A shoe-in read for fans of Ellery Adams and Kate Carlisle, On Borrowed Crime is the first in Kate Young’s new Georgia-set, sweet tea filled, Jane Doe Book Club mysteries.The Jane Doe book club enjoys guessing whodunit, but when murder happens in their midst, they discover solving crimes isn’t fun and games… Lyla Moody loves her sleepy little town of Sweet Mountain, Georgia. She likes her job as … Mountain, Georgia. She likes her job as receptionist for her uncle’s private investigative firm, her fellow true crime obsessed Jane Doe members are the friends she’s always wanted, and her parents just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. But recently, with her best friend Melanie on vacation, and her ex-boyfriend and horrible cousin becoming an item and moving in next door to her, her idyllic life is on the fritz. The cherry on top of it all is finding Carol, a member of the club, dead and shoved into a suitcase, left at Lyla’s front door.
Unusual circumstances notwithstanding, with Carol’s heart condition, the coroner rules Carol’s death undetermined. But when they discover the suitcase belongs to Melanie, who had returned from her vacation the following morning, Sweet Mountain police begin to suspect Lyla’s best friend. Determined that police are following the wrong trail, to clear her friend’s name, and to not allow Carol become one of the club’s studied cold cases, Lyla begins to seek out the real killer. That is, until she becomes the one sought after. Now, finding the truth could turn her into the killer’s next plot twist, unless she wins the game of cat and mouse.
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I thought this was a great start to a new series. Set in a small town in Georgia, we meet Lyla Moody who works as a receptionist in her uncle’s private investigation firm but hopes to become a partner with him. Lyla is obsessed with mysteries and true crime and is a member of a mystery book club called the Jane Does. When the body of one of her book club members is found in a suitcase on her doorstep, she becomes determined to solve the case.
This entertaining mystery is filled with southern charm and suspense. The characters were fleshed out and I loved the small-town vibes in the story. The mystery was darker than the average cozy mystery but nothing over the top. I thought the author did a wonderful job of building the tension and making the reader second guess their opinion regarding the culprit’s identity.
It was fun getting to know Lyla. I found her to be relatable, smart, and independent. I look forward to exploring the relationship between her and her family and also solving more mysteries with her and the Jane Does.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
A solid start to a new cozy mystery series. We meet Lyla on her first day at her new job working as a receptionist at her Uncle’s P.I. firm. She feels this will be a perfect fit for her as she has been obsessed with real and literary murders for most of her life despite her mother’s disapproval. Her Gran is a hoot and a half while mom has this focused rich woman attitude of women being married with kids. Needless to say mom does not approve of her obsession. She belongs to a book club known as the Jane Doe’s which reads a mystery novel every month both classic and current. They get worried when one of their members misses a meeting while at the same time her husband claims she is missing. Before they can get too upset Lyla finds her inside a suitcase dead that was left on her front porch. The following investigation goes down all sorts of avenues as we meet all the main stays of their small town which includes a horrid cousin. After lots of clues Lyla figures it out at the very last minute when it is all.most too late to save herself. A surprise reveal for the most with some odd twists that really pulls it all together making for a satisfying conclusion. A nice change of pace from other cozies making for an enjoyable read. Lots of plot twists mixed with details about the town that really pulls it all together. A must read for cozy fans looming for something a little different. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I just finished On Borrowed Crime! I absolutely enjoyed being introduced to Lyla and the Jane Doe book club! It was great reading and along and figuring out the mystery either her! I can’t wait for the next case!
Missy Ann
Bookworms Anonymous
I couldn’t put this book down. I was hooked from the first page. Maybe it’s the bibliophile in me but I love bookish cozy mysteries.
Lyla didn’t think it could get any worse than her ex-boyfriend moving into her neighborhood with her obnoxious cousin. However, she finds out it can get a whole lot worse when she receives a gruesome delivery. Now Lyla finds her life may be in danger as well as that of her friends.
The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many ways it could go that I didn’t have any idea what was going to happen and it seemed like there were many possible suspects. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young
Come join the Jane Doe Book Club members in the small town of Sweet Mountain as they try to solve cold cases involving some Jane Doe’s. The members have always been fascinated by true crime, but what happens when it hits a little too close to home? Can the girls pool their knowledge together and solve their friend’s murder? Rumors run rampant in a small town. Who can you trust? Are things really as they seem? Physical evidence doesn’t lie, but it can be misinterpreted.
This book has all of the elements of a good crime story. The victim is the wife of a judge who pressures the police department. There is a good back story. The book club itself is interesting. Family dynamics and drama are ever present. Rich versus poor. Money is often a motive for murder, right?
Pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed. It is a great read that keeps you guessing.
