msrichardsreads89's Reviews (2.64k)

I was so glad to be back in Bliss with Bonnie, Clyde, and the whole gang! I have loved every book in this series, and this installment was no exception. I was so into the story that I read it in one sitting. There was fantastic character development, funny moments, and a fun mystery. There was a teaser at the end that made me desperate for book 6! 

Thank you to Julie Anne Lindsey and Cozy Queen Publishing LLC for providing an aARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

I absolutely loved this delicious debut cozy! Cheesemonger Willa Bauer is an endearing protagonist, and I loved following her as she and her crew solved the murder. The writing style is fun with clever banter, great descriptions, and all the cheese talk. I cannot wait to read book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

This was so unique from any other fantasy I've read. The writing style is different in that it zooms in and out, and the world building was very well done. The prose is elegant but not flowery, and Liu is a master of gut punching lines. It is a very slow burn yet intricate plot that touched on a lot of big themes. The character development wasn't done in the traditional way, but it worked for me. This is definitely not a beginner fantasy novel. Despite the low magic and sections of info dumping, I absolutely loved this. The middle dragged for me, but the last half of the book made it all worth it. Everything felt purposeful, and I am interested to see where the series goes!

DNF. The beginning was fantastic, but after the first 25% of the book, the plot dragged so much that I just didn't care anymore. 

Jenn McKinlay never fails to write a fun cozy mystery! I love Mel and her crew and their mystery adventures. The mystery was very well paced and had me on the edge of my seat! Highly recommend!