Deadly Drama
by Jody Holford Publication Date: August 4, 2020 Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play | UniversalNewspaper editor and amateur sleuth Molly Owens takes center stage when it’s curtains for a theater director . . . Living in the beautiful coastal town of Britton Bay, Oregon, seems like the perfect fit for Molly. She enjoys her work as editor-in-chief of the Britton Bay Bulletin, loves her boyfriend Sam, and feels at home in the adorable cottage in the back of his mother’s bed and breakfast. This spring Britton Bay is staging its first-ever community theater production. The show—featuring local residents—is the talk of the town, but tongues are really wagging over the director. But former soap opera actress Magnolia Sweet is anything but; nothing’s worse than a has-been on a power trip, and steely Magnolia chews out her amateur cast like she used to chew scenery. Still, it’s a shock to all when she’s found murdered in the theater. Now it’s open call for suspects, as Molly steps in to direct and shine a spotlight on a killer waiting in the wings. But will this be her final act?
Jody Holford’s Deadly Drama is the fourth installment in her Britton Bay series and a must-read for her fans of the series. Unfortunately this was my first read in the series, which meant I felt immediately overwhelmed by the number of characters that appeared in the first couple of chapters, so much so that I stopped trying to make any notes about who or what they were and just presumed that they really had no bearing on the mystery. That is, of course, until one did and I had to do some mental backtracking.
Another feature that is probably adored by the readers of the previous books is the amount of in your face romance in this cozy mystery. I know that if I had read the previous books I might have loved Sam and Molly. However, there was one instance where Sam was with Molly in a totally I’m-the-man-kind-of-way that grated on me. She’s the sleuth and a reporter. She should have more back-bone! I would have preferred that she be gutsier.
So, I have to offer a Your Mileage May Vary review because I don’t think this book can be read well as a standalone and trying to read it as a standalone just didn’t work for me. I think it would have more appeal if you’ve read the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Also in the Series
About Jody Holford
I’m a mom and wife first and many things after. I’m a best friend and a regular friend. A daughter, sister, auntie, and a teacher. I am a book lover, a shopper, a pajama-wearer, movie-watcher, worrier, over-thinker, and a wanna-be-good-Samaritan. I’m a Gemini, a nervous talker, and an emotional writer. I am represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel. Visit my website or subscribe to my newsletter for updates!
