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 Ever since her beloved granddaddy died and her longtime boyfriend broke up with her, Riley has withdrawn from … her, Riley has withdrawn from life.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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This book will not disappoint. A nice visit with interesting people and a good story line.
Loved it!
Very well written and entertaining.
Couldn’t get into the plot or characters
This book was well written and held my attention….I couldn’t wait to pick it up again and find out what was happening next!
Fun to read, a little too predictable but I still enjoyed it.
Funny with great characters
Extremely funny while also being unpredictable with surprises thought the story. Didn’t like the bad language, but at least it was kept to a minimum. I would have given the book a 5 if not for the language issue.
Not worth the time
The only thing I didn’t like was the obituary info at the end of each chapter.
Clever writing made me laugh out loud a few times. A little mystery, a little romance…a fresh story…what’s not to love?
I loved this book! Great main character. Truly had me laughing out loud.
New fun characters to read!
Good opener
Dull
I expected to be impatient with Riley for her passive personality, but ended up impressed with her capacity for growing beyond herself because of her loyalty to and love of others. And I frequently laughed out loud at her run-on brain as obit girl. Fun, fascinating and rewarding.
It was very interesting and unpredictable.
It was very good.
Great in-between book. When you are looking for a light, quick read before starting something heavier
This easy-read is a must for those who enjoy a cozy mystery with likeable characters and some humor!