Writing a friend’s obit might be the death of a quirky young librarian in this “fresh and funny, romantic and sunny” mystery (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). Riley Ellison, a young library assistant, has become known in her hometown of Tuttle Corner, Virginia, as Riley Bless-Her-Heart. Ever since her beloved granddaddy died and her longtime boyfriend broke up with her, Riley has withdrawn from … her, Riley has withdrawn from life. In an effort to rejoin the living, she signs up for an online dating service and tries to reconnect with her childhood best friend, Jordan James, now a reporter at the Tuttle Times. But when she learns that Jordan committed suicide, Riley is shaken to the core.
Riley agrees to write Jordan’s obituary hoping to find out why a young woman with so much to live for would suddenly opt out. But Jordan’s co-worker, a paranoid reporter with a penchant for conspiracy theories, convinces Riley that Jordan’s death was no suicide. He leads her down a dangerous path toward organized crime, secret lovers, and suspicious taco trucks.
When Riley’s hunt for the truth intersects with her emerging love life, she will discover a secret that puts everything she holds dear—her job, the people she loves, and even her life—in danger.
“Orr’s book checked three genre boxes for me: a smart cozy series, a Southern small town setting, and, my favorite, a newspaper mystery.” —Carole Barrowman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“The perfect mix of mystery, humor, and romance, anchored by an endearing heroine.” —Laura McHugh, award-winning author of The Weight of Blood
“Recommended for admirers of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum capers.” —Library Journal
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Surprisingly good cozy mystery! Plenty of plot twists and turns—kept me guessing and entertained! Looking forward to reading more in the series!
I liked the characters and it was humorous
Just totally enjoyed this book and did not want it to end. Perhaps not a profound piece of literature but the story was fun and worthy of the time it took to read it. Was sad when I reached the end.
Repetitive. But romantic.
I liked the author’s writing style. Witty interludes provide surprises. The correspondence regarding the dating service is hilarious. There’s plenty of action and you’re not sure who the villain is until near the end of the book. Also, this book gave me an entirely new perspective on obituaries!
Awesome great book can’t wait until I read the rest of the series
A light hearted who done it. Enjoyed the plot.
Enjoyed the twists
Looking forward to the next one!!
I had a hard time putting the book down. It kept you guessing as to what was going on and who was the bad guy. It also was humorous.
This was a fun-to-read murder mystery with some surprises toward the end.
Predictable mystery fun with a realistic, funny look at the challenges of interpersonal interactions.
The Good Byline was a most enjoyable read. It was fast paced from the first page to end with twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Decent plot. I never warmed up to the protagonist. Before an author names a dog (German Shepherd no less) after an African American, s/he may want to run it by their Black friends.
If you love Stephanie Plum Novels (which y’all know I do!) then you’ll enjoy this debut from Jill Orr! Laugh out loud funny, wonderful characters and entertaining mystery with shenanigans! Hard Eight