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 Ever since her beloved granddaddy died and her longtime boyfriend broke up with her, Riley has withdrawn from … her, Riley has withdrawn from life.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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It was a pleasant enough read but I have a particular dislike of heroine’s who are unintelligent—blab to everyone (including someone who, of course, wants to do them harm) their fears, plans, and opinions. This book has such an annoying heroine.
Good story. Lots of twists. Romantic but no bad sex or continual swear words.
Therefore I really liked it. Thought I had it all figured out a few times but never got it all just right. Would recommend it.
I got board halfway through. It started out encouragingly enough, but I couldn’t fall in love with the characters.
Overall liked characters. A few places are a bit brief or improbable, but hey it’s fiction
The is a very good lite read. Enjoyed it from thr first page to the last
Really, your typical “who dun it” but well written and was fun to read. Took a bit before I actually figured out who the killers were. For that reason I did not want to put the book down.
This was a great book…can’t wait for the next one!
Enjoyable
this author is going to wow us even more
This is a very clever book. I loved the information on obituaries that was thrown in. Riley is an interesting character and the writing is very entertaining.
built to an exciting ending. Enjoyed it. Looking forward to next one!
Enjoyable
it was a fun, easy read and I really wouldn’t mind reading some more like it.
I was able to connect with the obit reading in this book easily. The main character is full of doubts and fears, but grows as the book progresses. Character insight.
Thoroughly enjoyed the entire book! Plan to look for others by this author containing these same characters…….
Book had good story. Missing a few character explanations but potential to explore the backstory.
This was a fun read. A little humor and a little romance mixed with a dose of interesting mystery and some odd, interesting characters thrown in for good measure.
One of the best I’ve read. Look forward to more from this author
My husband and I enjoyed this book, looking forward to the next one.
I read cozy mysteries all the time and have literally read thousands over the years. this is a well-thought out plot and I enjoyed every minute of it. Very well written and entertaining… read it straight thru… dozed off, woke up and went right back to it!! It’s that good.