turning Desiree is a great character. I found I could relate to the fact that she was balancing family duty with trying to find her own way in the world, a world that seemed much smaller now than ever before. This story is about family, about roots, about finding yourself, about getting lost, about making changes and being true to yourself. I loved it and I cannot wait to hear what you think in February. This one is put out buy Crooked Lane Books.
January 12, 2018
A Grave Issue is the Debut book in the Funeral Parlor Mystery Series, featuring Desiree Turner, who grew up in the family funeral business and is a former journalist in Los Angeles, CA. Desiree returns to her home town of Verbena California for some rest and relaxation after an on-air gaffe that left her humiliated. Rest and relaxation is not what she finds in Verbena when a dead body is found and the suspect is someone she knows well. Desiree feels compelled to clear the man’s name. The story line is fast paced and there are plenty of juicy skeletons in the closet that get uncovered. However, I didn’t feel I could connect with the quirky personalities. The author knows how to craft a good story, and the ending is quite good, so I give it 3.5 stars. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, but this did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
January 9, 2018
The first book in a new series and new author for me. I felt the characters and descriptions were easy to read and personalities were good. Desiree Turner has returned home after losing her job as a TV anchor. Home is the Turner Funnel Home. It is necessary to work as they are short staffed. Her father disappeared several months before and the family has finally accepted his death. Her sister is on bed rest to prevent a miscarriage. There are several entertaining accounts that happen at a viewing or funeral that added to the book. Desiree becomes involved in a murder of a neighbor, when Kyle Hansen, a man she considered a second father is arrested for the murder. Her attempts are minor at first until she learned that the banker was buying real estate with his mistress There is a cliffhanger at the end. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Want to read
November 25, 2017Well now, it just makes sense to have a mystery based around a funeral home, doesn't it? And author Lillian Bell has done it up right! A GRAVE ISSUE is a great mystery filled with fun characters, and witty dialog. The well thought out plot kept me on the search right up until the surprising reveal! This first in the Funeral Parlor Mysteries has me looking forward to spending more time with protagonist Desiree Turner, and the dead.
February 17, 2018
An enjoyable first in series by Lillian Bell!! This author really knows how to put the "fun" in funeral!!
The main character is likable and some humorous elements make this book an engaging cozy read.
The setting is unique and there are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I will definitely be reading more books in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
The main character is likable and some humorous elements make this book an engaging cozy read.
The setting is unique and there are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I will definitely be reading more books in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
January 19, 2018
A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell is a great start to a new series featuring the wonderful protagonist Desiree Turner.
After an embarrassing situation as a reporter, Desiree returns to her hometown and the family business.
Working in a funeral home is not her desire, but with no where to go, it felt right to her.
The disappearance of her father a year before still weighs heavily on her mind. There is no evidence of his death but after a year, she is learning to accept the fact that he's gone.
When family friend and father figure is arrested for murder, Desiree's investigative instincts kick in and she is determined to find the truth.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The story was well written and the mystery itself had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.
This is definitely a series that cozy mystery fans need to put at the top of their TBR pile.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me to read an advanced copy of this excellent book.
After an embarrassing situation as a reporter, Desiree returns to her hometown and the family business.
Working in a funeral home is not her desire, but with no where to go, it felt right to her.
The disappearance of her father a year before still weighs heavily on her mind. There is no evidence of his death but after a year, she is learning to accept the fact that he's gone.
When family friend and father figure is arrested for murder, Desiree's investigative instincts kick in and she is determined to find the truth.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The story was well written and the mystery itself had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.
This is definitely a series that cozy mystery fans need to put at the top of their TBR pile.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for choosing me to read an advanced copy of this excellent book.
January 5, 2018
Desiree returns home to help run the family funeral home after getting caught on air saying something she shouldn't have. She jumps into trying to keep things running smoothly, but fights breaking out in funerals, vicious dogs, dead emus and murdered bankers put a few bumps in the way. Along with being still called her childhood nickname "Death Ray".
Overall, I liked the book and was a good start to a new series, but Desiree was a bit oblivious at times.
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.
Overall, I liked the book and was a good start to a new series, but Desiree was a bit oblivious at times.
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.
January 15, 2018
A Grave Issue is the first book in the A Funeral Parlor Mystery series.
A very enjoyable new series with an interesting setting, that of a funeral home.
Desiree Turner had a very exciting and interesting career going in LA as a TV reporter until a major faux pas while her mike was opened has her returning home to help her family manage their business, the Turner Family Funeral Home.
For some time Rosemarie Brewer has been at odds with her neighbors, Lola and Kyle Hensen, over the Hensen’s dogs constant barking at her emu. When she finds the emu dead and the police refuse to investigate, she takes matters into her own hands and a fight ensues between Rosemarie and Lola at a viewing at Turner’s. Then two days later, when Alan fails to return from collecting the eggs, she goes to look for him and finds him dead from a gunshot to the head. Suspicion soon falls on the Hensen’s. Luke Butler soon finds the murder weapon and when it is confirmed that it belonged to Kyle, he arrested for murder.
Desiree is very upset that Butler doesn’t appear to be looking for any other suspects, she sets off to prove Kyle’s innocent of the murder. The Turner’s and Hensen’s have been close friends for years and Desiree has always looked upon Kyle as a second father.
Desiree soon learns that the bank has been vandalized, more than once, with threats on the life of Alan. When she looks into these act of vandalism she learns of some questionable mortgage and possibly illegal loans by Brewer. With this information, she hopes to find the killer before anyone else loses their life.
This is a well-plotted and told story with plenty of twists and turns until the very end. There is an interesting cast of characters and I hope that we will learn more about them in future books. I particularly enjoyed what I would call “professional mourners�. Grace, Olive, and Henrietta, three elderly ladies, who always seem to show up at visitations and funerals so they can munch on cookies. Plus they have lived in Verbena most of their lives and seem to know the good and bad of everyone there. There were a couple of subplots that I am sure will be developed in future books and I am interested in seeing how they develop.