I loved this book! It was so hard to put down. I wish I was part of The Jane Doe Book Club! Kate Young is such a great writer and storyteller. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
This is the first book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series and I can’t wait to read more! Kate Young wrote this cozy mystery so well that I never could decide who I thought was guilty. Every time I’d think I was sure of who the culprit was, there’d be a twist that completely threw me. To me, that’s the sign of a great mystery writer! There was a large cast of characters that took me a bit to learn but I enjoyed getting to know all of them…even if I didn’t trust any of them until the actual murderer was revealed. If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in cute small towns that are solved by amateur sleuths, definitely check this book out! Also, I’d just like to add that this book especially felt like I could be living in it as it’s set in Sugar Mountain, Georgia, a fictional town about 45 minutes north of Atlanta, and I live in a small town in NW Georgia about an hour and a half from Atlanta. I’m no Lyla though so don’t expect me to go snooping around to solve any Jane Doe cases anytime soon!
My Rating:
Time to Read: 4 days
Recommend: Yes!
Publish Date: October 6, 2020
*I received a digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is a fun cozy that revolves around Lyla and her book club, the Jane Does. Lyla was raised to be a genteel southern lady, but she loves unsolved mysteries. They intrigue her, much to her mother’s chagrin. Lyla’s best friend, Mel, is due to return from a vacation. A vacation where the airline lost her luggage. So Lyla, doesn’t question anything when a bag shows up on her doorstep. She assumes it is Mel’s and with Mel living next door, no big deal. How wrong she is. A member of the Jane Doe book club has been killed and stuffed in the suitcase. The club sets out to find the murderer.
I enjoyed the plot. It was unique, and intriguing. The Lyla is a fun character. Everyone has a little quirk which is entertaining. The writing style and plot grabbed my attention. The murderer was a bit of a surprise and so was the motive.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my honest review of the book.
Having enjoyed other titles by Kate Young, On Borrowed Crime, definitely did not disappoint! Reminiscent of Ellery Adams’ Secret, Scone, and Book Society, (which I loved), I can’t wait to read more of the Jane Doe Book Clubs’ antics!
Any lover of cozy mysteries will love this series.
On Borrowed Crime is the first in Kate Young’s new Jane Doe Book Club mystery series. Lyla Moody is currently answering the phone and managing the office for her uncle who is a private investigator but she’s sure that she is PI material. When the body of a member of her Jane Doe book club is delivered to Lyla’s door in a suitcase, she’s determined to solve the mystery. Then she begins to receive threatening text messages. Is she next? Who can she trust?
Kate Young is bending the genre, blurring the lines between cozy and suspense. This book had me on the edge of my seat! Five stars!
As a big fan of Kate Young’s Southern Sass series, I was dancing with glee when I found out that she has a new cozy mystery series. This was just as good as I could have ever wished! With some really shady characters (providing a substantial suspect pool) and a strong female protagonist, this book appealed to all of my hot buttons as a cozy mystery fan. Lyla Moody is supposed to be a receptionist for her uncle’s PI firm, but when one of her friends is killed, she starts to dabble into investigating herself and gets into deep waters quickly. I think my favorite part of the book was the Jane Doe Book Club, a club of mystery book readers who end up trying to figure out real crimes. I really want to join that club! As expected, some of the characters were quirky and the ending was a total surprise for me. Since I enjoy being surprised in a mystery, that was a bonus point for the author and the way she wove the story line with plenty of clues as well as red herrings. I am looking forward to more Jane Doe mysteries from Ms. Young. I love everything that she has written because she does her craft so well! Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this book and look forward to more!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This is the first in a new series by Kate Young. What a great start! Lyla works as a receptionist for her Uncle in his PI office. When one of her friends is found dead, or rather dumped at her door in a suitcase, it is only natural for Lyla to become involved.
Lyla also belongs to the Jane Doe Book Club, these women that are friends, yet have flaws that can be related to.
Dysfunctional parents,fast paced read and had me guessing till the very end. Love Lyla’s grandmother!
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Set in Georgia and filled with quirky characters this delightful cozy murder mystery is the first book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series. I enjoyed this book mainly because of the narrative which gave a great impression of what it was like to live in the southern states. The story is told from the point of view of Lyla allowing the reader insight into her fears, thoughts, emotions, problem solving and actions. She is an interesting character complete with strengths and weaknesses. The mystery was complex with several viable suspects, a number of subtle clues, twists and turns, danger and suspense. The storyline was a bit slow but flowed well. I thought that this was useful in establishing the characters. The writing was well done and it peeked my interest in the series, just what a first book should do.
Great start to a new cozy mystery series.
Lyla is working as a receptionist for her uncle’s private investigative firm and having fun meeting with her fellow true crime obsessed Jane Doe book club members, all while dealing with her mother’s distaste for all of the above. Then crime gets all too real when Lyla finds Carol, a member of the club, dead in a suitcase. Lyla investigates, both to honor her friend Carol and protect her friend Melanie who the police are looking at a little to closely.
