🐶📺🔎 “The Wrong Side of Murder” (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery #2) (2022) 🔎📺🐶 – Book Review
Book Details:
Book Title: The Wrong Side of Murder (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 274 pages
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: July 21, 2022
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for everyone!
It's a wonderful book to escape into at the end of the day. And get ready to read into the wee hours as, if you're like me, you won't be able to stop reading until the mystery is revealed. - Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn
Book Description:
Nikki Bryant’s Next Case Takes Her to the Wrong Side of Murder
One spring morning, Jodi Gibbons got up and went to school as she did every day. Her young life went sideways though when the police found that her mother had been brutally killed during the night.
Twenty years later, many in Pine Grove believe Jodi got away with murder. After all, how could she have possibly slept through her mother’s violent death in the very next room?
After decades of silence, Jodi accepts investigative journalist Nikki Bryant’s invitation to tell her side of the story. However, before the interview can take place, someone silences Jodi permanently.
Now it is up to Nikki Bryant and her friends to uncover the secret that Jodi Gibbons has been protecting—a secret someone believes it is worth killing to keep from being revealed.
Buy the Book:
Amazon
BookBub
add to Goodreads
My Review:
Thank you in advance to the author, Lauren Carr, for providing a complimentary review copy through iRead Book Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is about the third cozy mystery I’ve read since I started reviewing on a full-time basis three (3) years ago, but it is the first by the author. And, given that the first book establishes who Nikki Bryant is – readers should read the first book, Killer Deadline. I didn’t but I didn’t feel lost without reading it.
For anyone unfamiliar with what a cozy mystery is – they are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. Think of Murder: She Wrote and Jessica Fletcher. This has a reference to that show as well.
And, speaking of TV shows – this has references to Magnum, P.I (grew up with and love Tom Selleck’s version) as well as Hart to Hart. A quick, fun note about Hart to Hart – Jennifer’s maiden name was Edwards. I have a cousin by the name of … you guessed it – Jennifer Edwards.
Despite my familiarity with the sub-genre, it isn’t a favorite. I don’t know why; I just can’t get into them. It’s not that they’re a bad read. They can be a good one. There is something, for me lacking. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to read one though.
Moving on from there …
Those who’ve read Killer Deadline, have met Nikki Bryant – an investigative journalist who’s definitely good at her job. She has left Las Vegas (have to love those references to where I live) to head home to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania to not only reconnect with her first love (Ryan), but find out who murdered her father. She is also running her family’s TV station – WKPG.
Nikki and Ryan have obviously reconnected since Killer Deadline. He is technically her step-brother as her mother is married to his father. They briefly dated in high school.
Of course, some say where Nikki is – trouble follows.
This book is apparently no exception.
As I haven’t read the first book, I don’t know how many returning characters there are. But, Nikki and Ryan return, as well as Elmo who is Nikki’s OCD boxer dog. Elmo is also a social media influencer. The author includes a much needed “by appearance” cast of characters in the front of the book. And, I found myself referring to it quite often.
There are some references to teen sex, alcohol addiction/abuse, substance abuse, attempted rape. These are mentioned but only the alcohol abuse is depicted.
There are multiple story arcs going on here:
💒🎉 Kathleen & Harrison’s 20th Anniversary
🔍🚓 Investigation into Reba’s murder
🔍🚓 Investigation into Jodi’s death
🔍🚓 Investigation into Jason Frost’s disappearance
🔍🚓 Investigation into an auto theft ring
The prologue begins 20 years earlier, and 15-year-old Nikki is recovering or trying to, from breaking up with Ryan. After all, his dad is marrying her mom. But, she then sees Jodi being led out of the cafeteria – Jodi’s mother, Reba, has been murdered.
Chapter one begins in present day. And, as stated, after hearing and being convinced for 20 years that Jodi Gibbons killed her mother, Nikki wants to know the story. How could Jodi sleep through her mother getting murdered? Did she do it? Was she in on it? What really happened?
While the prosecutor didn’t have enough evidence to charge her. However, she was charged, tried, and convicted in the court of public opinion.
Nikki finally gets the chance to interview Jodi who has finally agreed to tell what happened that night. Of course, Jodi dies before that can happen.
The police, like 20 years before, have tunnel vision when it comes to the death. They first consider it suicide, until it appears a homicide. Just as they thought Jodi killed her mother, they believe at first Jodi committed suicide. But, then turn to Andrea – a troubled friend of Jodi’s. The problem is that their main suspect couldn’t have done certain things due to her being drunk.