I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this fun series.
A very enjoyable new series with an interesting setting, that of a funeral home.
Desiree Turner had a very exciting and interesting career going in LA as a TV reporter until a major faux pas while her mike was opened has her returning home to help her family manage their business, the Turner Family Funeral Home.
For some time Rosemarie Brewer has been at odds with her neighbors, Lola and Kyle Hensen, over the Hensen’s dogs constant barking at her emu. When she finds the emu dead and the police refuse to investigate, she takes matters into her own hands and a fight ensues between Rosemarie and Lola at a viewing at Turner’s. Then two days later, when Alan fails to return from collecting the eggs, she goes to look for him and finds him dead from a gunshot to the head. Suspicion soon falls on the Hensen’s. Luke Butler soon finds the murder weapon and when it is confirmed that it belonged to Kyle, he arrested for murder.
Desiree is very upset that Butler doesn’t appear to be looking for any other suspects, she sets off to prove Kyle’s innocent of the murder. The Turner’s and Hensen’s have been close friends for years and Desiree has always looked upon Kyle as a second father.
Desiree soon learns that the bank has been vandalized, more than once, with threats on the life of Alan. When she looks into these act of vandalism she learns of some questionable mortgage and possibly illegal loans by Brewer. With this information, she hopes to find the killer before anyone else loses their life.
This is a well-plotted and told story with plenty of twists and turns until the very end. There is an interesting cast of characters and I hope that we will learn more about them in future books. I particularly enjoyed what I would call “professional mourners�. Grace, Olive, and Henrietta, three elderly ladies, who always seem to show up at visitations and funerals so they can munch on cookies. Plus they have lived in Verbena most of their lives and seem to know the good and bad of everyone there. There were a couple of subplots that I am sure will be developed in future books and I am interested in seeing how they develop.
I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this fun series.
February 28, 2018
A Grave Issue is the first in a new cosy mystery series by Lillian Bell, who also goes by the pen names of Kristi Abbott, Eileen Rendahl and Eileen Carr. (No, I have no idea why she feels the need to go under so many different names either.)
Our heroine, Desiree, returns to her hometown (small California town which I assume is fictional) and her family business (a funeral parlour) after losing her job in the city as a reporter. One of her first funerals to organise is that of the local bank manager, who just so happened to have been murdered -- shot through the head, no less. Obviously, our heroine doesn’t agree with who the police have tagged as the prime suspect (an old family friend) and she decides to investigate.
The hook for this series is that Desiree works in a funeral parlour, a place most of us think of with sadness and grief, but Bell/Desiree turns it around and give us the happy side of the business, with a healthy dose of quirky.
Desiree’s family business does give her ample opportunity to investigate suspicious deaths without people questioning why she is involved with the recently deceased. The three ‘quirky� women who have their regular seats in the funeral parlour (as their hobby is to attend everyone’s funeral) were rather annoying, however, I will agree an odd place of work is preferable to some other cosy mystery ideas: a psychic BFF or a talking cat, for example.
I admit I was not completely won over from the beginning. The writing was nothing out of the ordinary, and I wasn't falling in love with any of the characters. Although I only skimmed through the news stories used to start most chapters and my eye rolling skills became honed at the fight the widow of the deceased and the wife of the accused get into at a funeral, it was the keeping of ‘quirky� pets that sent me over the edge.
You see, the pet in question was an emu. Yes, an emu. That bird on the Australian coat of arms. A pet? I can’t even. WHAT!?!!? This isn’t quirky. This is just wrong. Plain wrong on so many levels. It was only what a quick read the book was going to be that I kept reading. (Just as I was listing off the many many Australians who keep emus as pets -- that would be zero, how is this even legal? -- I realised I was already at the 25% mark.) Somewhere around the second quarter of the book, I found that it had started to become more readable.
Desiree actually does do a bit of sleuthing. Unlike some cosy mysteries I’ve read of late where the characters just slide in and accuse everyone until they get it right. I’m not saying she’s in Miss Marple’s league or anything, but at least her former occupation as a journalist gives her some credibility. Although, I must say her conclusions were a little too tidy for any self-respecting mystery book and therefore, incorrect. (Yet nearly every character in the town gives her a pat on the back and says ‘well done�. IDEK...)
There is a tiny bit of romance in the book. The one we were supposed to fall in love with was Nate, the medical examiner. Unfortunately, I didn’t think he was in the book enough for me to become attached to him or to cheer on their romance. I suppose, given his occupation, he will be in the next installment, so we'll have to wait and see. The two other likely candidates for Desiree's attention feature much more prominently: Rafe, the newspaper editor (I liked him) and Luke Butler, the local policeman (who was my favourite of the potential new boyfriends and seemed to have the most chemistry with Desiree, imo). We’ll have to see which suitor becomes Desiree’s endgame man, I guess!
Despite my initial misgivings about the book and the way my fingers twitched over the ‘remove from my device� button at around the 25% mark, I ended up enjoying this book. It isn’t Christie or Sayers, but it is a bit of harmless escapism.
The ending included a bit of a hint of a new mystery involving Desiree’s supposedly dead father, so will I seek out book two? I might, on one condition -- Bell promises not to include any wild Australian animals kept as pets.
3 out of 5
Our heroine, Desiree, returns to her hometown (small California town which I assume is fictional) and her family business (a funeral parlour) after losing her job in the city as a reporter. One of her first funerals to organise is that of the local bank manager, who just so happened to have been murdered -- shot through the head, no less. Obviously, our heroine doesn’t agree with who the police have tagged as the prime suspect (an old family friend) and she decides to investigate.
