Amy-Faye Johnson’s book club, the Readaholics, enjoys guessing whodunit in mysteries like The Maltese Falcon. But when a murder happens in their midst, they discover that solving crimes is harder that reading about them…
Amy-Faye has always loved her idyllic Rocky Mountain town of Heaven, Colorado. Her event-planning business is thriving, her fellow book-obsessed Readaholics are great, and her parents live only a few blocks away. But lately her hometown has felt a little less heavenly. First, she agrees to plan a wedding without realizing the groom is her ex-boyfriend. Then, Ivy, one of her fellow Readaholics, dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances.
The police rule Ivy’s death a suicide by poisoning, but Amy-Faye and the remaining Readaholics suspect foul play. Amy-Faye soon discovers that Ivy was hiding dangerous secrets—and making deadly enemies. Taking a page from her favorite literary sleuths, Amy-Faye is determined to find the real killer and close the book on this case. But finding the truth could spell her own ending…
As a self-proclaimed "readaholic" myself, I've been looking forward to reading this book since I first heard about it. I found event planner Amy-Faye to be an instantly likable lead character. Her plate is full with many upcoming events, led by the wedding of her old flame Doug. Her feelings for him remain unresolved and by the end of the book I found myself rooting for them to get back together.
Another important part of Amy-Faye's life is the close-knit group of friends who make up her book group, the Readaholics. The morning after the group meets to discuss The Maltese Falcon, Amy-Faye visits one of the members, Ivy, only to discover her clinging to life. She doesn't make it, and her death is ruled a suicide. Amy-Faye and her friends know that is just not possible, and soon uncover evidence that she had knowledge of a scandal with the ability to destroy some very prominent residents of Heaven, including her best friend's husband and father-in-law. Red herrings abound and the final reveal took me completely by surprise.
I admit that I know absolutely nothing about The Maltese Falcon, so any reference to the book went right over my head, but I didn't find that to be an issue at all. This is a very character-driven page-turner, and while many of the main characters are introduced in a group setting, each has such a distinct personality that I had no trouble keeping them straight. I especially enjoyed Amy-Faye's mother who is a passionate book reviewer!
I'm already looking forward to book 2, The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle, coming in December.
Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, April 24th for your chance to win a copy of The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco. (US entries only, please.)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a terrific new series - and I've been reading lots of great reviews! Sign me up, please!!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco sounds like a thrilling cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemyrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteA must read, great series, thanks for the chance :)
ReplyDeletejslbrown2009 at aol dot com
I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
Hi, all! Many thanks to Melissa for her kind words about the Readaholics, and to all of you for being interested in the series. I have such fun writing about them--I'm wrapping up the third book in the series today (I hope)!--and I hope you have as much fun reading about them.
ReplyDeleteI am trying SO hard not to add anymore books to my TBR list, until I catch up! You're making it difficult, Melissa. :) patucker54 (at aol dot com)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book, adding it to my wish list. weluvdopey@sc.rr.com
ReplyDeleteLove the sound of the book.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
This book sounds delightful. thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for this captivating feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like another great new series, thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletemomzillasteel@gmail.com
Thanks, all, for dropping by today. I wish I could give a free copy to all of you! :-) Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteHey tortie, I know you're short and sweet, but exactly how tall are you? Just wondering, Crepes.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good one, for sure! Thanks for having a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll make time to watch The Maltese Falcon. Great stuff.
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Sounds like a feisty bunch and an excellent read! Thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a feisty bunch and an excellent read! Thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I find new authors to read from the few blog reviewers I follow. I never get stung with a bad book. You are steering me to another author on this post and I LOVE IT. Will be reading soon. And thank yesterday u for the Giveaway!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love starting a new series. Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
My planner was excellent. She showed up on time for all those meetings with venue, florists, cake chef, decor etc. and gave me multiple options while always having my best interest in mind. The event planner was reliable, intuitive, and professional.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not too late please enter me
ReplyDeletekaye dot killgore at comcast dot net