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 Ever since her beloved granddaddy died and her longtime boyfriend broke up with her, Riley has withdrawn from … her, Riley has withdrawn from life.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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Fun read. Good characters. Nice summer mystery.
I loved this book! This author has a unique talent for humor and drawing you into the story. A little mystery… A little romance… A lot of action… and you’re in for the ride!
Different spin on mystery—-It was interesting—I enjoyed reading it!
Many twists and turns. I enjoyed reading The Good Byline and look forward to the next book in the series.
A lightweight mystery along the lines of the Stephanie Plum series, complete with a bumbling, under-employed sleuth, an exotic boyfriend (Indian rather than Cuban), a long-time boyfriend who wants her back, and an unusual sidekick (an investigative reporter with Asperger’s). Her car even gets blown up, ala Stephanie Plum. Not exactly mentally challenging, but fun all the same.
It’s always fun to find a new cozy that has a little different twist to it. Who thought writing obituaries could make for a delightful series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series and look forward to reading more of them.
Good read
Good light reading. Amusing and fast paced. Enjoyable.
This was my first kindle book that I have ever read. Yes I have been stubborn to try reading books this way but when I got this opportunity to read them for free I figured this was the time to start. I am SO happy I did and that I started with this book. “The Good Byline” was such a great book. I was hooked from the very beginning and honestly it was hard to put down. The characters were well developed and the grammar/editing was perfect. I liked that it was not obvious how the book was going to end so it kept me guessing till the ending. There is a second book to this series but this one does stand alone (you don’t have to read the next one; 2 separate mysteries). I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
Really funny book!
I enjoyed this book. It has some good plot twists. Characters are good. I was needing a good read, and I got it.
Good mystery, fun m.o…..the sequel, not so much
Interesting cozy. Humorous writing from the online dating site to Riley. I enjoyed the character of Holman.
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Awesomely awesome!
Liked the characters and storyline. Looking forward to next book
good book
The “poor soul” strikes back and finds her backbone. Good for her!
I really enjoyed this book more than I expected.
I laughed out loud – a lot!!