The hook for this series is that Desiree works in a funeral parlour, a place most of us think of with sadness and grief, but Bell/Desiree turns it around and give us the happy side of the business, with a healthy dose of quirky.
Desiree’s family business does give her ample opportunity to investigate suspicious deaths without people questioning why she is involved with the recently deceased. The three ‘quirky� women who have their regular seats in the funeral parlour (as their hobby is to attend everyone’s funeral) were rather annoying, however, I will agree an odd place of work is preferable to some other cosy mystery ideas: a psychic BFF or a talking cat, for example.
I admit I was not completely won over from the beginning. The writing was nothing out of the ordinary, and I wasn't falling in love with any of the characters. Although I only skimmed through the news stories used to start most chapters and my eye rolling skills became honed at the fight the widow of the deceased and the wife of the accused get into at a funeral, it was the keeping of ‘quirky� pets that sent me over the edge.
You see, the pet in question was an emu. Yes, an emu. That bird on the Australian coat of arms. A pet? I can’t even. WHAT!?!!? This isn’t quirky. This is just wrong. Plain wrong on so many levels. It was only what a quick read the book was going to be that I kept reading. (Just as I was listing off the many many Australians who keep emus as pets -- that would be zero, how is this even legal? -- I realised I was already at the 25% mark.) Somewhere around the second quarter of the book, I found that it had started to become more readable.
Desiree actually does do a bit of sleuthing. Unlike some cosy mysteries I’ve read of late where the characters just slide in and accuse everyone until they get it right. I’m not saying she’s in Miss Marple’s league or anything, but at least her former occupation as a journalist gives her some credibility. Although, I must say her conclusions were a little too tidy for any self-respecting mystery book and therefore, incorrect. (Yet nearly every character in the town gives her a pat on the back and says ‘well done�. IDEK...)
There is a tiny bit of romance in the book. The one we were supposed to fall in love with was Nate, the medical examiner. Unfortunately, I didn’t think he was in the book enough for me to become attached to him or to cheer on their romance. I suppose, given his occupation, he will be in the next installment, so we'll have to wait and see. The two other likely candidates for Desiree's attention feature much more prominently: Rafe, the newspaper editor (I liked him) and Luke Butler, the local policeman (who was my favourite of the potential new boyfriends and seemed to have the most chemistry with Desiree, imo). We’ll have to see which suitor becomes Desiree’s endgame man, I guess!
Despite my initial misgivings about the book and the way my fingers twitched over the ‘remove from my device� button at around the 25% mark, I ended up enjoying this book. It isn’t Christie or Sayers, but it is a bit of harmless escapism.
The ending included a bit of a hint of a new mystery involving Desiree’s supposedly dead father, so will I seek out book two? I might, on one condition -- Bell promises not to include any wild Australian animals kept as pets.
3 out of 5
January 17, 2018
I found this first book in the new Funeral Parlor Mystery by Lillian Bell to be a terrific start to a new cozy mystery series. It has all the boxes I check when looking for a well crafted cozy - well written characters, a fast paced plot, and an engaging mystery that keeps me guessing. Desiree Turner is starting over after making a mistake that completely derailed her career. I think this is a theme that many people can relate to. At the heart of this cozy are themes about loss, family and coming home for a fresh start. I thought the cast of characters provided someone for every reader to relate to or connect with. The plot was fast paced and kept me turning pages even when my lunch break was over and I needed to get back to work. The mystery was engaging and there plenty of suspects to choose from as Desiree uncovered some secrets of the residents of Verbena. There is a touch of romance on a couple of fronts for Desiree and the mystery of what happened to her father that I think will play out over forthcoming books.
This was a really wonderful start to what I hope will be a long running series. The book is scheduled for release February 13th. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
This was a really wonderful start to what I hope will be a long running series. The book is scheduled for release February 13th. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
April 3, 2018
A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell is the first book in the Funeral Parlor Mystery series. From the first page, I found myself wrapped up in this story. Desiree Turner is back home and working in her family's funeral parlor. When a family friend is arrested for murder, she knows he is innocent...and works to prove it.
Desiree is a great character who I instantly warmed up to. The mysteries weaved in this story had me guessing all the way until the end. One of my favorite things was how authentic the story felt. Every part of the story felt like it could actually happen and it really helped to pull me into the story. I liked that there was so much more to the story than just the mystery as well. We got a good picture of Desiree's life and her family and friendships. I am already looking forward to the next in this series.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts and opinions on the book.
Desiree is a great character who I instantly warmed up to. The mysteries weaved in this story had me guessing all the way until the end. One of my favorite things was how authentic the story felt. Every part of the story felt like it could actually happen and it really helped to pull me into the story. I liked that there was so much more to the story than just the mystery as well. We got a good picture of Desiree's life and her family and friendships. I am already looking forward to the next in this series.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts and opinions on the book.
November 5, 2017
This is the beginning of a very promising mystery series. This doesn’t fall into what I would generally call a “cozy�. While it included some humor and was not gory, it lacked the cutesy element that sometimes detracts from the mystery central to the story. I enjoyed the characters and the story was solid. There was also an intriguing subplot that will segue nicely into the next installment. I will be interested in following this series.
October 24, 2018
A cozy mystery set in a funeral parlor? Why not? Lillian Bell’s A Grave Issue (A Funeral Parlor Mystery #1) is just that - a funeral parlor cozy mystery, but there is much more. The protagonist, Desiree Turner, returns to her hometown and her home which is the town’s most active funeral parlor. After a short career in journalism in LA (There is a story there-no pun intended.), Desiree comes home to help her family in the funeral business. As she is getting her feet wet in the family business, some unexpected behavior occurs at the funerals where Desiree is is the family member representative. Alas, this ends up in the town’s newspaper, The Verbena Free Press. Thus, all her friends as well as everyone who reads this paper, are aware that Desiree is home! After she returns home, the man Desiree feels is her second dad is arrested for murder. Well, Desiree knows that he is innocent and plans to prove it. Lots of fun stuff happens. (BTW, one of my roommates in college lived in a funeral parlor as it was her dad’s business plus he was the coroner. Thus, the setting for this cozy is not so far-fetched!)
