Between a kidnapping, a double booking, and a crew of hapless volunteers, Charlee worries the writing conference will go to the dogs. Mystery author Charlee Russo agrees to speak at a Portland writers’ conference organized by her friend Viv Lundquist. When Viv picks her up at the airport, she frantically tells Charlee that her daughter Hanna has been kidnapped. Charlee takes over the conference … the conference preparation so Viv can search for her daughter, but the situation gets tense when the hotel double-books the event with a dog show. Despite this, Charlee is compelled to investigate after she learns shocking secrets about both Hanna and Viv. Can she find Hanna in time, or will a plot twist lead her to a ruff ending?
Praise:
“This humorous cozy boasts an engaging sleuth, well-drawn secondary characters and numerous plot twists.”–Booklist
“So good I wanted to read it twice! It has everything I love in a funny mystery: characters I care about, a plot that grabs me from page one, voice, and laughs galore. Clear your day, because this laugh-out-loud comic caper mystery is a one-sitting read!”–Jess Lourey, Anthony, Agatha, and Lefty-nominated author of the Mira James Mysteries
“Clark is the queen of the subtle misdirect and the casually dropped clue. I gave myself a resounding ‘I could have had a V-8’ head slap when I reached the end and realized she’d given me everything I needed to solve the mystery without me ever knowing it!”–Kristi Abbott, author of the Popcorn Shop Mysteries
“The backdrop for Clark’s witty, engaging mystery is a writers’ conference where everything that can go wrong does so, in a hilarious way. You’ll both sympathize and laugh along with heroine Charlemagne ‘Charlee’ Russo as she balances saving the conference from total disaster with the dangerous task of rescuing the kidnapped daughter of a close friend.”–Ellen Byron, Lefty-nominated author of the Cajun Country Mysteries
“Another winning entry in this wonderful series, Foul Play on Wordsis a clever, compelling mystery. The intriguing plot will pull you in immediately, and the engaging sleuth with quips at the ready will keep you laughing all the way through. A must-read for fans of humorous cozies!”–Cynthia Kuhn, author of the Agatha Award-winning Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries
“Foul Play on Wordsis irresistible. A perfect combination of comedy and suspense. Mystery writer Charlee Russo narrows down a long list of oddball suspects at the wildest writer’s conference of all time. Every word funnier than the word before. A must read.”–Gretchen Archer, bestselling author of the Davis Way Crime Capers
“Foul Play on Wordsis hilariously quirky with a side of neurosis. The misadventures of being a mystery writer were never so much fun.”–Libby Klein, author of the Poppy McAllister Mystery Series
“Becky Clark is a talent to watch! Foul Play on Wordsis funny, quirky, and has everything cozy readers love: heart, humor, and mayhem!”–Diana Orgain, USA Todaybestselling author of the Maternal Instincts Mysteries
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“Foul Play on Words” is book two in Becky Clark’s “Mystery Writer’s Mystery” series. The main character Charlemagne “Charlie” Russo continues from the first book, “Fiction Can Be Murder,” but new readers can jump right in without any problem. Characters are briefly introduced, and previous relationships fold easily into current scenario. It begins just three short weeks after the events in book one, and readers find Charlie Russo waiting at the airport.
This is Charlie’s story; it is her narrative, filled with insecurities, fears, coping strategies, triumphs, and tragedies. In the continuing first person narrative, she talks directly to readers and shares her apprehensive about the upcoming writing event. “I love Portland. But I’m here to speak at a writers’ conference, and I’m nervous. I’ve been on panels before, and taught workshops, but my friend Viv, who’s the organizer, wants me to give the keynote speech at the banquet on Saturday.” She also gives readers an immediate feel for what is to come. “What kind of people know people who get kidnapped? I guess I would have said the same thing about murders three weeks ago.”
Colorful and dramatic characters make their presence known, and as a mystery writer, Russo sees drama and mystery everywhere including drugs, kidnapping, and assorted potential crimes, not to mention the dogs. She shares her coping strategies. “I took a deep, cleansing breath like my yoga instructor taught. I held it for the count of five, then released for the count of five.” At any big conference, there is bound to be some sort of a problem, but unfortunately, Russo finds that at this conference one unfortunate thing leads to another and trauma piles on top of trauma.
Readers listen in as she argues with herself and rationalizes her decisions; “It has been well-documented that my sleuthing skills only worked in fiction, not real life.” She analyses the people she meets; “Clearly, this boy knew who had money and who didn’t, but I was grateful for his help and chose to ignore his, I’m sure, unintended insult.” She solicits advice from friends and relatives; “All you can do is get some evidence of foul play.”
