Helpful Score: 4
I read some really great reviews on Amazon that lead me to believe that this might be the best cozy mystery written in a long time. Either this book was just not for me, or it was not a good book. I am not sure which is really more accurate. Let me explain and you decide if you want to read this.
The Author: Chrystle Fiedler before she started this fiction series, wrote books like the completes idiots guide to natural medicine, plus a few about beating sugar addiction. So sometimes the text seemed like a false and fabricated place to add some info about herbal remedies. Way too often, the main character was giving medical advise to new strangers, which she was investigating her aunts murder. Often just unsolicited advice based on her observation of of a total stranger's ailments; Diagnosing thyroid, and giving advice for RA relief. Other times we get a long list of the range free, organic breakfasts our heroine is eating. Or we would get info on how the ocean had ions that helped your brain. Add to that, each chapter had a question to the DR and the naturopath solution to things like high blood pressure, depression, or diabetes.
I also think the PERIL in this story was so excessive, break ins, several assaults, 2 thefts, fires, tires slashed, being run off the road, bricks through windows, and being shot (which was long before the climax), and until one person gets shot the police are not being cooperative. So of course Willow will have to solve the mystery herself. And does the stupid thing the stupid heroine does at the end, almost gets killed because they are going to gather the evidence and turn it over to the police. Like that evidence will now be admissible in court.
I think this book might appeal to cozy mystery lovers who also have more knowledge of alternative remedies. There are plenty of suspects, and plenty of bad guys.
I was mildly annoyed by the quick rap up with Her mother, sister, and ex boyfriend.
The Author: Chrystle Fiedler before she started this fiction series, wrote books like the completes idiots guide to natural medicine, plus a few about beating sugar addiction. So sometimes the text seemed like a false and fabricated place to add some info about herbal remedies. Way too often, the main character was giving medical advise to new strangers, which she was investigating her aunts murder. Often just unsolicited advice based on her observation of of a total stranger's ailments; Diagnosing thyroid, and giving advice for RA relief. Other times we get a long list of the range free, organic breakfasts our heroine is eating. Or we would get info on how the ocean had ions that helped your brain. Add to that, each chapter had a question to the DR and the naturopath solution to things like high blood pressure, depression, or diabetes.
I also think the PERIL in this story was so excessive, break ins, several assaults, 2 thefts, fires, tires slashed, being run off the road, bricks through windows, and being shot (which was long before the climax), and until one person gets shot the police are not being cooperative. So of course Willow will have to solve the mystery herself. And does the stupid thing the stupid heroine does at the end, almost gets killed because they are going to gather the evidence and turn it over to the police. Like that evidence will now be admissible in court.
I think this book might appeal to cozy mystery lovers who also have more knowledge of alternative remedies. There are plenty of suspects, and plenty of bad guys.
I was mildly annoyed by the quick rap up with Her mother, sister, and ex boyfriend.
I gave this a 2.5 because the protagonist was just so annoying with her constant pushing of natural remedies. The author should have decided whether this was going to be a mystery or a tutorial.
Yes, I know that the premise of the book is that she's an ND and involved in selling natural products. But she can't have a simple conversation with anyone (not just her customers) without going into a two paragraph explanation of what a certain group of products would do for them. And how the chemical/physical reaction works. And what the peer reviewed studies said about the product.
When she has a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, she tells the reader all about the benefits of oatmeal. When she takes a breath of sea air, we learn all about negative ions. This is all in addition to the tips in the chapter openers from her "Ask Dr. McQuade" column.
The constant and lengthy diversions into natural medicine were like pasting paper over holes in the plot, and I considered giving up on this book several times. And I *like* natural remedies. I only kept reading because I already had the next book in the series.
The good news is that the sequel seems to have corrected most of this (so far). She still gets a little preachy, but she's really dialed it back, so you get more plot and character development.
Yes, I know that the premise of the book is that she's an ND and involved in selling natural products. But she can't have a simple conversation with anyone (not just her customers) without going into a two paragraph explanation of what a certain group of products would do for them. And how the chemical/physical reaction works. And what the peer reviewed studies said about the product.
When she has a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, she tells the reader all about the benefits of oatmeal. When she takes a breath of sea air, we learn all about negative ions. This is all in addition to the tips in the chapter openers from her "Ask Dr. McQuade" column.
The constant and lengthy diversions into natural medicine were like pasting paper over holes in the plot, and I considered giving up on this book several times. And I *like* natural remedies. I only kept reading because I already had the next book in the series.
The good news is that the sequel seems to have corrected most of this (so far). She still gets a little preachy, but she's really dialed it back, so you get more plot and character development.
Helpful Score: 2
Willow McQuade ND returns to Long Island's North Fork for rest and some solitude, but finds herself a main suspect in her Aunt's murder....but now she is being targeted ....a fire, bricks thru her window, and being run off the road....she seeks the help of a hunky ex cop to find the killer and her tormentors...plus she has a shop to run, but she is involved in legal troubles with her aunt's will to boot... .there are lots of suspects, interesting characters and many natural healing suggestions .....I am looking forward to the next in the series, not only because I live on Long Island's North Shore and can relate to the geography, but because I really liked this book.....
Helpful Score: 1
A good introduction to the series. Willow McQuade,ND comes home to relax and ends up becoming the onwer of a natural food store when her aunt is murdered. Lots of information about natural remedies.
This book is mediocre at best. The main character was to preachy and the author's style of writing wasn't very captivating.
Not my favorite cozy; this story was hard for me to follow. I've finished it and still confused. I did enjoy the natural remedy notes at the beginning of each chapter.