March 28, 2018
A Grave Issue is first in A Funeral Parlor Mystery series, taking it to a great start! Imagine growing up in the town’s funeral home, where earthly remains of loved ones are gently prepared with dignity for visitation or viewings, and funerals are conducted with reverence. It is no wonder, then, that Desiree Turner, great-granddaughter of the founder of Turner’s, left for college and went to the big city to start her new career. The author writes with respect for the deceased, sensitivity toward the murder, and laugh-out-loud humor regarding escapades that Desiree and other townspeople become embroiled in.
It all starts with an emu. A pet named Vincent, it is owned by banker Alan Brewer’s wife, Rosemarie. She claimed that Kyle and Lola Hansen’s dogs scared the bird to death with all their barking. The Hansens were one of the couples who stepped forward when Desiree and her older sister Donna lost their mother as children. Kyle is their father’s best friend � or was, until Dad disappeared when surfing early one morning a year ago. Kyle has been a second father to Desiree for many years. That’s why she knows Kyle didn’t murder the bank manager. No matter what the evidence said.
The characters in this small town of Verbena, California are unique. Many are delightful, most are very likable, and all very community-minded. I like Desiree and her best friend Jasmine, therapist to many who she says are seething with anger. Donna, Desiree’s sister, is too bossy for my liking, but she has stayed in Verbena and Taylor Family Funeral Home while Desiree pursued her career. There are three men in Desiree’s life right now � two that she dated in the past. At least one of the three is very interested in her now. I enjoy Nate and Rafe best, as they are multidimensional, while Luke seems to see life only through the eyes of a detective. Some of the townspeople bring the most humor, including those who caused scenes inside the funeral home.
I like how well the characters mesh (and those who don’t � loudly), and how well the author describes nuances of the weather or landscapes. There are many beautiful spots there, from the hills to the shores. To me, I think there are slow places at the beginning, but oh, does it speed up! The mystery is drawn with care, and I appreciate Desiree’s hard work in trying to clear her second father from a murder charge. She misses her father terribly, and is now learning some of his secrets.
There are many good suspects, if only Luke would look beyond the immediate and into the smoldering motives! I did guess who the killer was, but no way could I have guessed the multifaceted crimes leading to the murder. The bank manager had more secrets than most, secrets that could shock and damage Verbena. Kudos to Lillian Bell for such a complex, detailed plot with twists and turns this reader didn’t see coming! I highly recommend this mystery to those who enjoy very well-crafted cozy mysteries that takes one out of the armchair and on their toes!
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, and was not required to post a review.
It all starts with an emu. A pet named Vincent, it is owned by banker Alan Brewer’s wife, Rosemarie. She claimed that Kyle and Lola Hansen’s dogs scared the bird to death with all their barking. The Hansens were one of the couples who stepped forward when Desiree and her older sister Donna lost their mother as children. Kyle is their father’s best friend � or was, until Dad disappeared when surfing early one morning a year ago. Kyle has been a second father to Desiree for many years. That’s why she knows Kyle didn’t murder the bank manager. No matter what the evidence said.
The characters in this small town of Verbena, California are unique. Many are delightful, most are very likable, and all very community-minded. I like Desiree and her best friend Jasmine, therapist to many who she says are seething with anger. Donna, Desiree’s sister, is too bossy for my liking, but she has stayed in Verbena and Taylor Family Funeral Home while Desiree pursued her career. There are three men in Desiree’s life right now � two that she dated in the past. At least one of the three is very interested in her now. I enjoy Nate and Rafe best, as they are multidimensional, while Luke seems to see life only through the eyes of a detective. Some of the townspeople bring the most humor, including those who caused scenes inside the funeral home.
I like how well the characters mesh (and those who don’t � loudly), and how well the author describes nuances of the weather or landscapes. There are many beautiful spots there, from the hills to the shores. To me, I think there are slow places at the beginning, but oh, does it speed up! The mystery is drawn with care, and I appreciate Desiree’s hard work in trying to clear her second father from a murder charge. She misses her father terribly, and is now learning some of his secrets.
There are many good suspects, if only Luke would look beyond the immediate and into the smoldering motives! I did guess who the killer was, but no way could I have guessed the multifaceted crimes leading to the murder. The bank manager had more secrets than most, secrets that could shock and damage Verbena. Kudos to Lillian Bell for such a complex, detailed plot with twists and turns this reader didn’t see coming! I highly recommend this mystery to those who enjoy very well-crafted cozy mysteries that takes one out of the armchair and on their toes!
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, and was not required to post a review.
April 1, 2018
A Grave Issue is the first installment in what I hope will be a long running cozy series. I loved it. Desiree Turner (Death Ray) is a great protagonist. She is a fallible main character with heart and is real to me. She was a journalist, but after she jeopardized her career on air, she comes home to Verbena, CA. No she is not working in her chosen field, she is helping out at the family business. And what a business it is. She thinks it is going to be the perfect place to hide away. The dead do not talk do they. That’s right, she is working in the family funeral parlor, one that has been in their family since her great- grandfather started it. Her sister is pregnant and could use the help. What could go wrong? Well since this is a cozy, everything right!
