Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed If the Coffin Fits (Funeral Parlor, Bk 2) on + 157 more book reviews
I don't know when I've enjoyed a cozy mystery as much as If the Coffin Fits, book #2 in the Funeral Parlor Mysteries series by Lillian Bell. This new-to-me author has crafted the most delightful storyline and a lead character that I want to spend more and more time with. Bell's writing is smooth, filled with snappy dialogue, and flows steadily across the page; not a wasted word to be found here. The sense of humor that comes across effortlessly in the prose makes me wish I could meet this author personally.
Two elements that surprised me personally turned out to be huge strengths. First, the funeral parlor setting and theme, which was not depressing at all. Quite humorous, in fact. Despite the best of intentions, Desiree seems to be accident prone when it comes to her words, which is kind of how she ended back up in the family business in the first place. And then there's the family, the mystery around Desiree's dad in particular. Is he really dead? Only time will tell.
The second surprising element is Orion, a malamute and German shepherd mix who instantly stole this cat lover's heart. I loved his antics, the way he interacted with Desiree and her reluctance to seek a home for him â but when he showed an unusual sensitivity to the needs of funeral parlor clients, I was hooked. The idea of Orion possibly becoming a therapy dog was fascinating.
Strong secondary characters add depth and complexity, as well as possible romantic interests for Desiree. I also loved her easy curiosity and sense that the occasional deceased person might not have died a natural death. Cleverly woven into the narrative are several short articles Desiree has written for her hometown newspaper, the Verbena Free Press. The mystery plot is well crafted and easy to follow, but not easy for me to solve.
If the Coffin Fits goes on my favorites list and I'm eager to read more of Lillian Bell's mysteries. May there be many more books in this series! Highly recommended.
Note: There's some mild profanity that I wish had been omitted, but very clean otherwise.
I received a copy of this book through the Review Crew and Crooked Lane Books. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Two elements that surprised me personally turned out to be huge strengths. First, the funeral parlor setting and theme, which was not depressing at all. Quite humorous, in fact. Despite the best of intentions, Desiree seems to be accident prone when it comes to her words, which is kind of how she ended back up in the family business in the first place. And then there's the family, the mystery around Desiree's dad in particular. Is he really dead? Only time will tell.
The second surprising element is Orion, a malamute and German shepherd mix who instantly stole this cat lover's heart. I loved his antics, the way he interacted with Desiree and her reluctance to seek a home for him â but when he showed an unusual sensitivity to the needs of funeral parlor clients, I was hooked. The idea of Orion possibly becoming a therapy dog was fascinating.
Strong secondary characters add depth and complexity, as well as possible romantic interests for Desiree. I also loved her easy curiosity and sense that the occasional deceased person might not have died a natural death. Cleverly woven into the narrative are several short articles Desiree has written for her hometown newspaper, the Verbena Free Press. The mystery plot is well crafted and easy to follow, but not easy for me to solve.
If the Coffin Fits goes on my favorites list and I'm eager to read more of Lillian Bell's mysteries. May there be many more books in this series! Highly recommended.
Note: There's some mild profanity that I wish had been omitted, but very clean otherwise.
I received a copy of this book through the Review Crew and Crooked Lane Books. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
If the Coffin Fits is the second installment in the A Funeral Parlor Mystery series set in Verbena, CA and featuring funeral parlor assistant, Desiree Turner. Still not completely over losing her reporting job over a viral misstep and having to move back home, Desiree is making the best of working part time for the local newspaper and helping out in her family's funeral home.
With her sister Donna on bed rest due to a difficult pregnancy, Desiree finds herself having to work more in the funeral home. During the services for Frank Fiore, she overhears a suspicious conversation between his two daughters, Daisy and Iris. The sisters take offense when Desiree questions them and soon begin telling everyone that Desiree had accused them of killing their father resulting in a rash of cancellations at Turner's.
Determined to ease her family concerns regarding her rash behavior, Desiree is tasked with handling the arrangements for Violet Dougherty, a local woman killed in a single car accident. Having been on scene of the accident for her newspaper job, Desiree thinks something is not quite right about the woman's death. She begs boyfriend Nate Johar, the M.E. to look closely at Violet's body and he quickly confirms her suspicions that Violet's death was no accident.
With Violet's only living relative on the other side of the country, Desiree is asked to handle all the arrangements including finding a home for Violet's dog Orion and putting her house on the market. While going through the woman's belongings Desiree discovers a cache of pictures that indicate Violet is blackmailing and holding secrets over a lot of people's heads. Her investigative reporting instincts kicking in, she sets out to find a killer and save the Turner reputation.
A fast paced plot with plenty of suspects. A quirky cast of characters and an adorable pup that will have you chuckling out loud. A secondary plot that continues from book one in the series intertwines with the death of Violet and the author ends with another cliffhanger regarding the disappearance of Desiree's father.
With her sister Donna on bed rest due to a difficult pregnancy, Desiree finds herself having to work more in the funeral home. During the services for Frank Fiore, she overhears a suspicious conversation between his two daughters, Daisy and Iris. The sisters take offense when Desiree questions them and soon begin telling everyone that Desiree had accused them of killing their father resulting in a rash of cancellations at Turner's.
Determined to ease her family concerns regarding her rash behavior, Desiree is tasked with handling the arrangements for Violet Dougherty, a local woman killed in a single car accident. Having been on scene of the accident for her newspaper job, Desiree thinks something is not quite right about the woman's death. She begs boyfriend Nate Johar, the M.E. to look closely at Violet's body and he quickly confirms her suspicions that Violet's death was no accident.
With Violet's only living relative on the other side of the country, Desiree is asked to handle all the arrangements including finding a home for Violet's dog Orion and putting her house on the market. While going through the woman's belongings Desiree discovers a cache of pictures that indicate Violet is blackmailing and holding secrets over a lot of people's heads. Her investigative reporting instincts kicking in, she sets out to find a killer and save the Turner reputation.
A fast paced plot with plenty of suspects. A quirky cast of characters and an adorable pup that will have you chuckling out loud. A secondary plot that continues from book one in the series intertwines with the death of Violet and the author ends with another cliffhanger regarding the disappearance of Desiree's father.
