This might've had a really good story in there somewhere, but I just couldn't get past the banality of the characters. Honestly, how can one book cram so many tired stereotypes into one convoluted story? Let's see: overbearing and annoying mother? Check. Sweet, solid as a rock father? Check. Sexy cop boyfriend? Check. Bratty kid who needs a swift kick in the butt? Check. Nosy know-it-all-but-yet-ditzy-as-hell amateur sleuth showing up the local police department? Check. Yep, it's all there. I read the first third of the book, skimmed the second third, then gave up completely.

Enjoyable read, I loved the style and the story. I really liked that it was more in the style of a British cozy than an American one. Rather than relying on the usual shoot 'em up action to resolve the plot, actual detecting rules the story.

The characters were easy to relate to, although I confess that I didn't feel much of a personal connection to Amelia (the victim) other than through the main character's prior experiences. Had there been more of Amelia before she was killed, the story would've been more poignant. I don't feel it detracted from the story, though. The only real criticism I have is that the setting of the book isn't portrayed very well. I think I was half way through the book before I realized Sally lived somewhere in Indiana. Again, it was a missed opportunity to garner more of a connection to the book.

Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next books in the series.

Good, but it plodded along. It was hard to keep my attention on the story in the middle third of the book, I found myself flipping pages to get to a more interesting part. Still, the ending was very good and overall the series is enjoyable.

I didn't have high expectations for this book, so I was mildly surprised when I liked it. Yeah, the whole depression thing was a little heavy-handed, but it served a purpose in the character's development and motives, so it was easy to look past it. The plot was a little convoluted; I really didn't feel the motive was enough to provoke the crimes. Having lived in Norway, I enjoyed (and probably had a better understanding of) the many references, particularly the language. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series (although not very happy about an impending love triangle.)