Funerals are calm and serene right? Not when you have Desiree in the mix. Neighbors Rosemarie and Lola get into a fist fight over what seems to be the death of a pet emu. That’s right an emu. Then Rosemarie’s husband Alan ends up dead, murdered. The likely suspect is Lola’s husband Kyle. That cannot be though. Desiree looks to Kyle as a father after her own father’s disappearance and his presumed dead status. Kyle has always been there for Desiree. No way does she believe he did this, even when the evidence points directly to him.
The local police are not doing much to find any other suspects, at least that is how it looks. And with Desiree’s past with Luke she is not getting anywhere trying to convince the policeman to do more. If you pay attention there are clues to other goings on in the small town that could have lead to the bank manager, Alan’s death. Why are there so many blondes at the funeral, what is going on with the weird car wash that never seems to clean cars and other things. Desiree relies on her journalistic knowledge to sift through the clues, talk to the townsfolk and find answers as to who really killed this man.
I really enjoyed all the characters and how they fit together (or do not). Desiree may have become one of my favorite amateur detectives. I love her friendships with Jasmine (therapist), Lola and the others she comes in contact with in her search for answers. All the while her father’s death haunts her. I enjoyed author Lillian Bell’s writing style and story lines. This book pulled me in from the start and never let go. The mystery is fun and intriguing. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. I love the setting of this series. I hope to read many more in it. If you enjoy a well written cozy, with humor and a bit of romance, this is just the ticket for you. The author has given us a fun read while still giving the funeral business the respect it deserves.
I received a copy from the author and publisher, however this review is my own opinion.
Funerals are calm and serene right? Not when you have Desiree in the mix. Neighbors Rosemarie and Lola get into a fist fight over what seems to be the death of a pet emu. That’s right an emu. Then Rosemarie’s husband Alan ends up dead, murdered. The likely suspect is Lola’s husband Kyle. That cannot be though. Desiree looks to Kyle as a father after her own father’s disappearance and his presumed dead status. Kyle has always been there for Desiree. No way does she believe he did this, even when the evidence points directly to him.
The local police are not doing much to find any other suspects, at least that is how it looks. And with Desiree’s past with Luke she is not getting anywhere trying to convince the policeman to do more. If you pay attention there are clues to other goings on in the small town that could have lead to the bank manager, Alan’s death. Why are there so many blondes at the funeral, what is going on with the weird car wash that never seems to clean cars and other things. Desiree relies on her journalistic knowledge to sift through the clues, talk to the townsfolk and find answers as to who really killed this man.
I really enjoyed all the characters and how they fit together (or do not). Desiree may have become one of my favorite amateur detectives. I love her friendships with Jasmine (therapist), Lola and the others she comes in contact with in her search for answers. All the while her father’s death haunts her. I enjoyed author Lillian Bell’s writing style and story lines. This book pulled me in from the start and never let go. The mystery is fun and intriguing. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. I love the setting of this series. I hope to read many more in it. If you enjoy a well written cozy, with humor and a bit of romance, this is just the ticket for you. The author has given us a fun read while still giving the funeral business the respect it deserves.
I received a copy from the author and publisher, however this review is my own opinion.
April 27, 2018
“A Grave Issue� earns 5/5 Funeral Bouquets…Delightful Fun!
New series…First book…Yeah! Everyone starts out as a newbie, but I am now a fan of Lillian Bell’s Funeral Parlor Mystery series! She also pens thrillers under the name Eileen Carr, paranormal and chick lit by Eileen Rendahl, and another cozy the Popcorn Shop Mysteries under the name of Kristi Abbott, so it was easy to join in. The first notable and very entertaining extra of “A Grave Issue� is that several chapters begin with a news article from the Verbena Free Press. These articles are a fascinating literary technique to provide background and character connections and to further the storyline. Along with that, we have contemporary issues related to the role the press plays in defining, or exacerbating, community and personal affairs. Cozies often start out with a serious event occurring, sending the lead character back home, and here, Desiree Turner, a former journalist in L.A., returns to her small hometown of Verbena, California after a live television faux pax went viral. Putting journalism aside, she goes to work in her family’s funeral parlor where she grew up, taking charge of funeral preparations. That is a delightful setting with lots of rich characters not relying on stereotypes, but adding some quirkiness for fun. Although dead bodies don't bother Desiree, a murdered body is another topic, and working near her former boyfriend/county medical examiner Nate Johar adds an interesting dynamic. And when motive, opportunity, and means implicates close friend and “he's like a second father� is arrested for murder, her thorn-in-her-side Luke Butler becomes another dynamic worth following…and her journalistic nose comes in handy. But beyond the main mystery, Desiree is dealing with being on the opposite side of journalism, keeping the funeral home going, and the mysterious death of her father. All of this makes for a very entertaining page-turner I highly recommend.
New series…First book…Yeah! Everyone starts out as a newbie, but I am now a fan of Lillian Bell’s Funeral Parlor Mystery series! She also pens thrillers under the name Eileen Carr, paranormal and chick lit by Eileen Rendahl, and another cozy the Popcorn Shop Mysteries under the name of Kristi Abbott, so it was easy to join in. The first notable and very entertaining extra of “A Grave Issue� is that several chapters begin with a news article from the Verbena Free Press. These articles are a fascinating literary technique to provide background and character connections and to further the storyline. Along with that, we have contemporary issues related to the role the press plays in defining, or exacerbating, community and personal affairs. Cozies often start out with a serious event occurring, sending the lead character back home, and here, Desiree Turner, a former journalist in L.A., returns to her small hometown of Verbena, California after a live television faux pax went viral. Putting journalism aside, she goes to work in her family’s funeral parlor where she grew up, taking charge of funeral preparations. That is a delightful setting with lots of rich characters not relying on stereotypes, but adding some quirkiness for fun. Although dead bodies don't bother Desiree, a murdered body is another topic, and working near her former boyfriend/county medical examiner Nate Johar adds an interesting dynamic. And when motive, opportunity, and means implicates close friend and “he's like a second father� is arrested for murder, her thorn-in-her-side Luke Butler becomes another dynamic worth following…and her journalistic nose comes in handy. But beyond the main mystery, Desiree is dealing with being on the opposite side of journalism, keeping the funeral home going, and the mysterious death of her father. All of this makes for a very entertaining page-turner I highly recommend.
