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Novel Idea #2
Every Trick in the Book
"The national bestselling Novel Idea Mysteries return with Lila Wilkins, who has just been promoted to full-time literary agent. But great new writers aren't the only people she's trying to catch...
"Lila Wilkins has it the home of her dreams in the charming town of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina; a perfect police officer boyfriend; and a new job she absolutely loves. At the Book and Author Festival, which is sponsored by the Novel Idea Literary Agency, Lila expects to discover some talented new authors, but what she finds instead is the body of an editor to whom she bears an eerie resemblance.
Trouble is, the editor's death isn't the only literary murder taking place. Soon a blossoming author is also killed, and Lila has a gut feeling that the two murders are linked. Now she must hunt down the dark figure who killed these women--and to her surprise, she just might find the clues hidden in a manuscript...
"Lila Wilkins has it the home of her dreams in the charming town of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina; a perfect police officer boyfriend; and a new job she absolutely loves. At the Book and Author Festival, which is sponsored by the Novel Idea Literary Agency, Lila expects to discover some talented new authors, but what she finds instead is the body of an editor to whom she bears an eerie resemblance.
Trouble is, the editor's death isn't the only literary murder taking place. Soon a blossoming author is also killed, and Lila has a gut feeling that the two murders are linked. Now she must hunt down the dark figure who killed these women--and to her surprise, she just might find the clues hidden in a manuscript...
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2013
83 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
February 4, 2020
By the middle of October, the heat and lassitude of a Southern summer had finally loosed its hold over the quaint, artsy town of Inspiration Valley.
Novel Idea Literary Agency is holding the first Book and Author Festival in Inspiration Valley. Lila stumbles across a murder victim who just so happens could pass as her sister. Lila takes the murder personally and begins to investigate.
It has been some time since I read the first book in this series and I had to dig through my mind about what happened. I enjoyed that Lila is settling into her job as a literary agent and that she specializes in cozies. I was pleased to see that she and Sean have an adult relationship without the need for the dreaded triangle.
I addition to the murder, there are some strange things going on at the co-op where Lila's son is living. It's always interesting to see more than one mystery evolving at a time.
The murderer was not very well concealed. It was mostly a matter of tracking the culprit down. The reasoning behind the murder was quite sad.
I really like the "bookish" shops and restaurants in Inspiration Valley. I can picture the town nestled in the foothills of the NC mountains. It sounds like a place I would want to visit.
I will follow up with the next book to see where the story leads Lila and her merry crew.
Novel Idea Literary Agency is holding the first Book and Author Festival in Inspiration Valley. Lila stumbles across a murder victim who just so happens could pass as her sister. Lila takes the murder personally and begins to investigate.
It has been some time since I read the first book in this series and I had to dig through my mind about what happened. I enjoyed that Lila is settling into her job as a literary agent and that she specializes in cozies. I was pleased to see that she and Sean have an adult relationship without the need for the dreaded triangle.
I addition to the murder, there are some strange things going on at the co-op where Lila's son is living. It's always interesting to see more than one mystery evolving at a time.
The murderer was not very well concealed. It was mostly a matter of tracking the culprit down. The reasoning behind the murder was quite sad.
I really like the "bookish" shops and restaurants in Inspiration Valley. I can picture the town nestled in the foothills of the NC mountains. It sounds like a place I would want to visit.
I will follow up with the next book to see where the story leads Lila and her merry crew.
August 17, 2015
Really 2.5 stars.
Well, that wasn't as good as I thought it would be. In Every Trick in the Book Lila's agency hosts an author festival that's supposed to give authors and wannabe authors tips and tools to help them exceed. However, when one of the guest speakers is found murdered Lila inserts herself in the investigation to find the killer.
I was extremely disappointed in this book; it had such potential, great characters, an amazing job, and an idyllic setting. However, this book left me quite disappointed. To start with Lila. Oh Lila. She was bossy, rude, and purposely inserted herself in the investigation because she took the murder "personally." Well, sorry, hon, but the murder had absolutely nothing to do with you. The person who was killed looked like Lila and did Lila a favor, but their relationship didn't go past that, so I have absolutely no idea how she took the murder personally. She discarded multiple warnings by those who loved her most and I'm surprised she didn't get fired for the amount of times she left work without telling anyone. She also accused someone before she even knew their name because of the way they looked. The way they looked! She should have been sued for libel right there!
