4,5* rounded to 5.
I liked the first instalment in this series and thoroughly enjoyed this story as it's gripping and highly entertaining.
There's less backstory drama and the mystery never takes the backseat, this made this book lighter and more fun than the previous.
I was happy to catch up with the characters, they're fleshed out and likeable. Jem is clever, logical, sometimes a bit reckless but she surely wants justice and help her friends.
The mystery is full of twists and turns, I had some doubts about the culprits but I couldn't understand the motives.
My only issue is with the love triangle as it's my most hated trope in a cozy mystery. I'm #teamRhys but I hope Jem will be able to decide soon.
The author is a talented story teller and liked her style of writing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine