REVIEW: The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan

Summary


Dorothy Gibson was the sort of politician everyone knows – no matter where they’re from – even before she ran for president. But after the election, when her run as an Independent split the ticket and the country ended up with “THAT guy,” she’s infamous. Which means it’s the perfect time for her to write her memoir. Thus, the ghostwriter.

The ghostwriter begins work at Dorothy’s home where they are when they hear Dorothy’s neighbor has died. As Dorothy and the ghostwriter had met the woman the day before her death, they go to pay their respects. And they find a curious collection of people as well as a death with more questions than answers.

Review


This was wild! The ghostwriter’s voice in this is spectacular! It’s the first thing I noticed when I started the book. And it continued to shine – and make me laugh – all the way through to the end.

The core cast around Dorothy and the writer was fascinating. I’m curious if they will stay on in the series or if the ghostwriter will move on to another sleuthing partner in the next book.

The mystery itself was twisty from start to finish. I didn’t predict or expect any of the final reveals. The mystery wrap up was stunning. I wanted something different from the book’s overall ending, but that’s just a matter of preference. This is an excellent mystery in the vein of Christie. Fans of the genre should not miss this one! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Florence Day is a ghostwriter for a best-selling romance novelist. But since her big break up a year ago, she has struggled with the happily-ever-after world of romance. She thought maybe, with a new editor, she could convince her publisher to let “Ann Nichols” try something different. No dice. Benji Andor, the editor, said the book was due on schedule – the day after their meeting.

Later that night, Florence ran into her ex, ran into Benji, KISSED Benji, and then found out her father died. Any thought of finishing the book flew out of her head as she returned to Marimont – to her family, to the family funeral home, and to the ghosts.

Florence and her father were able to see ghosts. And it’s a power that only caused trouble for Florence as a teen. But when Florence sees the ghost of Benji in Mairmont, she can’t ignore her gift any more.

Review


This was delightful! I loved all of it – the characters, the writerly bits, the romance, the family drama. All of it!

Ultimately this feels like Florence’s journey back to herself – after her breakup, after writer’s block, after fleeing her family and her home. And her journey is supremely satisfying! The romance was a happy extra to a great character story.

I have loved Ashley Poston’s YA work since I first read Geekerella. This is a slight departure as it is an adult romance instead of a young adult book, but it is easily as good as her other stories. Contemporary romance fans, paranormal romance fans, and Poston fans should absolutely check this book out! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.