And Sean, he had so much potential in the last book, but he threw it out the window in this book. First of all I'm not against some "under the table" help from policemen in my mysteries, but, oh my, this book was over the top. Sean allowed Lila to look through some very private files to help him and he did so many things that were not only against the rules of his job and would probably get him fired, but some were probably illegal. It was so annoying I almost yelled out.
The mystery was also a complete bust, there was only one major suspect and the book followed the progress in tracking down that suspect. Absolutely no surprise in who the killer was.
However, there were some redeeming qualities that brought this book from a 1 star to a 2.5 star read. First of all I love all of the secondary characters in the book. They are all funny and well-thought-out and I really wish we'd see more of them in future books. Also, the sub-plot at the co-op where Lila's son lives was entertaining to read and I was at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening. The story was also a relative quick read that flew past, a redeeming quality for me.
Overall not a very good book, however, I plan to stay for the next one simply because of the great setting and Lila's job. Sadly, Every Trick in the Book gets a low 2.5 star rating from me.
Well, that wasn't as good as I thought it would be. In Every Trick in the Book Lila's agency hosts an author festival that's supposed to give authors and wannabe authors tips and tools to help them exceed. However, when one of the guest speakers is found murdered Lila inserts herself in the investigation to find the killer.
I was extremely disappointed in this book; it had such potential, great characters, an amazing job, and an idyllic setting. However, this book left me quite disappointed. To start with Lila. Oh Lila. She was bossy, rude, and purposely inserted herself in the investigation because she took the murder "personally." Well, sorry, hon, but the murder had absolutely nothing to do with you. The person who was killed looked like Lila and did Lila a favor, but their relationship didn't go past that, so I have absolutely no idea how she took the murder personally. She discarded multiple warnings by those who loved her most and I'm surprised she didn't get fired for the amount of times she left work without telling anyone. She also accused someone before she even knew their name because of the way they looked. The way they looked! She should have been sued for libel right there!
And Sean, he had so much potential in the last book, but he threw it out the window in this book. First of all I'm not against some "under the table" help from policemen in my mysteries, but, oh my, this book was over the top. Sean allowed Lila to look through some very private files to help him and he did so many things that were not only against the rules of his job and would probably get him fired, but some were probably illegal. It was so annoying I almost yelled out.
The mystery was also a complete bust, there was only one major suspect and the book followed the progress in tracking down that suspect. Absolutely no surprise in who the killer was.
However, there were some redeeming qualities that brought this book from a 1 star to a 2.5 star read. First of all I love all of the secondary characters in the book. They are all funny and well-thought-out and I really wish we'd see more of them in future books. Also, the sub-plot at the co-op where Lila's son lives was entertaining to read and I was at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening. The story was also a relative quick read that flew past, a redeeming quality for me.
Overall not a very good book, however, I plan to stay for the next one simply because of the great setting and Lila's job. Sadly, Every Trick in the Book gets a low 2.5 star rating from me.
June 9, 2013
I really, really tried to like this book. I enjoyed the first in the series. The theme of a literary agency is one that is really interesting (I like book related themes). . In the first book, the main character was likable and I found that I could relate to her, a single working mother with college aged child. This book was the second in the series, I ordered it from the library right after I finished the first one. This outing had several issues, first the culprit is obvious almost from the first ten pages, so obvious that you keep thinking it must be a red herring but it isn’t . Lila, the protagonist, rather than being a character I can relate to from the first book, is almost hysterical, jumping to conclusions and racing around like a chicken with her head cut off. Then she veers off into hand wringing guilt, that only seems attention seeking to me. The reveal was a let down because there was no mystery to it. The subplot about the co-op just seems contrived and unnecessary, as though it was just thrown in as an excuse to get rid of the co-op in future books in the series. Very disappointed in this outing in what I thought was going to be a great series.
October 3, 2021
The second book in the Novel Idea series - our literary agent turned amateur sleuth works with her boyfriend police office Sean to solve several homicides as well as a mystery at the Red Coop. Enjoyable read.
January 31, 2015
I liked the first one in this series. This one, not so much. It didn't hold my interest for more than a few minutes at a time, so I found myself skimming large parts just to be done with it. Won't bother with more of these.
June 5, 2019
Book #2 in Novel Idea series. First read this series the end of last year and fell in love with it. Usually I prefer cozies with pets, but this one stood out because of the locale, plot, characters, and writing. I love the discussion of books and the process of getting them published. Looking forward to reading more in the series. 4 stars
February 18, 2013
This is a 2.5 star read. I read the first book in the series and there was a lot to like in it, but this one has proved to be a disappointment.
