Mystery with a splash of romance… the study. Though at first it is thought he was tipsy and stumbled, it soon becomes clear more is afoot, as the wall safe is empty and a three-million-dollar diamond necklace is missing. With visions of becoming ace investigative journalists, Emma and Grace set out to solve the mystery, much to the chagrin of the handsome local detective.
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I have long been a fan of girl-friend teams. Lucy & Ethel—Laverne & Shirley—Monica & Rachel. In this new book by Elizabeth McKenna, we get another great pairing with Grace & Emma. These young women became friends in college, they’re both reporters for the Chicago Tribune, and during Grace’s weekend assignment they become involved in The Great Jewel Robbery. This is a quick read that draws you in with its mixture of fun, mystery, murder, and even romance. There are also twists and turns that kept me uncertain, until the very end, about the identity of the jewel thief.
I truly liked both Emma and Grace and I look forward to watching them develop their crime-solving skills. In this book they offer assistance to a handsome detective and I believe that we may run across Ryan O’Mara again. He and Emma share a chemistry that begs for another story to allow us to see where their attaction may lead! There is a kiss and an ending that suggests that a great romance could be in the works!
The Great Jewel Robbery is the first book in the new series A Front Page Mystery and it is also Elizabeth McKenna’s first attempt in the cozy mystery genre. I truly enjoyed this story and I recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mystery and clean romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Tribune Lifestyle reporter Grace Warner is assigned to cover a charity ball at a Lake Geneva mansion owned by Ivy and Edward Braun and she drags along best friend Emma Moore who also works for the Trib as a sports reporter. Grace is friends with the Brauns so she feels right at home. But it is Emma who finds a man knocked out in the study. More investigation finds the wall safe empty. A three-million-dollar necklace that was there before the event started is now missing.
Grace has dreams of becoming an investigative reporter and knows solving this case could be her big break. Enter Detective Ryan O’Mara who may have chemistry with Emma, but doesn’t like her and her friend butting into his case.
First, I have to mention the setting. Lake Geneva is a beautiful place for a vacation and it sounds like Ivy and Edward Braun live in one of the palatial estates complete with a pool on the roof. Most of the summer residents have Chicago ties but Wisconsinites love to visit and know it’s rich history. It is the perfect place to set a mystery series.
Ms. McKenna has crafted strong and engaging characters. Emma and Grace’s friendship shines in this story. They couldn’t be more different but over the years they have grown so close those differences don’t matter. They make a great investigative team too. The author also introduces us to Detective Ryan O’Mara. He is a cop’s cop. An Irish Jamaican who is attracted to Emma almost immediately. They all feel genuine and the dialogue is spot-on.
It was refreshing to not have a dead body to start off the story. Instead, we have a thief and a mansion full of suspects. Detective O’Mara is on the case but Emma and Grace seem to have the inside advantage. This, of course, puts them in danger. The author lays things out in a logical way but she throws in twists that really sent by deliberations of the guilty party in several different directions.
Well plotted, paced and written, this series is off to a grand start I want to delve into these characters deeper and get to know them better. For her first foray into the cozy mystery genre, Elizabeth McKenna done herself proud.
The Great Jewel Robbery by Elizabeth McKenna is the first book in A Front Page Mystery series. Emma Moore and Grace Warner are heading to Fontana, Wisconsin to cover a charity gala and auction being held at the home of Ivy and Edward Braun. When an expensive Art Deco jewelry set is stolen, Emma and Grace set out to find the thief. The Great Jewel Robbery is for readers who like light, humorous cozy mysteries. Emma is the main character and the story is told from her point-of-view. Emma is a sports reporter with the Chicago Tribune, a tad bit clumsy, and has a large sweet tooth. Grace works on the Life & Style desk at the paper because of her connections, but she wants to do investigative reporting. Emma and Grace have been best friends since college despite their opposing backgrounds. When Grace’s boyfriend bailed on the event at the last minute, she roped Emma into being her plus one. Grace sees the disappearance of the jewels as the perfect opportunity to show her boss that she can do an investigative piece. The pair question guests and staff members to narrow down the timeline and locate the thief along with costly gems. They manage to get in some time on the lake plus enjoy the rooftop pool along with the luscious dishes prepared by Chef Porter. The mystery suits the story and the length of the novel. There are instant sparks between Emma and Detective Ryan O’Mara (it may have to do with him stealing the last donut). The Great Jewel Robbery is a good book to read at the beach or inside with the air conditioning on full blast (if you live in Florida like me). The Great Jewel Robbery has flirtatious men, tantalizing treats, luxurious amenities, stolen stones, suspicious suspects and two keen reporters.
The Great Jewel Robbery is the beginning of Elizabeth McKenna’s series, A Front Page Mystery. This is my first introduction to Miss McKenna’s writing. It definitely will not be the last for me. In this book, the reader is introduced to best friends since childhood and now Chicago Tribune reporters, Emma and Grace. Grace is set to work at yearly auction and charity ball. She invites Emma to join her. While at the mansion where the event is held, Emma stumbles across an unconscious man inside. What once thought to be a simple passed out drunk, turns out to be something more! The wall safe is emptied, including a diamond necklace worth three million dollars. The two best friends quickly start their investigation of what happened and where the necklace has gone.
I really enjoyed The Great Jewel Robbery. This is a fun and delightful cozy mystery. I was caught up in the suspense and mystery along with Emma and Grace. I never knew where the two would end up next. I had no problem what so ever continuing to read until the end. I had it read in just a few short hours. It was fun getting to know the two friends and enjoyed their bond. Such a beautiful and special friendship.
I am giving The Great Jewel Robbery a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a quick cozy mystery. I look forward to the next installment from A Front Page Mystery series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.