Fotografía de autor

Meri Allen

Autor de The Rocky Road to Ruin

4 Obras 133 Miembros 20 Reseñas

Series

Obras de Meri Allen

Etiquetado

Conocimiento común

Género
female
Nacionalidad
USA

Miembros

Reseñas

A cute New England town, a homemade ice cream parlor, a mysterious murder, and cute cats. What more can a reader want?! Well maybe a bit more of a plot that doesn't have a million threads, lol. I love a good cozy mystery - but this one was a bit of a struggle for me. I feel like the author tried to introduce far too many characters, and every single quirky trope that she had ever encountered. Plus the plot has a lot going on and is all over the place. Riley Rhodes, librarian, spy and travel blogger (the travel blogger thing - NEVER came back up) comes back to her hometown for her best friend's mother's funeral. Buzzy was a legend in her hometown - she had a huge sprawling farm and a fun ice cream parlor - everyone is sad when dies. What will happen to the property? To the ice cream parlor? Her daughter doesn't want to sell, but the son sure does. When he is found murdered with a pitchfork Riley and her friend have to make some hard choices. Dear read - be prepared to suspend your disbelief for the whole dang novel. It's entertaining but COME ON!… (más)
 
Denunciada
ecataldi | 6 reseñas más. | Sep 18, 2023 |
Another great installment in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries series. First, I love Brandon's creations and i would 100% go to this ice cream shop if it was in my town. Second, this mystery was well written. The clues were there and I had my suspicions but I did not guess who the killer was before the reveal. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing what kind of trouble Riley finds herself in, maybe the next book will take place in a secondary location?!?
 
Denunciada
Shauna_Morrison | 4 reseñas más. | Aug 7, 2023 |
Riley Rhodes has returned to her hometown of Penniman, Connecticut, to attend the funeral of Caroline’s mother, Elizabeth "Buzzy" Spooner. As friends since childhood Caroline and Riley share so many memories, but working together at the ice cream shop was the best of times. Caroline and her brother Mike have decisions to make about their inheritance. Riley has decisions of her own after her last assignment in Italy. What happens to the farm and ice cream shop now? Will any of their decisions change their relationships?

I loved this intriguing cozy mystery. Characters of a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds gave interesting interactions. They added to the twists for means, motive, and opportunity for the crime leading CIA librarian and travel food blogger Riley to become an amateur sleuth. The charm is abundant in the small-town country setting, the friendships, and the images of the ice cream flavors from the standard to the unique. The names of the Udderly Delightful Ice Cream Shop and The Penniless Reader, Riley’s Dad’s bookshop are charming. Caroline’s cat, Sprinkles, 🐾 and the little furry face 🐾 that captured the attention of Sprinkles add to the charm and humorous moments.

Recipes for Buzzy’s Ultimate Frozen Margarita and Sunflower Ice Cream are available at the end of the cozy.

As Meri Allen is a pen name used by Shari Randall, I look forward to reading more of her writing in all available series.
… (más)
 
Denunciada
FerneMysteryReader | 6 reseñas más. | Aug 4, 2023 |
A Halloween wedding sounds like a perfect time for innocent fun, along with attending the local Halloween happenings about town. It was not so innocent for someone with malicious intent! In this third offering in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries, the death of a bride on the night before her wedding day offers the opportunity for Riley and friends to engage in helping law enforcement solve the crime. Suspects include the sons of the bride Diantha, as well as the manager of the Inn and other assorted locals.

To add to the suspense, a movie is being filmed using town locales, so actors and others from out of town also could be suspects. Toss in a little blackmail, and the stage is set for solving the crime!

This is a cozy mystery that lacks descriptive intimacy, violence or strong language. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novel. I liked this one the best of all three in the series so far. The food treats sound yummy, and the spooky fun atmosphere add to the enjoyment of the story. The means of committing the crime is unusual, one that I have not come across in many years of reading mystery novels. The lovable supporting cast of characters includes Riley's dad and his wife, adorably feisty cats, and Riley's friends.

Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with interestingly realistic settings and intriguing means, motives, and opportunities will find this a welcome addition to their reading lists.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
… (más)
 
Denunciada
LadyoftheLodge | 4 reseñas más. | Jul 28, 2023 |

Listas

Estadísticas

Obras
4
Miembros
133
Popularidad
#152,660
Valoración
3.9
Reseñas
20
ISBNs
9

Tablas y Gráficos