What I didn't like? Well, Lila, the main character, has started to morph into a Lifetime television movie character: "I am righteous and I am angry and I will avenge the deaths of these innocent people!" LOTS of melodrama. Then she's hiding in the back of a wardrobe, shivering in fear and making an ass out of herself. THEN she's walking into a decrepit, run-down warehouse in the "bad part of town" after dark with her barista friend, ready to take on a killer. Really? She rushes around and into situations with no thought or intelligence, then cries and carries on when it lands her in the soup, or her accusations turn out to be wrong. I prefer my heroines rule their emotions, not allow their emotions to rule them.
Her boyfriend, Sean, the police officer, is so besotted and puppy eyed at her he just watches her commit many stupid acts and then just says "Oh Lila, I'm just so glad you're all right!" I'm all for a man who is in love - especially a good-looking, masculine man. But come on, grow a pair and tell Lila she's running amok. He didn't even yell at her for confronting a killer on her own?? Really?
Overall, Lila is a character my own age and I can't possibly imagine being friends with this woman without wanting to smack her and tell her to bring it down a notch or two.
Anyhow, there is also a lot to like about this book - I LOVE the background of a Literary Agency; some of the most interesting parts of the book are the boring bits while she's working, describing the process of finding new authors. The summaries from the inquiry letters that the author includes are gems, you almost wish some of these books were available!
Aside from Lila, and Sean to an extent, the characters are fun, likeable and unique - I can totally picture the Novel Idea workplace and the Literary Agent team working and interacting together. I'm not sure about the introduction of Vicky - she can still be an efficient whiz without the stick up her backside. Lila's mom is a hoot, if a bit of a current cliché in cozy fiction at the moment. She adds a bit of levity, as does Makayla, the barista.
Will I read the next one? Probably. I want to believe this author and her characters are still trying to find their footing, and improve in future adventures.
What I didn't like? Well, Lila, the main character, has started to morph into a Lifetime television movie character: "I am righteous and I am angry and I will avenge the deaths of these innocent people!" LOTS of melodrama. Then she's hiding in the back of a wardrobe, shivering in fear and making an ass out of herself. THEN she's walking into a decrepit, run-down warehouse in the "bad part of town" after dark with her barista friend, ready to take on a killer. Really? She rushes around and into situations with no thought or intelligence, then cries and carries on when it lands her in the soup, or her accusations turn out to be wrong. I prefer my heroines rule their emotions, not allow their emotions to rule them.
Her boyfriend, Sean, the police officer, is so besotted and puppy eyed at her he just watches her commit many stupid acts and then just says "Oh Lila, I'm just so glad you're all right!" I'm all for a man who is in love - especially a good-looking, masculine man. But come on, grow a pair and tell Lila she's running amok. He didn't even yell at her for confronting a killer on her own?? Really?
Overall, Lila is a character my own age and I can't possibly imagine being friends with this woman without wanting to smack her and tell her to bring it down a notch or two.
Anyhow, there is also a lot to like about this book - I LOVE the background of a Literary Agency; some of the most interesting parts of the book are the boring bits while she's working, describing the process of finding new authors. The summaries from the inquiry letters that the author includes are gems, you almost wish some of these books were available!
Aside from Lila, and Sean to an extent, the characters are fun, likeable and unique - I can totally picture the Novel Idea workplace and the Literary Agent team working and interacting together. I'm not sure about the introduction of Vicky - she can still be an efficient whiz without the stick up her backside. Lila's mom is a hoot, if a bit of a current cliché in cozy fiction at the moment. She adds a bit of levity, as does Makayla, the barista.
Will I read the next one? Probably. I want to believe this author and her characters are still trying to find their footing, and improve in future adventures.
January 22, 2013
Every Trick In The Book is the second book in the A Novel Idea Mystery series. A wonderful addition it is, too.
Things couldn't be better for Lila Wilkins. She is moving into her dream cottage, a wonderful man in her life and has been made an agent at Novel Idea Literary Agency. As Lila is hanging a mirror in her new house, it slips and breaks. Her mother, who reads Tarot cards warns her that "trouble is coming hard and fast like a freight train".
When Lila returns to work she finds a manuscript with no query letter attached and starts to read it. Soon she realizes that this should be handled by another agent. It is so frightening that the authors name, Kirk Mason is firmly planted in her head. He mentions that he will be at the Inspiration Valley Book and Author Festival, that will start in a couple days.
