Isobel Avery’s first six months as an undercover poison taster haven’t exactly been easy. But this week will be worse.Two people with nothing in common are found dead. Apparently poisoned by an artificial intelligence security system. Now Izzy needs to find out whether robots are taking over the world or if there’s a geeky murderer on the loose.Oh, and she also needs to juggle the demands of her … the demands of her personal life—playing along with Etta’s latest deception, rehoming a mysteriously acquired stray dog, cheering up her mopey housemate, and helping Harper cut ties with her worst boyfriend yet.
But Izzy’s biggest challenge of all will be helping Connor face the demons of his past. And if she can’t do it, she might lose him forever.
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Duty and the Beast is the fifth book in the entertaining Eat, Pray, Die humorous mystery series by Chelsea Field. Isobel ‘Izzy’ Avery and her romantic partner Connor are planning a trip to Australia. But just two weeks before the trip Izzy’s new client along with a computer geek are murdered by a robot shooting poison darts. At the same time, Izzy and Connor go their separate ways. Izzy wants to be part of the murder investigation which means she’ll have to work with Connor. Another Chelsea Field page-turner.
Wow! I just closed this book (okay, I put my Kindle down – same thing) and wish I could forward time to the next in this series.
Connor and Izzy decided on a trip to Australia in the last book, but before the couple can pack their bags and board the plane their relationship hits a rough patch. When her new client is murdered (in a very techy, original way!) Isobel and Connor must work together to solve the case.
I was very pleasantly surprised with this installment; it might be the best yet. I especially enjoyed the chapters from Connor’s POV. Connor is always such a (stoic) mystery and in this book we get a real glimpse of his past and into his heart. Loved that! My romantic heart got served extra whipped cream.
Quote:
‘I was going to have to try talking and shit. Why did the strong, silent type have to go out of fashion anyway? I cursed the sensitive new age movement that changed women’s expectations. Dragging her back to my cave would’ve been a lot easier. And now I was envious of dogs and Neanderthals.’
The secondary characters are what give extra spice to a series. Etta is my favorite and ofcourse the sexy Levi.
I hope we will get more Connor POV in the next. Bring it on. I love Australia (even when I have never been, but hey! I was a Flying Doctors-fan 🙂 )
(2017)
This is a great series of books. They are fun and entertaining. Highly recommend.
Fun enjoyable series and read, hope we get another book, love Connor and Izzy!
If you’re looking for a healthy escape from the winter blues, you’ve come to the right place. Chelsea Field’s latest book is better than 2 dozen of Izzy’s homemade, chocolate chip and salted-caramel cookies. And I Love cookies.
The main mystery involves a double-homicide by poisoning, and Izzy needs to discover which person was the intended target in order to find the killer. The murders are committed when someone re-programs a ‘security’ robot to shoot poisoned darts at the homeowner and his guest. It’s not as far-fetched as that statement sounds. It’s another poisoning case, but this time the murderer uses technology as well.
Personally, I find the main character can make or break a book. Luckily, Isobel (Izzy) makes me love this book. She’s kind, humorous, persistent, and smart, making her easy to like. Izzy’s advancing her self-defense skills, and I’d call her the ‘self-rescuing princess’ type in general. But she does see the benefit of using the team to force the killer’s hand.
In addition to the murder investigation, Connor and Isobel must deal with their relationship being upended. Can they resolve his major concern? This challenge is weaved throughout the novel.
For current fans, you’ll enjoy seeing Connor’s perspective on their relationship. He gets a few pages of his own thoughts every 4-5 chapters. These insights help us understand Connor better. Furthermore, it’s heartwarming to see him fostering a dog. You’ll discover the dog’s unique reaction to Connor’s classical music.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, although you will enjoy the characters better if you’ve read the series. Some of the amusing characters include Mae and Etta, who are scheming together to ‘help’ the main couple’s relationship. Harper also has a dilemma, and asks Izzy to keep it a secret from Connor.
Finally, having two murders, and not knowing who was the target, really added to the plot. It’s much harder to figure out the villain(s) this way.
–So if you like a suspenseful, funny and thoughtful book, I fully recommend Izzy’s latest adventure. It’s probably my favorite in the series.