September 11, 2018
I'm getting ready to read the second book of this series, so I thought since I had the first book on my Kindle that I might want to read it first. This book does well as a stand alone, but I think it might be a little more enjoyable to read this book first. I love that there's a side mystery concerning Desiree and Donna's father that will go on into the next book.
Kyle, the man that Desiree had relied on as a second father, had been arrested for his neighbor's murder simply because his gun had been used. Setting out to clear her good friend's name, Desiree found that the dead banker might not be the pillar of society that he was made out to be. There were a lot of secrets that people had which made for plenty of suspects. I know that I didn't guess who it was.
The side mystery was that someone was leaving little gifts for Desiree and Donna, only gifts that their dad, who had been presumed dead and lost while surfing, would know. Desiree even bought a little security camera to attempt to catch the person on video while they brought their gifts. Was their dad really still alive? If so, why had he hidden from them for the last sixteen months--and why did he have a storage locker that was prepaid for two years? I can't wait to dig into the next book, no funeral pun intended there at all!
I do like the main characters a lot. Uncle Joey is the funeral director, and Desiree is the assistant. We really didn't get to have Joey "on screen" much, but could still learn a lot about him from context and what people said. Desiree also has not two but three guys interested in her, although Officer Luke Butler didn't really pursue her as much as Nate and Rafe did. I'm anxious to spend some more time with these characters and this slightly unusual profession for a cozy amateur sleuth!
Kyle, the man that Desiree had relied on as a second father, had been arrested for his neighbor's murder simply because his gun had been used. Setting out to clear her good friend's name, Desiree found that the dead banker might not be the pillar of society that he was made out to be. There were a lot of secrets that people had which made for plenty of suspects. I know that I didn't guess who it was.
The side mystery was that someone was leaving little gifts for Desiree and Donna, only gifts that their dad, who had been presumed dead and lost while surfing, would know. Desiree even bought a little security camera to attempt to catch the person on video while they brought their gifts. Was their dad really still alive? If so, why had he hidden from them for the last sixteen months--and why did he have a storage locker that was prepaid for two years? I can't wait to dig into the next book, no funeral pun intended there at all!
I do like the main characters a lot. Uncle Joey is the funeral director, and Desiree is the assistant. We really didn't get to have Joey "on screen" much, but could still learn a lot about him from context and what people said. Desiree also has not two but three guys interested in her, although Officer Luke Butler didn't really pursue her as much as Nate and Rafe did. I'm anxious to spend some more time with these characters and this slightly unusual profession for a cozy amateur sleuth!
April 3, 2018
Desiree Turner, a journalist whose was living in
Los Angels, California, blows her career and returns
home to Verbena, California. Desiree grew up in the
family funeral business. Her father disappeared but
his body was never found. Now on her return, Desiree
discovers her father’s best friend who was like a
second father to her has been arrested for murder.
She knows he is innocent but how will she prove his
innocence?
A fast paced, intriguing and interesting murder mystery.
The characters are all very well crafted, diverse, feisty,
colorful and small town.....everyone knows everyone else’s
business.
The funeral business was a novel idea for a setting. It was
very informative about the process that occurs in a funeral
parlor.
A dead emu, two barking dogs, murder, explosions, fire,
secrets gifts, fights in the funeral parlor, someone jumping
into a relative coffin at the viewing, weed, profit skimming,
humor plus a touch of romance combine to make this book
a good read.
I highly recommend this book.
I volunteered to read A Grave Issue. Thanks to the author and
publisher via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
Los Angels, California, blows her career and returns
home to Verbena, California. Desiree grew up in the
family funeral business. Her father disappeared but
his body was never found. Now on her return, Desiree
discovers her father’s best friend who was like a
second father to her has been arrested for murder.
She knows he is innocent but how will she prove his
innocence?
A fast paced, intriguing and interesting murder mystery.
The characters are all very well crafted, diverse, feisty,
colorful and small town.....everyone knows everyone else’s
business.
The funeral business was a novel idea for a setting. It was
very informative about the process that occurs in a funeral
parlor.
A dead emu, two barking dogs, murder, explosions, fire,
secrets gifts, fights in the funeral parlor, someone jumping
into a relative coffin at the viewing, weed, profit skimming,
humor plus a touch of romance combine to make this book
a good read.
I highly recommend this book.
I volunteered to read A Grave Issue. Thanks to the author and
publisher via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
July 29, 2018
A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell just didn't appeal to me and I had trouble connecting with the characters or getting into the story. I muddled through and even though it wasn't my cup of tea does not mean it would not be yours.
Desiree's character was ok but she seemed a little flaky to me. I think she needs to grow up in many ways. I did find that she was loyal to her friends for example she would not believe her friend would kill someone especially over an Emu or neighbor feud so that was a plus. It had more than one possible suspect and that helps make it a little more interesting but was somewhat predictable. All in all it was not a bad book just one I had trouble keeping my interest.
Desiree's character was ok but she seemed a little flaky to me. I think she needs to grow up in many ways. I did find that she was loyal to her friends for example she would not believe her friend would kill someone especially over an Emu or neighbor feud so that was a plus. It had more than one possible suspect and that helps make it a little more interesting but was somewhat predictable. All in all it was not a bad book just one I had trouble keeping my interest.
