She said yes! And now, she’s dead.
Reporter Ali Loukas has her sights set on advancing from radio newscaster to TV correspondent, so when Senator Maxwell’s supermodel fiancee turns up dead, she seizes the opportunity to solve the murder, scoop her competitors, and move up the broadcasting ladder. But gaining access to evidence and witnesses without stepping on the toes of family friend Detective … gaining access to evidence and witnesses without stepping on the toes of family friend Detective Ryan McGuire could be tricky.
Despite a knife wedged in her front door and opposition from the police, Ali is determined to prove that she can find the answers, solve the crime and earn the dream job…if she can stay alive to make it all happen.
If you like your mysteries fast-paced and fun to read, you’ll love Wed Before Dead. Grab it today to get hooked on this new twisty mystery series!
Content Notes: PG equivalent – No swearing, sex or graphic violence
This book was formerly titled Previous Engagements.
Other books by April Anderton
Rage on the Stage – A Press Pass Mystery – Book Two
Coconut Crush – A Press Pass Mystery – Book Three
Murder Past Midnight – A Press Pass Mystery – Book Four
Bag of Bones At the Lakeside Mall – A Young Adult Mystery
more
Set in the mid 1990s, this is a delightful trip into my pre-kids/marriage youth, with references to some of my favorite music and other pop culture from that time. Ali Loukas moves to Boston as a cub reporter for a radio station, her sights set on working in TV some day, following in the footsteps of her idol. When she dives into the murder of a prominent citizen, she gets to meet her idol, only to discover she’s the exact opposite of what Ali imagined. As a viscous rivalry develops between the two, Ali is determined to solve the mystery first. Her sleuthing sends her directly into the path of dreamy Detective Ryan McGuire, the son of her mother’s best friend, making things doubly complicated, and then triply so when Ali discovers Ryan might just have reciprocal feelings for her. But before long, Ali somehow asks the wrong person the wrong question, putting her directly in the crosshairs.
Plot
The primary focus is the mystery – who killed Senator Maxwell’s fiancee. But there are a couple of solid subplots involving Ali’s career and her budding romance with Detective McGuire. The mystery is well done, with several twists and a culprit, who I did suspect from time-to-time, I never really latched onto as the one. The author expertly foreshadows everything, though, so the big reveal feels inevitable. Because the story takes place more than twenty years ago, there are some fun things the author takes advantage of, including the fact that smart phones weren’t a thing and the internet was still dial-up for a lot of the population.
Characters
The characters were awesome. Ali is instantly likable as a determined reporter, who is maybe a bit naive, but tenacious enough to overcome it. Ryan is swoon-worthy as her foil and potential love interest, and the moms are the absolute best, driving some of the funniest moments in the book.
Top things I Enjoyed About PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
1. Ali. She’s funny, smart, and will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
2. Ryan. He’s all about the rules. At least until he meets Ali.
3. The 1990s. Showing my age here, but the 90s were my favorite decade from the music, to movies, and TV shows. The pop cultural references were a blast from my past.
4. The Mystery. It was well done and kept me guessing.
5. Humor. A lightheartedness to the story kept it from getting too dark and had me laughing throughout.
Bottom Line
A fun cozy mystery with a nostalgic edge and a lighthearted romance.
Senator Morgan is dead and Ali Loukas was one of the last people to see him alive. She is a freelance reporter looking for a story. Now as a suspect, well she might get more than she bargained for. Unfortunately she is being given grief by Detective Ryan McGuire, a family friend and a high school crush. As a suspect, Ali needs to find out what happened without stepping too hard on the detective’s shoes.
This the first book in a romantic cozy mystery series. The characters are well defined and full of personality complete with strengths and foibles. The narrative is great, setting the scene and further developing the characters. The storyline is well written and flows along smoothly. It is full of surprises, wonderful clues, romantic overtures, danger and suspense. In enjoyed the complexity of the mystery. The dialogue was witty and well done. I look forward to reading more in this interesting new cozy mystery series.
Ali made the move from Washington DC to Boston to do a late night radio broadcast. It seemed like good news to her when tv channel 7 news bought the radio station- all jobs post internally first, so maybe one day she will finally get a chance at tv.
Of course a nasty Eliza does what she can to ruin any chance Ali might have. On the up side, dinner with a college friend of her mom introduces her to the two McGuire homicide detectives- the elder retired, Jack the younger very recently promoted, around the same age as Ali, with an Italian mama to match her own Greek mom. Mmmmm tasty homemade food! Ok, the hot detective sounds not so bad too!
The adventures in Boston are only beginning for Ali!