Review of Death by Intermission

From the publisher of Death by Intermission

Abby McCree spends a summer showing family films under the stars—only to end the season with an unexpected slasher flick …

Ushered once again onto another committee by the mayor of Snowberry Creek, Washington, Abby is tasked with keeping the box office receipts of the town’s Movies in the Park nights. Cut to the director’s chair from where she’s suddenly organizing the summer’s last feature. From the opening scene through the final credits, Abby feels she’s earned nominations for best volunteer, best movie date with her tenant Tripp Blackston—and best daughter for ignoring her mother Phoebe’s own movie date with Owen Quinn.

Unfortunately, Abby and the others are treated to a post-credits scene: the body of local insurance agent Mitchell Anders. This discovery is followed by a plot twist revealing that the murder weapon comes from Owen’s food truck. With her mother’s boyfriend suspected of murder, Abby starts her own investigation determined to shine a spotlight on the real killer …

My review

This is the first book in this series that I’ve read and, while I had no difficulty getting up to speed on the series, I found myself asking what I’d gotten myself into. With the exception of the constant bickering between Abby and her mother, this was an enjoyable cozy. The problem was the amount of tension between Abby and her mother. Quite honestly, it felt way over-the-top for a cozy and sadly realistic. This was truly a case where less would have been much better.

Overall, I liked the protagonist and her approach to the crime. Dialogue felt realistic. Her motivation for investigating was also believable. I did find the writing style to be a little too explanatory for my taste because it slowed the plot. Overall, I’d have enjoyed this one more with less angst in Abby’s personal life and a little more mystery in the plot, but for fans of the series, it’s a good read.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher. Want more book news? If so, click here to read my Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.