January 29, 2018
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
A fun start to a new series. I really enjoyed reading the "newspaper articles". It was a fun way to have new information introduced. The mystery was well written with some great suspects. I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series.
A fun start to a new series. I really enjoyed reading the "newspaper articles". It was a fun way to have new information introduced. The mystery was well written with some great suspects. I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series.
March 1, 2018
Desiree Turner is returning to her small town roots and helping out at the family funeral home. She's hiding from the public after an on-air gaff during her radio show has left her humiliated. When a murder is committed, she grew up liking the main suspect and thinks the police aren't looking at other possible suspects so she decides to investigate. Lots of strange characters in town and the humor is subtle and low key. Lots of possibilities for future stories in the Funeral Parlor series.
March 30, 2018
When I started reading this book, I wasn't too sure about it, but soon I was deeply involved. Desiree Turner returned home with her "tail between her legs" after an embarrassing mistake at her former job as a journalist. She settles into life at the family funeral home. A murder happens and a friend is arrested. Desiree cannot stand to sit and do nothing so she begins to investigate. Soon she finds herself deep within a couple of mysteries and some unsavory situations. Old friends help along the way. Her missing father who was presumed death may not be so dead after all. Lots of plots and twists. I have to say I cannot wait to read the next one in this funeral parlor mystery series.
December 28, 2017
A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell
Book #1: A Funeral Parlor Mystery
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 3/5 stars
It all started with a dead emu and a disgraced reporter. . . .
As with so many others before her, Desiree Turner never intended to come back home. Moreover, she never intended to return with her tail tucked firmly between her legs and in need of a job. Now working for her family’s funeral home, and recovering from the loss of her career and her own father, Desiree has no desire to get mixed up in a mess, but that is exactly where she finds herself.
Desiree wants to keep her head down, do her job, and generally be left alone. That doesn’t happen, however, when two local ladies, already in a dispute over a dead emu resort to fisticuffs at Desiree’s first funeral. In a small town, the news of the brawl spreads quickly and thanks to the local newspaper man, Desiree is a part of the “news� whether she wants to be or not. As if more shame and humiliation were on her agenda!
And then there’s the dead guy . . . .
The dispute between the two brawling beauties intensifies when one of the women’s husbands is found dead as a door nail. Accusations fly and the evidence against the other husband piles up which leads to an immediate arrest. Trouble is, Desiree is certain the accused isn’t the killer and though she had no intention of becoming involved in yet another scandal, she just can’t let her friend go to prison for a crime he most certainly did not commit. Given her background as a reporter, Desiree is no stranger to poking around and asking questions. Trouble is, the more questions she asks the more confusing the whole mess becomes and the closer to danger Desiree comes.
As if the situation weren’t already intense enough, Desiree, begins to wonder about the death of her own father. As she’s poking around into other people’s business, strange things, things only her father would know about begin to appear in Desiree’s world. Little charms, a mysterious key, and loads of yarn for Desiree’s pregnant sister. With nothing but suspicion, Desiree does what she’s done best for years, continue to look around, continue to poke hornet’s nests, continue to ask uncomfortable questions, and hope she doesn’t, once again, get caught up in the crossfire.
The Bottom Line: I am truly on the fence with this book as far as my liking/disliking goes. I don’t have any complaints about the author’s writing style or the mechanics of the book, it’s been finely edited, but I had a hard time staying with this read. Additionally, I never really felt like I became all that invested in the characters which always makes it harder to truly enjoy a book. The plot is interesting enough to keep me from DNFing the read, but not spectacular. I honestly expected more out of a plot that starts with a dead emu 😊 With that being said, the end of the book picked up for me, especially as it relates to Desiree’s dad and his death, and that has me wondering if this book, the first in the series, hasn’t simply suffered from some of the issues that tend to plague such books. I’m going to give the second book a try with the sincere hope its bumps in the road have been smoothed and the characters will become a bit more well-rounded/evolved and easy to care about.
Book #1: A Funeral Parlor Mystery
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 3/5 stars
It all started with a dead emu and a disgraced reporter. . . .
As with so many others before her, Desiree Turner never intended to come back home. Moreover, she never intended to return with her tail tucked firmly between her legs and in need of a job. Now working for her family’s funeral home, and recovering from the loss of her career and her own father, Desiree has no desire to get mixed up in a mess, but that is exactly where she finds herself.
Desiree wants to keep her head down, do her job, and generally be left alone. That doesn’t happen, however, when two local ladies, already in a dispute over a dead emu resort to fisticuffs at Desiree’s first funeral. In a small town, the news of the brawl spreads quickly and thanks to the local newspaper man, Desiree is a part of the “news� whether she wants to be or not. As if more shame and humiliation were on her agenda!
And then there’s the dead guy . . . .
The dispute between the two brawling beauties intensifies when one of the women’s husbands is found dead as a door nail. Accusations fly and the evidence against the other husband piles up which leads to an immediate arrest. Trouble is, Desiree is certain the accused isn’t the killer and though she had no intention of becoming involved in yet another scandal, she just can’t let her friend go to prison for a crime he most certainly did not commit. Given her background as a reporter, Desiree is no stranger to poking around and asking questions. Trouble is, the more questions she asks the more confusing the whole mess becomes and the closer to danger Desiree comes.
As if the situation weren’t already intense enough, Desiree, begins to wonder about the death of her own father. As she’s poking around into other people’s business, strange things, things only her father would know about begin to appear in Desiree’s world. Little charms, a mysterious key, and loads of yarn for Desiree’s pregnant sister. With nothing but suspicion, Desiree does what she’s done best for years, continue to look around, continue to poke hornet’s nests, continue to ask uncomfortable questions, and hope she doesn’t, once again, get caught up in the crossfire.
