Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Mary Feliz's second Maggie McDonald mystery is one that will keep you guessing, even though it's saddled with the ubiquitous vile-tempered, dumb cop. (Luckily, he's shuffled off to the shadows rather quickly.) I'm still very impressed with Maggie. She's calm under fire, she's caring, smart, and level-headed. In other words, she's a "Mom," and the best kind of mother there is.
The author has created a first-rate cast of characters, so much so that-- although I enjoyed getting to know more about Maggie's husband Max-- I missed the interactions with her sons and her best friend. I know everyone in the cast can't be in the spotlight all the time, but these characters are so good that I just get greedy.
Scheduled to Death may have a good mystery, a very good car chase scene, and a fine cast of characters, but Feliz also takes the time to deal sensitively with other issues like homeless children and the world of academia. These topics are woven into the story to give it even more depth and texture.
If you're on the lookout for a good cozy mystery series to read, you know what I'm going to say. Give Mary Feliz's Maggie McDonald series a try with the first book, Address to Die For before you move on to this one. I think you'll enjoy the characters as much as I do.
The author has created a first-rate cast of characters, so much so that-- although I enjoyed getting to know more about Maggie's husband Max-- I missed the interactions with her sons and her best friend. I know everyone in the cast can't be in the spotlight all the time, but these characters are so good that I just get greedy.
Scheduled to Death may have a good mystery, a very good car chase scene, and a fine cast of characters, but Feliz also takes the time to deal sensitively with other issues like homeless children and the world of academia. These topics are woven into the story to give it even more depth and texture.
If you're on the lookout for a good cozy mystery series to read, you know what I'm going to say. Give Mary Feliz's Maggie McDonald series a try with the first book, Address to Die For before you move on to this one. I think you'll enjoy the characters as much as I do.
Amanda (RockStarGirl) reviewed Scheduled to Death (Maggie McDonald, Bk 2) on + 329 more book reviews
This is the second book in the Maggie McDonald Mystery series. Maggie is a professional organizer, wife, and mother to two teenage sons. She also spends a lot of time volunteering in her community of Orchard View. Her newest client, Lincoln "Linc" Sinclair is a scatterbrained, Nobel-nominated scientist who is engaged to the local librarian. Maggie has been hired to help get his house in order before the wedding and unfortunately finds the body of Sarah, his fiance, in the basement, a victim of electrocution. The detective in charge doesn't think it's anything more than an accident, but it doesn't take long for it to become apparent that someone wants Linc gone and will hurt anyone that gets in the way. The question is, who, and why? When the detective won't help, Maggie decides to figure it out herself. The mystery was pretty solid with a complex cast of characters and plenty of suspects. The resolutions came a little too quickly and a little too easily, but if you enjoy a good cozy mystery with likable characters, this is a nice choice.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Scheduled to Death by Mary Feliz is the second book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series. Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer. After recently moving to Orchard View with her husband and two kids, Maggie started Simplicity Itself Organizing Services. Her latest client is the very absentminded Professor Lincoln Sinclair, who is marrying local school librarian, Sarah Palmer. Maggie has an early appointment with Linc to finish the decluttering process. Tess Olmos, Linc's realtor, has tagged along to check the progress Maggie has made. Tess is using Linc's home for her annual holiday home showcase. Linc arrives late after working all night in his university laboratory on a new idea. They head upstairs to look at Linc's workroom which is the last room to be completed in the house. The three of them head upstairs and are shocked to find Sarah on the floor. She is laying in a pool of water with her hand clutching a frayed electrical cord. They contact 911 and await the police. Unfortunately, Detective Jason Mueller is out of commission with a broken leg, and Acting Detective Lt. Gordon Apfel is in charge of the investigation. The detective is quick to point the finger at Linc (he is not known for his work ethic or intelligence). Maggie will not let this man railroad the professor. Join Maggie in her search for Sarah's killer in Scheduled to Death.
Scheduled to Death is easy to read and can easily be a stand-alone book. The author provides the needed background information on the main characters and a summary of what happened in Address to Die For. The mystery was intriguing, but most readers will be able to identify the culprit long before the reveal. I give Scheduled to Death 3.5 out of 5 stars. I have to admit that I did not enjoy Scheduled to Death as much as Address to Die For (first book in series). I was not fond of the addition of Acting Detective Lt. Gordon Apfel. I found him to be rude and inept as well as distracting to the storyline. Maggie was a little manic in this book. She was constantly running around doing tasks, helping others, or making meals (she was always over scheduling herself). I believe that A Maggie McDonald Mystery series has potential. With a little tweaking, it can be a very good cozy mystery series.
Scheduled to Death is easy to read and can easily be a stand-alone book. The author provides the needed background information on the main characters and a summary of what happened in Address to Die For. The mystery was intriguing, but most readers will be able to identify the culprit long before the reveal. I give Scheduled to Death 3.5 out of 5 stars. I have to admit that I did not enjoy Scheduled to Death as much as Address to Die For (first book in series). I was not fond of the addition of Acting Detective Lt. Gordon Apfel. I found him to be rude and inept as well as distracting to the storyline. Maggie was a little manic in this book. She was constantly running around doing tasks, helping others, or making meals (she was always over scheduling herself). I believe that A Maggie McDonald Mystery series has potential. With a little tweaking, it can be a very good cozy mystery series.