On Borrowed Crime has a sweet, small town setting in Georgia, an engaging mystery, and interesting characters I hope to learn more about in future books. Recommended for cozy mystery fans.
A new series featuring a group of women fascinated with crime, murder mysteries and cold cases, I enjoyed this book. The main character, Lyla, has potential as does her best friend Melanie, and the mystery itself – a member of their book group is murdered and the police don’t seem motivated to solve it – was interesting. The secondary characters, however, were not very likable. There were one or two other women in their book club that were fine but I’m hoping the others become a bit more appealing in the next book. I am invested enough that I will definitely check out the second book to see where Lyla’s investigative tendencies take her. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #OnBorrowedCrime.
On Borrowed Crime is an excellent start to a new book club based cozy mystery series. As a want-to-be private investigator, Lyla has a lot to learn and plenty of room for growth. As with any new series, characters are not fully developed; they all have budding talents and traits that will make for entertaining reading. Lyla’s best friend, Melanie, is a wonderful side-kick and keeps Lyla hopping. Both characters are easy to like. However, I feel that Lyla should have a bit more spine where her parents are concerned. She is far too easy-going and doesn’t speak her mind as often as she should. Being from the south is no reason to allow your family or friends to determine your future or define you as a person. I felt Lyla allowed her parents, namely her mother and a former love interest, to make her sound as if she is incompetent and unable to make her own decisions.
The setting of this story, Sweet Mountain, Georgia, may be fictional, but the town’s descriptions and its residents sound alive. Readers will be able to imagine themselves visiting this old southern town and sipping tea while watching the locals go about their lives. Lyla’s book club is intriguing and having her work for her uncle, a private detective, while wanting to be deeply involved in solving crimes, namely murder, will be interesting to watch unfold.
The murder and mystery are original. The suspects, although far and few between, are feasible enough to warrant the reader’s attention. The twists and turns are creative and add a bit more interest to the overall plot. Even though I knew who the killer was fairly quickly in the book, it was enthralling to read through to the end to find out the motive and the outcome. I hope that Lyla’s book club will play as integral a part in the next book and that her dream of being a real private investigator will come true. I think readers will enjoy On Borrowed Crime; they will see the potential in the character’s relationships with one another, any new additions, and the mischief they can get into in future installments.
This was a 3.5 star read for me. I really enjoyed the mystery. The book is located in a small Georgia Town and centers on The Jane Doe Book Club. When one of the members is found dead and delivered to another member’s door they decide to solve it. Lyla is working for her uncle a PI and hopes to become a PI herself and this is the first case she plans to solve on her own. The author spent a lot of time describing the small Southern town and added all the stereotypes but it did not have a southern flavor. The main character Lyla acted too immature. I did not like it that she withheld a lot of information. The mystery was good with lots of twists and turns. I was able to figure it out but the solution was good. I was not as fond of the town and the characters. Enjoy
“On Borrowed Crime” a good first book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mysteries. It is listed as a cozy, but I would say it is a “thriller cozy”. I really enjoyed the suspense.
Lyla Moody has always been interested in true crime, so of course she is a member of the Jane Does book club. Her day job, so to speak, is as receptionist for her Uncle’s PI business. Lyla is intent on learning detective skills—despite her parents deep dislike of that choice. Her parents want her married; preferably with two children. Some characters are more likable than others, as one would expect, but the grandmother is fun and her bestie is great. Lyla is a bit immature for a 31 year old, relying on her parents, while complaining that she wants them to stay out of her business. I think we will see a more ‘together’ version of Lyla as the series progresses.
I would recommend this to any cozy reader , but warn them that aspects of the crime are openly discussed.
On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young is a good, if convoluted mystery, not quite a cozy but not really hard-core. Lyla Moody has always had a fascination for murder, both in fiction and true crime. As a Southern woman, this is an out-of-bounds hobby and does nothing but upset her mother. Especially now that she is working as a receptionist for her uncle Calvin, with an eye to becoming his partner in the private detective business. Her mother is horrified; her father is passively supportive, and her grandmother is fully on board. She regularly attends he mystery book club, called the Jane Does. Carol, one of the book club members has recently become obsessed with a series of murders over the past thirty years, wherein unidentified bodies of women are buried along a highway nearby. One day, Carol’s husband calls to hire Calvin to look for his wife who has been missing for four days. Curious since Lyla had just seen he that morning at a gas station. Things get really interesting when Carol’s body turns up at Lyla’s condo, stuffed inside a suitcase. How she joins her mother in being horrified, but curious.
This is a really curious book. Lyla is a terrific character and it is a good mystery but something is wrong. For one thing, it needs a good editor. I understand this is an uncorrected copy but the amount of confused word usage is far above what I would expect. The introspection and some of the dialogue muddies the plot and makes it difficult to read. I think with some work, it could be an outstanding read.
I was invited to read a free ARC of One Borrowed Crime by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #onborrowedcrime