The Bottom Line: I am truly on the fence with this book as far as my liking/disliking goes. I don’t have any complaints about the author’s writing style or the mechanics of the book, it’s been finely edited, but I had a hard time staying with this read. Additionally, I never really felt like I became all that invested in the characters which always makes it harder to truly enjoy a book. The plot is interesting enough to keep me from DNFing the read, but not spectacular. I honestly expected more out of a plot that starts with a dead emu 😊 With that being said, the end of the book picked up for me, especially as it relates to Desiree’s dad and his death, and that has me wondering if this book, the first in the series, hasn’t simply suffered from some of the issues that tend to plague such books. I’m going to give the second book a try with the sincere hope its bumps in the road have been smoothed and the characters will become a bit more well-rounded/evolved and easy to care about.
March 31, 2018
This is a well-written and surprising cozy mystery. I enjoyed the main character, Desiree, and the setting of her family's funeral home. I also have an affinity for stories about people returning to their hometowns after a number of years away, and this one handled that trope especially well. It is interesting seeing Desiree interact with former neighbors, friends, and classmates as she works to manage the family business and solve the murder of a local banker. The subplot involving Desiree's missing father is also really compelling, and questions about his fate kept me guessing throughout the book. I also liked that the book incorporates headlines and articles from the local newspaper into the beginning of each chapter. This ties in well with Desiree's past career as a journalist and helps the reader keep track of the significant evidence and arrests that pertain to the murder at the story's center. The only storyline that felt a little under-developed was Desiree's romantic life. Some information was revealed about the love life of her best friend, Jasmine (who is interested in women), but Desiree's romantic prospects didn't have as much emotion behind them and felt more tacked-on. My guess, though, is that this series will be around for a while so we'll have time to see more of her potential suitors as it goes on. And since the mystery genre isn't necessarily about romance, it was fine with me that this was not a central focus. In any case, I'm already excited for book two and I hope the wait isn't too long!
March 22, 2018
The hope for starting any new series is that it leaves you wanting more. More of the main character, more of the secondary characters, more of the town (in the case of cozies anyway), just more. I will say, this book accomplished that for me. I'm truly curious about future shenanigans with Death Ray...err.. sorry. Desiree. DESIREE Turner (*grin*) and her friends and family.
Part of this book hit me on an emotional level. I returned back home to a small town after my father's death when I was 21. I can absolutely relate to Desiree's dislike of everyone using her old nickname (see the Death Ray reference above), running into old acquaintances, and noticing the changes in town like what businesses had popped up. Thankfully, unlike Desiree, I never had to deal with solving a murder.
Desiree's family owns the local funeral home, and this setting provides a very interesting look into a world most of us wouldn't see. In addition, we also get to be witnesses to some crazy antics of the visitors of various wakes and funerals. A fight over a dead emu, a grieving grown child jumping into a casket, a trio of gossiping old ladies who show up to all the funerals of townspeople hoping for cookies... and of course Desiree's link to all of the above, including getting a nice shiner for her efforts. Add in the local newspaper guy who happens to notice everything she does and writes about it in the paper, and our poor girl is getting more attention than she wants!
On that note, we do get the beginnings of a love triangle (or is it love diamond?) We've got the old high school sweetheart, the old school rival, and the new guy in town (or at least the "not local" guy, which in a town like this basically equates to always being considered the new guy). As a sucker for the romantic interests in a cozy, I'm definitely curious about how this will all play out!
Despite the fact that it's taken me this long to mention it, there is a mystery woven in through all of this. I admit I was kept guessing who the murderer was up until the end, and I even ended up wrong at that.
We're also left with a small unfinished storyline about Desiree's dad (unrelated to the mystery itself) that I'm anxious to find out where those little crumbs are leading.
All in all I sat and read this book in one sitting. It was an easy, fast read that I enjoyed. The secondary characters were all welcome additions who really fit in, both in Desiree's life and the town. The town was well crafted and the tie-in mentions of California wildfires, legal aspects of certain gardening, and overall descriptions made me feel like I was reading about a real California town.
I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions stated are my own.
Part of this book hit me on an emotional level. I returned back home to a small town after my father's death when I was 21. I can absolutely relate to Desiree's dislike of everyone using her old nickname (see the Death Ray reference above), running into old acquaintances, and noticing the changes in town like what businesses had popped up. Thankfully, unlike Desiree, I never had to deal with solving a murder.
Desiree's family owns the local funeral home, and this setting provides a very interesting look into a world most of us wouldn't see. In addition, we also get to be witnesses to some crazy antics of the visitors of various wakes and funerals. A fight over a dead emu, a grieving grown child jumping into a casket, a trio of gossiping old ladies who show up to all the funerals of townspeople hoping for cookies... and of course Desiree's link to all of the above, including getting a nice shiner for her efforts. Add in the local newspaper guy who happens to notice everything she does and writes about it in the paper, and our poor girl is getting more attention than she wants!
On that note, we do get the beginnings of a love triangle (or is it love diamond?) We've got the old high school sweetheart, the old school rival, and the new guy in town (or at least the "not local" guy, which in a town like this basically equates to always being considered the new guy). As a sucker for the romantic interests in a cozy, I'm definitely curious about how this will all play out!
Despite the fact that it's taken me this long to mention it, there is a mystery woven in through all of this. I admit I was kept guessing who the murderer was up until the end, and I even ended up wrong at that.
We're also left with a small unfinished storyline about Desiree's dad (unrelated to the mystery itself) that I'm anxious to find out where those little crumbs are leading.
All in all I sat and read this book in one sitting. It was an easy, fast read that I enjoyed. The secondary characters were all welcome additions who really fit in, both in Desiree's life and the town. The town was well crafted and the tie-in mentions of California wildfires, legal aspects of certain gardening, and overall descriptions made me feel like I was reading about a real California town.
I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions stated are my own.
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