Viola Roberts is at it again! The sleepy seaside town of Astoria, Oregon is the last place you’d expect to find a dead body. That is until the director of the local museum turns up dead in the study and Viola’s friend, Portia, is accused of the crime. Viola ignores her looming deadline and bout of writer’s block and sets out with her best friend, Cheryl, to solve the murder. From starting riots … the murder. From starting riots at local dive bars to breaking into crime scenes, Viola will stop at nothing to prove Portia innocent even if it means putting herself in the crosshairs of the killer.
The Stiff in the Study is book two of the Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries, a fun, feel-good, bookish cozy mystery series.
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THE STIFF IN THE STUDY is the second book in the Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery series. Though each will stand alone, I highly recommend reading them all and in the order of release. There is mention of the previous case, but not in a way that you would need that information to solve this one.
I loved this cozy mystery. I loved the camaraderie of friendships. I loved the way the stories the characters were creating were woven through the story we were reading.
I loved that Viola’s main squeeze, Lucas Salvatore, is still on the scene and cares for her very much. Their relationship is slowly building and is sweet. Though she seems to have an eye that is attracted to the men in blue. Of course, she’s just looking and there’s nothing wrong with admiring beautiful art.
Again, I hope this book is early in Ms. MacLeod’s career. Your readers (listeners) remember when you’ve already mentioned something and then repeat it – or refute it. (view spoiler) It doesn’t destroy the mystery in this case, but it does give me, as a reader, that “hey, wait a minute” pause that takes me out of the story.
The only other point that tweaked me was the over-feminism. When the detectives arrived on scene for the murder and the first three to show up were all male the question was posed “aren’t there any female cops in Astoria?” In return, I ask, “does every team have to have a female (or a male, or a ____. )?” Get over your political correctness to the point of absurdity.
Bottom line. I love cozies. This series is beautifully written so far and I would love to continue reading them…. Oh look, I have another one! (I only wish I had them all) See you soon.
Narration: Yvette Keller continues to be an entertaining narrator. She will definitely be on my list of ‘must listen to what she’s reading’ narrators.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: THE STIFF IN THE STUDY
Series: Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery #2
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Shéa MacLeod (as an Audible gifted copy)
This is a great series! I really enjoyed the first book and this second one was equally good. The characters are great. Viola can get herself into anything, including caught up in a murder case. I love her friends also who complement her so well. The fun antics and commentary of Viola’s escapades made me laugh. The story was well written. And the narration by Yvette Keller was done well and was a great expression of the humorous tone of the story.
4 star Review The Stiff In The Study (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries, Book 2) by Shea MacLeod
AUDIO REVIEW
Both the author Shea MacLeod and narrator Yvette Keller are relatively new to me. The Stiff In The Study is a cozy mystery and one that I found entertaining. The narration was easy to listen too and she certainly bought the characters to life.
Viola Roberts, a successful writer is back investigating another murder. When her friend Portia is accused of murdering the director of the local museum in Astoria, Oregon, Viola knows she cannot sit quietly by. So it’s up to Viola and Cheryl to investigate and solve the case.
This was a book filled with secrets, suspense, mystery and danger and I was kept on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story. There were twists, turns and surprises as Viola and Cheryl follow the clues.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Viola’s back. She brings her nose of the truth and protecting her friends. This too was another quick mystery that almost get Ms. Roberts killed, yet again. I still feel like Yvetter Keller does a fab job with the narration. She has it in the bag. Her voice matches the cozy mystery vibe. The story gives you a glimpse at Viola her writing or lack of writing her new book, her boyfriend or not, her friends, her life at home, the detectives without a clue, and much more.
An absolutely great mystery. Never a dull moment! Lucas and Viola only got to meet a couple times so the romance was almost non-existent and the story concentrated completely on the mystery. A great cast of suspects and lots of twists and turns. Another highly recommended read.