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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
Entertaining with laugh out loud moments and some interesting twists in the second book of this series.
Lots of things I like about this book/series - an older protagonist that seems to be ok doing whatever it takes to keep herself afloat considering the soon to be ex left her with nothing (he cleaned out the bank accounts when he moved out and hadn't made house payments in 6 months). Her children are a mix of supportive and spoiled so it is a good balance. She has a housekeeper, Beatrice, (paid for by the MIL Hazel) that doesn't like the MIL so she creates stories to protect CeCe and to stick it to Hazel. I think that cracks me up the most, Beatrice trying to come up with stories to rattle Hazel but not so bad that they would hurt CeCe. And the final cherry is CeCe gaining a roommate of sorts. Nancy, the gum-smacking receptionist from CeCe's first job has lost her home and needs a place to stay, so she ingratiates herself into CeCe's house and life. Nancy is very annoying but turns out she has some positive attributes, it just takes a while to find them.
The mystery itself has multiple moving parts - a dead body is found in a freezer, diamonds are discovered in an unlikely place, and not everyone is whom they seem to be. While I did figure out part of the mystery, the story still kept me guessing and the ending was quite the surprise.
I do think that CeCe needs to be a bit stronger. She should have changed the locks when Phillip moved out and she should never have signed a prenup with a morals clause that was all one-sided (thanks to Witch Hazel!). But she is learning from her mistakes and turning things around. She just has to keep the two men interested in her at bay until the divorce is final.
I can't wait for the third book so I can see how things progress for everyone.
We give it 4 1/2 paws
Lots of things I like about this book/series - an older protagonist that seems to be ok doing whatever it takes to keep herself afloat considering the soon to be ex left her with nothing (he cleaned out the bank accounts when he moved out and hadn't made house payments in 6 months). Her children are a mix of supportive and spoiled so it is a good balance. She has a housekeeper, Beatrice, (paid for by the MIL Hazel) that doesn't like the MIL so she creates stories to protect CeCe and to stick it to Hazel. I think that cracks me up the most, Beatrice trying to come up with stories to rattle Hazel but not so bad that they would hurt CeCe. And the final cherry is CeCe gaining a roommate of sorts. Nancy, the gum-smacking receptionist from CeCe's first job has lost her home and needs a place to stay, so she ingratiates herself into CeCe's house and life. Nancy is very annoying but turns out she has some positive attributes, it just takes a while to find them.
The mystery itself has multiple moving parts - a dead body is found in a freezer, diamonds are discovered in an unlikely place, and not everyone is whom they seem to be. While I did figure out part of the mystery, the story still kept me guessing and the ending was quite the surprise.
I do think that CeCe needs to be a bit stronger. She should have changed the locks when Phillip moved out and she should never have signed a prenup with a morals clause that was all one-sided (thanks to Witch Hazel!). But she is learning from her mistakes and turning things around. She just has to keep the two men interested in her at bay until the divorce is final.
I can't wait for the third book so I can see how things progress for everyone.
We give it 4 1/2 paws
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
After being charmed by Cece in the previous installment, I was so excited to see what mess she was going to have to deal with this time around. And I wasn't disappointed!
Cece continues to be a fantastic female lead and a highly believable accidental amateur sleuth, balancing her vulnerability with an admirable strength of character that keeps driving her forward to get things done. Although she is still reeling from the events within the first book, she is working through those emotions and focusing on overcoming those obstacles to produce a positive way forward for herself and those around her. I continued to enjoy the growing dynamics between Nancy and Cece, which definitely shows us just how much opposites can attract!
I'm a huge fan of shows like HOARDERS and BURIED ALIVE and have read plenty of fiction and nonfiction books featuring this disorder, so it was such a delightful surprise to begin reading and seeing its presence within Cece's cleaning services. It was a fascinating aspect to include as not only a troubling aspect for both Cece's job, but also within the criminal investigation as well.
This series remains a great addition within the cozy world and I am definitely settled in for more clean ups, light romance, and twisting tales of mystery that are incredibly difficult to put down!
After being charmed by Cece in the previous installment, I was so excited to see what mess she was going to have to deal with this time around. And I wasn't disappointed!
Cece continues to be a fantastic female lead and a highly believable accidental amateur sleuth, balancing her vulnerability with an admirable strength of character that keeps driving her forward to get things done. Although she is still reeling from the events within the first book, she is working through those emotions and focusing on overcoming those obstacles to produce a positive way forward for herself and those around her. I continued to enjoy the growing dynamics between Nancy and Cece, which definitely shows us just how much opposites can attract!
I'm a huge fan of shows like HOARDERS and BURIED ALIVE and have read plenty of fiction and nonfiction books featuring this disorder, so it was such a delightful surprise to begin reading and seeing its presence within Cece's cleaning services. It was a fascinating aspect to include as not only a troubling aspect for both Cece's job, but also within the criminal investigation as well.
This series remains a great addition within the cozy world and I am definitely settled in for more clean ups, light romance, and twisting tales of mystery that are incredibly difficult to put down!