Too predictable, I had it figured out from almost the beginning. Likeable characters, hopefully the writing gets better in later books.

I don't know what it is about this series that keeps me reading it. Tricia is a doormat who doesn't stand up for herself. Angelica needs a swift punch in the nose for being a selfish, self-absorbed narcissistic pain in the butt. Chief Baker can't seem to detect his way through a box of donuts. And the rest of the cast of characters are busybody gossips. So why can't I stop reading it? I don't know. I didn't figure out who the murderer was because there was little to no mention of them or their motive until the end of the book. As for the subplot, I figured out the source of the gifts from the beginning, it wasn't hard to suss out if you've read the previous books. So only 2 stars for this one, I'd have given it more if Angelica wasn't such an annoying witch and the police department actually learned how to solve a crime.

I tried, I really did, but I just can't seem to like this series. I struggled through the first book. I made my way through the second book. And now, a third of the way through this book, I concede defeat. I just don't connect with this series at all.

Couldn't get into it, didn't like the characters at all

Well, I have to say, this book is better than the first book in the series. It was, however, still very predictable. Sorry to say but I could smell the ending like a dead skunk on the highway. Even so, it was mostly an enjoyable and interesting read.

Spoiler

I liked the dog in the book return (well, I liked the addition of a dog; not so much that it was dumped in a book drop) but I had a hard time believing Lindsey and Sully are over the age of 30. At times it almost sounded like a high school crush, complete with giggling schoolgirls and a hormonal confession of attraction in public. I expected them to start passing notes. "Do you like me? Yes/No circle one". It was a little ridiculous and seemed forced. To its credit, it was 3/4 of the way through the book before I got fed up and started flipping pages.

So I thought the book was good; better than the first one and not bad enough to put me off reading the next book in the series. If it continues to improve then it might just turn out to be worth keeping up with.

I didn't care for this one as much as the first one. The plot, in which Odelia investigates the murder of a client she barely knew, just didn't seem feasible to me. I didn't get drawn into the book and barely skimmed the last half just to get it over with. I'll put it down to sophomore slump, as I am interested in reading the next book in the series and hopefully it'll pick up a bit.

A great start to this series, can't wait to read more! Odelia doesn't believe it for a minute that her friend Sophie killed herself. There's only one thing this plus sized middle aged woman can do - investigate! It's easy to like Odelia, she smart, no-nonsense and anyone can relate to her. While investigating Sophie's death she encounters a little romance, a little danger and a little intrigue. All in all a very quick and entertaining read. Thankfully all the pet peeves I have were very minor in this book; the only complaint I have is about Odelia's annoying family. Their inclusion had no purpose n the book and really put me off. But I loved the other characters, the plot had a lot of twists and turns (although I figured out whodunit pretty early on) and the ending was satisfying.

Spoiler

There were a few ends left untied, Why was Hollowell's murder and wife's disappearance left dangling?

Plunging headlong into the second book in the series next!

If this was the first in the series, it's safe to say that I wouldn't have read any more. This was a horrible book; I expect more from someone who has written close to 20 books. Stick a fork in her, Hannah is done.

Avery and Derek buy a flat in an apartment house where the stereotypical nosy busybody is killed and everyone harbors a secret.

I gave this 2 stars instead of 3 because the entire book lacked focus. Actually, I would have given it 1 star if I didn't enjoy the other books in this series. *sigh* where to begin?

Spoiler

Derek pops the question in a very cute scene at the beginning, which started the book off with a warm feeling. It didn't last, though. I thought it funny how Avery was lamenting how she just couldn't wear an off the rack wedding dress and OMG Totes didn't have time to make a wedding dress, so she was going to wear a 60 year old re-purposed prom dress to marry her beloved. Oh, but she had all the time in the world to follow and spy upon other people and tell everyone she know about the goings on of the law breakers living at the apartment house. This, despite the fact that a)that's why no one liked the busy body and b)that's what got the nosy old bat killed. The whole scene where Avery asks Kate to be her matron of honor was excruciating. Instead of telling Kate, "you're my best friend, you found my beloved for me, please share in my special day." instead she explains how she has no other friends and her mom lives in California. Hey, way to go! Make Kate feel like an last resort!

It also felt like the prologue and the epilogue were added on later, almost like the editor said, "hey, this book is terrible, add on a few heart tugging scenes and it'll make it more palatable."

As a footnote, I'd like to add that my experience with law enforcement is very slight (and not in a criminal sense), but I can tell you that in real life, asking the chief of police to "let me know if you find out anything" on a murder investigation, would never happen. Not only because such details would be used to track down the killer but also because it would jeopardize the prosecution if and when the case went to trial. It's a convenient plot device, but it's implausible and ridiculous and drives me up the wall.