This is the first book in a brand new series by a new to me cozy author, P.J. Nelson and I sure hope another one is gonna follow! I was a tiny bit gun shy when I’d read some not-so-nice reviews on Goodreads about it, but I really try not to let those kinds of reviews sway my thinking while I read. Well, I didn’t need any help or hindrance because I liked this book a lot all on my own. It’s hard to believe some people were talking about the same book, lol.
Either way, I enjoyed the characters and the unlikely but quirky friend group with main character Madeline, her aunt’s bestie Phil (Philomena) and a crazy, fun lady pastor who’s probably gonna end up as Maddy-girl’s new bestie. Gloria was an awesome friend but she had the pastor skills down pat and could give some of the world’s best advice. And Madeline wasn’t some airhead who blindly interviewed suspects without backup. She only went twice alone, but she’s the gutsy type who really made me think of Kate Beckett on Castle. Even if Kate wasn’t a detective, she totally would’ve done what Madeline did. But all reviews have a place in the world, and I always go with the tired but true old saying of ‘to each his own.’
#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #PJNelson
My Goodreads review:
Booked for Murder by P. J. Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Madeline was definitely a different kind of main character, gutsy and brave but then she’d been an actress for quite a few years so she was used to all sorts of situations which might’ve gotten her ready for stuff she’d encounter in real life. I felt the characters were tons of fun, especially Madeline’s wicked sense of humor.
Gloria, her new pastor friend cracked me up at how cool and upbeat she was. I mean who wouldn’t love a friend like her who’s also an ordained Episcopal priest and was capable of other types of guidance as well as just being good bestie material. Phil (aka Philomena) was a really interesting character and had been Aunt Rose’s longtime friend, so she was like another aunt to Madeline. There was lotsa drama and mystery but some good humorous parts too ending up with an epic showdown with the killer. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin Paperbacks/Minotaur Press via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 