The first things that come to mind when considering how to sum up this book are clever and imaginative. I read a lot of cozy mysteries and this one was definitely unique. An author is approached by a man who has the same name as the lead character in her mystery series, the same occupation, and has no memories prior to when she started writing her books. Not only that, he says he needs her help to solve a crime, one that hits close to home. It isn't long before we are caught up in mysteries inside of mysteries, one enigma after another. There's humor, suspense, and a lot of situations that had my mind spinning. Can't wait for the follow-up!
Jody M. (jodymcgrath) -
This book is the first in a new series by E. J. Copperman, author of the Haunted Guesthouse series.
Rachel Goldman is a mystery novelist, who writes about a consultant for the prosecutor's office named Dusty Madison. When she starts getting phone calls and then approached by a man named Dusty Madison, who works as a consultant for the prosecutor's office, she dismisses him as a nut job. But when his strange story checks out and she finds out that there is a killer on the loose targeting mystery writers, she agrees to help Dusty with his investigation. The question is, has she she just agreed to help a serial killer?
I have read a lot of cozy mysteries. I mean a lot. This book was so very unique with its plot. Is Dusty who he claims to be, or is he imitating a character from her book? And how does his background check out? The other part of the plot with the serial killer was clever, and had me guessing between two people on and off. Rachel is a very likable character and is so clever and funny. I love how she talks about mystery novels in a mystery novel. It isn't exactly breaking the 4th wall, but more of poking fun out of overused clichés in the trope.
Dusty is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He doesn't just solve crimes, he makes a production out of it. He thinks everything should be a lesson and hints around at things he has figured out to get Rachel (and the reader) to follow his train of thought and arrive at the correct conclusion.while he is stiff and doesn't necessarily grasp normal social manners, he is very likable. This type of stand-offish character, like Sherlock Holmes, is quite popular right now, and Dusty does a great job in the role.
For anyone who has enjoyed E. J. Copperman's other works, or anyone who enjoys a funny cozy mystery, I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for the 2nd one to come out.
Rachel Goldman is a mystery novelist, who writes about a consultant for the prosecutor's office named Dusty Madison. When she starts getting phone calls and then approached by a man named Dusty Madison, who works as a consultant for the prosecutor's office, she dismisses him as a nut job. But when his strange story checks out and she finds out that there is a killer on the loose targeting mystery writers, she agrees to help Dusty with his investigation. The question is, has she she just agreed to help a serial killer?
I have read a lot of cozy mysteries. I mean a lot. This book was so very unique with its plot. Is Dusty who he claims to be, or is he imitating a character from her book? And how does his background check out? The other part of the plot with the serial killer was clever, and had me guessing between two people on and off. Rachel is a very likable character and is so clever and funny. I love how she talks about mystery novels in a mystery novel. It isn't exactly breaking the 4th wall, but more of poking fun out of overused clichés in the trope.
Dusty is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He doesn't just solve crimes, he makes a production out of it. He thinks everything should be a lesson and hints around at things he has figured out to get Rachel (and the reader) to follow his train of thought and arrive at the correct conclusion.while he is stiff and doesn't necessarily grasp normal social manners, he is very likable. This type of stand-offish character, like Sherlock Holmes, is quite popular right now, and Dusty does a great job in the role.
For anyone who has enjoyed E. J. Copperman's other works, or anyone who enjoys a funny cozy mystery, I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for the 2nd one to come out.
Carol S. (waucondacarol) reviewed Written Off (Mysterious Detective, Bk 1) on + 319 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. Funny, a murder mystery, and engaging characters. So as a crime novelist what would you do if a man turned up and said he came into being because you invented him in your books and he had the same name and same career as your series' main character?
Heather F. (AZmom875) -
You can read the small blurbs about the plot, right here on this page.
This book is brilliant and fun and fast paced. When you realize that the author EK Copperman, aka as Jeff Cohen, names his main character Rachel Goldman, who just happens to write mystery novels, you can see so much of the NEW JERSEY author in the main Character. Duffy is a super guy, the one who shows up in real life and asks Rachel to help him solve a series of murder of Mystery writers.
The whole book is just brilliant and fun. BTW, I did strongly suspect the murderer the very first time That person was introduced. I am glad I was right.
This book is brilliant and fun and fast paced. When you realize that the author EK Copperman, aka as Jeff Cohen, names his main character Rachel Goldman, who just happens to write mystery novels, you can see so much of the NEW JERSEY author in the main Character. Duffy is a super guy, the one who shows up in real life and asks Rachel to help him solve a series of murder of Mystery writers.
The whole book is just brilliant and fun. BTW, I did strongly suspect the murderer the very first time That person was introduced. I am glad I was right.
