Book Review: Murder By the Book

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

Murder By the Book     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
D. R. Meredith
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy
Series: Megan Clark - Reading Group Mysteries # 5
Berkley, Paperback, 6/06, 244 pages, $6.99

After an old abandoned car surfaces due to a bad drought, Megan wants to find out who the Depression-era car belonged to. She tries to get her book group to assist her as they have in the past. But most of them decline.

Then Megan stumbles over some dead bodies. So much so that the police think she is the prime suspect in the slayings. They look ritualistic and she seems to have the only knowledge to understand the markings.

As she looks into events of the past, she finds more than she bargained for. Could one of the members of her book club be the killer? Can she tie up both the current murders and the past without ending up in jail or putting herself and those she cares about at risk?

I like Megan and Ryan and most of the book group. The author has assembled a good cast of characters. I especially like the book group setting. Their interest in mysteries makes them naturals at investigating crimes.

The only thing I don’t like is that the story is told from many perspectives. I much prefer cozies to be told from one point of view. That way I really get to know one character. This format gives you insight into the two main characters, but I found it confusing at time as to who was speaking and thinking.

I recommend this great cozy series. I also recommend this book!

Dawn Dowdle

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Please visit Dawns website at www.mysteryloverscorner.com