This is an entertaining book to read. There is plenty of trauma and drama for the characters, but none for readers. After all, where else but a writers’ conference would someone write a haiku about a kidnapping? I received a review copy of “Foul Play on Words” from Becky Clark, and Midnight Ink
The author’s wit and humor shines through in this book. The story is fast paced and fun. A renegade dog agility tournament provides lots of side-entertainment to the mystery itself. An entertaining book!
https://cozyexperience.com/foul-play-on-words-book-review/
Mystery author Charlee Russo agrees to speak at a Portland writers’ conference organized by her friend Viv Lundquist. When Viv picks her up at the airport, she frantically tells Charlee that her daughter Hanna has been kidnapped.
Charlee takes over the conference preparation so Viv can search for her daughter, but the situation gets tense when the hotel double-books the event with a dog show. Despite this, Charlee is compelled to investigate after she learns shocking secrets about both Hanna and Viv. Can she find Hanna in time, or will a plot twist lead her to a ruff ending?
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Series: A Mystery Writer’s Mystery – Book 2
Author: Becky Clark
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Writer-Author
Publisher: Midnight Ink
From Midnight Ink comes Becky Clark’s second book in the “A Mystery Writer’s Mystery” series, Foul Play on Words. This is a fun, humorous story detailing the adventures of a mystery writer who keeps getting involved in criminal investigations.
Charlee isn’t the average mystery writer, she has a wacky sense of humor, is a bit paranoid and quite often her imagination gets carried away. She is likable yet comes off as slightly dim and not overly creative. Charlee doesn’t trust easily; past experiences have made her somewhat suspicious of everyone’s motives. There are times when she should be cautious but isn’t.
Other characters in this story do not play a big enough role to know what they are like. There is little to no description of who they are or what their past relationship with Charlee entails. Other than Viv, who doesn’t appear to be a very good friend or a trustful one. Although there is mention of Charlee’s BF he only makes an appearance during telephone calls, and the reader learns nothing about who he is or his and Charlee’s story.
The villain was immediately recognizable. Although the motive is made plain it comes off as petty and childish. Many readers will enjoy the subtle clues and the final unveiling, with a happy ending. The dog show that is going on at the same time as the writer’s conference adds humor to an otherwise normal setting. Happily, no dogs were injured in this story and one special pup helps save the day.
I would like to have more depth to the characters and a lot more information on Charlee’s background. As this is only the second book in a series, characters are still being developed. It is hoped that in the next book, Charlee becomes more substantial with her BF and other characters playing bigger roles. The setting could have been great but was not an intricate part of the plot.
Overall Foul Play on Words is a fast read that has moments of humor and can leave readers scratching their heads. If readers want a book they can read quickly with little brain strain, this is a book worth the time.
Foul Play on Words is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more! Charlee Russo, a mystery writer, has agreed to help her friend out by speaking at a writer’s conference. When her friend Viv picks her up she tells Charlee that her daughter has been kidnapped and that she, Viv, would have to take over all the conference preparations. To make matters worse the hotel has double booked a dog show and the writer’s conference. When things don’t add up Charlee does some investigating on her own. Where is Hanna? Was she really kidnapped? You won’t want to stop reading! I love all the well written characters and the mystery was great! I happily recommend this book!
Charlee Russo, arrives in Portland Oregon, as a guest speaker at Portland’s Writers Conference, requested by her good friend Viv. When Viv picks her up at the airport, Charlee, realized this was not the conference she signed up for. As Charlee takes over the preparations for the conference, she finds herself thrown in, head-first, into chaos. Upon arrival, Charlee finds the hotel overbooked between the writer’s conference and a dog club. Things were bad enough with all the challenges, and Charlee thought they couldn’t get worse! Then, Viv adds finding Hanna, her daughter, to Charlee’s list. Trying to figure out if Hanna has taken off on her own, or if she was truly kidnapped, Charlee is in a race against time in order to save the conference, and possibly Hanna too!
This is the second book in the series, sadly I missed the first. I had no trouble following along as Ms. Clark added enough information to the background story. I found Charlee to be humorous as well as resourceful. Her people skills were quite helpful in dealing with those involved with the conference, as well as the catering staff, and dog club participants. The plot interesting, the characters engaging. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series. I received this complimentary copy from @NetGalley, and @Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review.