At the festival, Lila meets Melissa Blume, an editor from a New York publishing house, and someone who could definitely pass as Lila's twin.
During the pitch session, publishing's answer to speed dating, Lila notices Kirk Mason staring at her with vengeance in his eyes. As he walks by her table he drops a black feather on the table. As things are beginning to end for the day, the body of Melissa is found in an area under renovation. Lila starts to wonder if she was meant to be the victim, but remembers the business card Melissa gave her had a black feather on it. Also, clutched in Melissa hand is a picture of a teddy bear like her son has.
Next, Lila is on her way to a nearby city to deliver a notebook that author Tillie Smythe had left when they were having lunch. When Lila get there, Tillie is extremely nervous and claims that she is being stalked. That evening she is found murdered in her home with a teddy bear near her body.
Now Lila needs to convince her policeman boyfriend, Sean Griffith, that the two murders are related.
Also on Lila mind is the Red Fox Co-op where her son Trey lives. Things have changed dramatically. There seems to be more college students showing up for "meditation" classes. One new building has been opened and Trey and some of the other residents are not allowed in for sessions, that are also quite expensive for a college student.
All the regular characters from book #1 are back to help Lila solve the case. Lila has also hired a new intern/office manager who will be a wonderful additions, I feel.
I am really looking forward to book #3.
Things couldn't be better for Lila Wilkins. She is moving into her dream cottage, a wonderful man in her life and has been made an agent at Novel Idea Literary Agency. As Lila is hanging a mirror in her new house, it slips and breaks. Her mother, who reads Tarot cards warns her that "trouble is coming hard and fast like a freight train".
When Lila returns to work she finds a manuscript with no query letter attached and starts to read it. Soon she realizes that this should be handled by another agent. It is so frightening that the authors name, Kirk Mason is firmly planted in her head. He mentions that he will be at the Inspiration Valley Book and Author Festival, that will start in a couple days.
At the festival, Lila meets Melissa Blume, an editor from a New York publishing house, and someone who could definitely pass as Lila's twin.
During the pitch session, publishing's answer to speed dating, Lila notices Kirk Mason staring at her with vengeance in his eyes. As he walks by her table he drops a black feather on the table. As things are beginning to end for the day, the body of Melissa is found in an area under renovation. Lila starts to wonder if she was meant to be the victim, but remembers the business card Melissa gave her had a black feather on it. Also, clutched in Melissa hand is a picture of a teddy bear like her son has.
Next, Lila is on her way to a nearby city to deliver a notebook that author Tillie Smythe had left when they were having lunch. When Lila get there, Tillie is extremely nervous and claims that she is being stalked. That evening she is found murdered in her home with a teddy bear near her body.
Now Lila needs to convince her policeman boyfriend, Sean Griffith, that the two murders are related.
Also on Lila mind is the Red Fox Co-op where her son Trey lives. Things have changed dramatically. There seems to be more college students showing up for "meditation" classes. One new building has been opened and Trey and some of the other residents are not allowed in for sessions, that are also quite expensive for a college student.
All the regular characters from book #1 are back to help Lila solve the case. Lila has also hired a new intern/office manager who will be a wonderful additions, I feel.
I am really looking forward to book #3.
March 21, 2013
Lila Wilkins, living in Inspiration Valley, North Carolina, is delighted with the world in general. She has a new promotion to full agent for a small but important book agency. Lila also owns the perfect home, a sunshine yellow Vespa, has a great Mother and Son, and not lastly, a terrific police officer boyfriend, Sean Griffiths. What can possibly blight her world...murder!
Not just a murder but one that happens at the agency's first big event for authors and their novels...The Book and Author Festival! Lila has a doppelgänger and when the editor is found slain in the unused area of the festivals venue, Lila has no way to know just whom the victim truly was meant to be.
Lila's son is also involved in a secondary mystery. Trey lives in a working commune while deciding where his life is heading. Lila becomes concerned when Trey, himself, admits that something is amiss at the farm.
When a second death occurs, Lila and Sean join forces and seek the killer.
This novel is the second in the series and I recommend reading the first one first.
Not just a murder but one that happens at the agency's first big event for authors and their novels...The Book and Author Festival! Lila has a doppelgänger and when the editor is found slain in the unused area of the festivals venue, Lila has no way to know just whom the victim truly was meant to be.