And, like the murder of Reba – something isn’t adding up. That’s when Nikki and Ryan float the idea that perhaps Jodi wasn’t even home, or snuck out and didn’t go home. The cops believed Jodi was mad at her mom who’d found a discarded condom and thought Jodi to be sleeping around.
That’s when the idea of Jodi and Andrea stealing cars pops up. But, who were they stealing for? There’s a mention of the mob. And, of course that shakes things up as well. This also leads to the Keyes’ auto dealership and a smarmy used car salesman – Butchy who reminds someone of a popular actor.
Nikki suspects something is up with Pepper, Andrea’s sister-in-law who claims to have an appointment, though that is discounted by Nikki’s mother.
This leads back to an insurance company that Jodi’s mother Reba worked for – Bigelow insurance. And, that leads into the mysterious disappearance of Gerald Bigelow’s current wife’s first husband – Jason.
And, as always in investigation – things are not always as they seem.
There’s fun, humor, dastardly acts, scandals, forgery, the FBI showing up, and a twisted little story that is charming and entertaining with a slightly unpredictable end.
Readers have to read until the the end to figure out the real culprit of the whodunnit. I honestly didn’t see that coming though, and it was a surprise.
The cases are wrapped up by the end making this a story-wise standalone read.
This was a very interesting read. I loved the unique plot and twist. I love how the author tied everything together without looking like she was “trying too hard” to put it together. And, I have to admit the plot was the absolute best part of the book.
There is the issue of the “condom” and who it really belonged to. I was hoping, since it was mentioned and heavily referred to, that there would be some resolution or a “well this is who it really was” reveal moment.
The author doesn’t rush it along, and stays on point, but there are times I felt some scenes could’ve been sped up. The chapters aren’t too long either, there are usually breaks mid-chapter. There was a slight typo on page 240 referring to an “Amanda” – I’m assuming that should’ve been Amber. As I figured it out, it didn’t detract too much from the story.
This isn’t serious at all, and there is appropriate humor sprinkled in. The references to Nikki calling law enforcement when she was in grade school was definitely a laugh out loud moment. Third (3rd) grade -> FBI; fourth (4th) -> CIA; and finally in seventh (7th) grade -> the police.
I loved one scene when the Sheriff discounts something that Nikki says only to hear it from Ryan. I also felt Ryan would’ve made a better sheriff than Tanya. He was definitely smarter, and more likeable.
Those who enjoy classic TV will enjoy some references:
Taxi (referring to a Danny DeVito look-a-like)
Perry Mason
Law & Order
Hawaii: 5-0
Fans of the genre, and those who read the first book, are certain to enjoy this one. Those who liked MURDER: SHE WROTE might enjoy this as well. It is a refreshing new take on the series.
The Wrong Side of Murder is a sweet little weekend or beach read. I would be interested in reading the first book as well as others in this series to see how Nikki and Ryan’s story progresses.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Be Sure to Check Out the First Installment in the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries:
Book Title: Killer Deadline (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 232 pages
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: April 23, 2020
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for Everyone!
Book Description:
Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist.
When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder.
But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father?
With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes.
Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads
Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.
The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.
She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest
Aug 1 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / guest post / giveaway
Aug 1 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 2 – She Just Loves Books – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 3 - Chit Chat with Charity - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 4 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 5 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 8 - Review Thick And Thin – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 8 – Kam's Place – book review of KILLER DEADLINE
Aug 8 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 9 – Olio by Marilyn – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 9 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 10 – Kam's Place – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 10 - Chit Chat with Charity - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 10 - The Momma Spot – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 11 – Literary Flits – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 11 - Blooming with Books - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 11 - Books for Books - audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE
Aug 12 - Book Corner News and Reviews - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 15 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 16 – The Momma Spot – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 16 - Books for Books - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 17 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 17 - Older & Smarter? – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 17 – fundinmental – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 17 - Ebook addicts – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 18 - Pause for Tales – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 19 - Paws.Read.Repeat –book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 19 - Bigreadersite - book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 19 - Older & Smarter? – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 22 - Review Thick And Thin – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 23 - Splashes of Joy - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 23 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 24 - Splashes of Joy - book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 24 – Books Are Love – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Aug 24 - My Reading Journeys – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 25 - I'm Into Books - book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 25 – Books Are Love – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 - Bigreadersite - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 – Books and Zebras – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Aug 26 - Adventurous Jessy - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Aug 26 - Reading Excursions - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Enter the Giveaway:
THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER Book Tour Giveaway
Really nice cover and excerpt, looking forward to reading this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your review, the book sounds very good
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your review of The Wrong Side of Murder, this sounds like an excellent book and series, a must read for me
ReplyDelete