Lila's son is also involved in a secondary mystery. Trey lives in a working commune while deciding where his life is heading. Lila becomes concerned when Trey, himself, admits that something is amiss at the farm.
When a second death occurs, Lila and Sean join forces and seek the killer.
This novel is the second in the series and I recommend reading the first one first.
August 28, 2020
I liked the first book, but this one was a little bit of a let down. Lila keeps putting herself into the investigation and takes the murders personally, just because she had just recently met the people who die. You pretty much know who the murderer is, but the reason is pretty sad. The only mystery was where is the murderer and why did they kill? Lila just irked me a lot in this one. Especially close to the end. There is one part where she feels entitled to go on an interview with her boyfriend Sean because she has helped in the investigation. Um....NO! Especially with the subject matter, that would never be allowed.
I'm kinda glad about the co-op. I wasn't a fan of it and it just felt out of place.
I'm kinda glad about the co-op. I wasn't a fan of it and it just felt out of place.
April 20, 2013
I found Lucy Arlingtwon's second Novel Idea's mystery rather disappointing. I think it was the lack of rigour surrounding the mysteries as well as Lila's behavior. The way Lila quickly went from cowering in a closet to confronting the murderer was impossible to swallow. And the mysteries came across as simplistic and unoriginal. Trey's problem at the co-op was immediately obvious to me and the murders left me with a sense of "been there, done that". Maybe I've read too many cozies but I expected more especially after enjoying the first entry so much.
May 31, 2015
This was a quick, fast, enjoyable read! The characters are a cute cozy group – plot well planned and rounded out nicely with a good ending!
August 15, 2018
Things are going pretty well in Lila's world, she has been made permanent at her job (reading books and partial books for a living - brilliant!), she has her new home and her new boyfriend (in the form of Officer Sean Griffiths), the only downside seems to be that Trey (her son) is still living at the commune/Co-operative and whilst she has been able to delay his college start date by a term, any more and he would have to start the whole application process again. As part of her job she is involved with a Book and Author Festival, but even before she gets there she gets a creepy thriller pitch sent through to her (which she promptly forwards to a colleague - she deals with the Cozy Genre, not the hard core), at the Festival she meets a lady who, at first glance, could be her double. This all seems fun until her double ends up dead and then there is another body.
Lila trawls through the manuscripts trying to find clues, at the same time Sean is working hard to catch the murderer, oh and Trey is worried about the commune, all in a new days work for this single mother!
I wondered if the second book would be as fun as the first, with Lila no longer having to worry about her job, her cash flow and everything else, but my slight worry was misguided, this is a fun, frenetic, frolic through crime and crime writers and I am only sorry that there seems to be 5 books only in the series!
Lila trawls through the manuscripts trying to find clues, at the same time Sean is working hard to catch the murderer, oh and Trey is worried about the commune, all in a new days work for this single mother!
I wondered if the second book would be as fun as the first, with Lila no longer having to worry about her job, her cash flow and everything else, but my slight worry was misguided, this is a fun, frenetic, frolic through crime and crime writers and I am only sorry that there seems to be 5 books only in the series!
March 14, 2013
When the book starts, Lila is very busy with the organization of the Book and Author Festival in town this weekend, and she just hired a new intern. Now she has been promoted to literary agent, some one else has to tackle the query letters, and all the other jobs that needs to be done. And this woman, 69 year old Vicky Crump, is perfect for the job: a former librarian, and not afraid to get her hands dirty with cleaning as well. In no time she organises the office, and makes sure everything runs smoothly.
A few days after hiring Vicky, Lila gets really spooked by a proposal, it is undoubtedly good, but not her genre, and she gives it over to Jude. The author, Mason Kirk, will be at the literary festival as well. Lila and the other authors will be having pitch sessions, where an upcoming author can pitch their books life to them. They will get only a few minutes each. Lila is extremely nervous about it all, but ofcourse the authors will be even more so.
While drinking some of Makayla, from Espresso Yourself, her delicious coffee, Lila meets a woman who could be her twin sister! They even have the same taste in dress, and immediately hit it off. Melissa is a senior editor, and in town for the literary festival.
Lila is really enjoying herself, except for that very creepy man who can’t stop staring at her. And when he drops a Raven’s feather on her table before leaving the room at the end of the pitch sessions, she sure is scared. Then the roof starts leaking over her head, and she needs to get something to catch the rain in, before they all get soaked. While going to the janitor closet in the closed-off hallway, she meets the scary guy again, and he tries to accost her! Luckily, another coworker chases him off, but Lila sure is rattled.
The next day, all is going well, they are having fun, and there are some promising new authors who might become their new clients, with a bit of encouragement. The day closes with a costumed ball, and they are all having a blast. Lila and her almost-boyfriend, the yummy police detective Sean Griffiths, are dressed as Helen of Troy and Paris. But their lovely evening out is cut short, when it is discovered that the restricted section is no longer barred, and that someone got murdered there! Lila is horrified to discover Melissa, it is like looking at her own dead body! But who could have murdered her, and why? Did the killer pick the wrong woman? Or did he mistake Lila for Melissa earlier, and is it Mason Kirk who is the killer?
Of course Sean doesn’t like Lila getting involved, but she feels like she has no choice, and she can get more information about Melissa’s literary work than Sean. Perhaps a disgruntled author is the killer, or a jealous collegue.
At home there is also not much rest for Lila. Her son Trey is visiting, and he feels like something is off at the Coop he joined last summer. He still enjoys working with the goats, and selling their products in town, but things have changed, and he doesn’t like it. When Lila goes up for a visit, she sure is surprised. Not only is there electricity, and other luxurious amenities, the leader doesn’t look like Jesus anymore either, but more like a businessman. How did they get the money for all this? And why has everything changed so much? Is there really something hinky going on now?
Trey wants to find out for himself, if he wants to stay on the mountain, or go to college after all. Which will depend on his girlfriend as well, the younger sister of the leader, and a really sweet person.
Of course, Lila can’t help but meddle a bit, as she comes up with a plan for Trey to find out what is happening in truth at those meetings he is not welcome at, but lots of college students from town are.
With a killer on the loose, a lot of work at the agency, and moving into her new home, Lila is kept very busy. And as Sean has to capture that killer, that means they can’t spend as much time together as they should like. But when Lila is in danger, it is Sean who races to the rescue.
A very good cozy mystery, with the roots of the mystery planted far in the past. Two women who both made a new life for themselves, are brutally murdered. What is their connection, and why did it happen? With the help of Makayla, Lila sets out to find out the truth, and the real killer’s identity.
I enjoyed it, and since Lila is so very fond of her bright yellow Vespa scooter, named Sunshine, I keep seeing those things everywhere in town. Which makes me think about the book again, with a smile.
Lila still dives headfirst into danger, and she rushes to conclusions, but mostly I like her. She is more cool about her son living his own life, but of course very happy when he mentions perhaps going to college after all, all on his own. She wants him to have the best possible future, and in America, that means getting a college education. Trey has really grown from a spoiled boy to someone who knows how to work, and doesn’t mind helping his mother in and around the house. I like him in this book, a lot.
Then there is Lila’s mother, the amazing Althea. She is a bit of a clairvoyant, a fortune teller, and Lila is starting to believe in her powers, as they have been scarily accurate a few times lately. I like her, a feisty old lady with a love for Jim Bean.
And last, Lila’s love interest, Sean. I think he is genuinely interested in Lila, but his work keeps getting between them. Which I don’t mind at all, I do prefer a slow setup of a romance, especially in a cozy mystery series. I am looking forward to more of them as a couple though.
The mystery part was very good. I did guess most things, but the execution was amazing, and even a bit scary at the end. I really do like to be surprised by an author, and kept guessing on what will happen next. Lucy Arlington is well on her way to land on my autobuy author list with this series. Let’s hope the next book is even better than this one.
8,5 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
A few days after hiring Vicky, Lila gets really spooked by a proposal, it is undoubtedly good, but not her genre, and she gives it over to Jude. The author, Mason Kirk, will be at the literary festival as well. Lila and the other authors will be having pitch sessions, where an upcoming author can pitch their books life to them. They will get only a few minutes each. Lila is extremely nervous about it all, but ofcourse the authors will be even more so.
While drinking some of Makayla, from Espresso Yourself, her delicious coffee, Lila meets a woman who could be her twin sister! They even have the same taste in dress, and immediately hit it off. Melissa is a senior editor, and in town for the literary festival.
Lila is really enjoying herself, except for that very creepy man who can’t stop staring at her. And when he drops a Raven’s feather on her table before leaving the room at the end of the pitch sessions, she sure is scared. Then the roof starts leaking over her head, and she needs to get something to catch the rain in, before they all get soaked. While going to the janitor closet in the closed-off hallway, she meets the scary guy again, and he tries to accost her! Luckily, another coworker chases him off, but Lila sure is rattled.
The next day, all is going well, they are having fun, and there are some promising new authors who might become their new clients, with a bit of encouragement. The day closes with a costumed ball, and they are all having a blast. Lila and her almost-boyfriend, the yummy police detective Sean Griffiths, are dressed as Helen of Troy and Paris. But their lovely evening out is cut short, when it is discovered that the restricted section is no longer barred, and that someone got murdered there! Lila is horrified to discover Melissa, it is like looking at her own dead body! But who could have murdered her, and why? Did the killer pick the wrong woman? Or did he mistake Lila for Melissa earlier, and is it Mason Kirk who is the killer?
Of course Sean doesn’t like Lila getting involved, but she feels like she has no choice, and she can get more information about Melissa’s literary work than Sean. Perhaps a disgruntled author is the killer, or a jealous collegue.
At home there is also not much rest for Lila. Her son Trey is visiting, and he feels like something is off at the Coop he joined last summer. He still enjoys working with the goats, and selling their products in town, but things have changed, and he doesn’t like it. When Lila goes up for a visit, she sure is surprised. Not only is there electricity, and other luxurious amenities, the leader doesn’t look like Jesus anymore either, but more like a businessman. How did they get the money for all this? And why has everything changed so much? Is there really something hinky going on now?
Trey wants to find out for himself, if he wants to stay on the mountain, or go to college after all. Which will depend on his girlfriend as well, the younger sister of the leader, and a really sweet person.
Of course, Lila can’t help but meddle a bit, as she comes up with a plan for Trey to find out what is happening in truth at those meetings he is not welcome at, but lots of college students from town are.
With a killer on the loose, a lot of work at the agency, and moving into her new home, Lila is kept very busy. And as Sean has to capture that killer, that means they can’t spend as much time together as they should like. But when Lila is in danger, it is Sean who races to the rescue.
A very good cozy mystery, with the roots of the mystery planted far in the past. Two women who both made a new life for themselves, are brutally murdered. What is their connection, and why did it happen? With the help of Makayla, Lila sets out to find out the truth, and the real killer’s identity.
I enjoyed it, and since Lila is so very fond of her bright yellow Vespa scooter, named Sunshine, I keep seeing those things everywhere in town. Which makes me think about the book again, with a smile.
Lila still dives headfirst into danger, and she rushes to conclusions, but mostly I like her. She is more cool about her son living his own life, but of course very happy when he mentions perhaps going to college after all, all on his own. She wants him to have the best possible future, and in America, that means getting a college education. Trey has really grown from a spoiled boy to someone who knows how to work, and doesn’t mind helping his mother in and around the house. I like him in this book, a lot.
Then there is Lila’s mother, the amazing Althea. She is a bit of a clairvoyant, a fortune teller, and Lila is starting to believe in her powers, as they have been scarily accurate a few times lately. I like her, a feisty old lady with a love for Jim Bean.
And last, Lila’s love interest, Sean. I think he is genuinely interested in Lila, but his work keeps getting between them. Which I don’t mind at all, I do prefer a slow setup of a romance, especially in a cozy mystery series. I am looking forward to more of them as a couple though.
The mystery part was very good. I did guess most things, but the execution was amazing, and even a bit scary at the end. I really do like to be surprised by an author, and kept guessing on what will happen next. Lucy Arlington is well on her way to land on my autobuy author list with this series. Let’s hope the next book is even better than this one.
8,5 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
December 10, 2020
Cozy goals met! I have really enjoyed Lucy Arlington's Novel Idea Series. Lila was an easy to like main character, who recently became a literary agent after years as a newpaper writer. Lila and her family (son Trey and mother Althea) are funny and warm to deal with. I get a kick out of Lila's relationship with her mother, a psychic and forewarns of current problems to Lila that have ended in murder.
This story revolves around the agency's first Book Festival, where a publisher is killed during a costume party. There is also a subplot involving Trey and his life on the co-op (which we all knew was to good to be true!). Makayla also shines brighter as a fuller character than just a barista by helping Lila sleuth.
I'm continuing on with this series and hoping the next two books are just as good!
This story revolves around the agency's first Book Festival, where a publisher is killed during a costume party. There is also a subplot involving Trey and his life on the co-op (which we all knew was to good to be true!). Makayla also shines brighter as a fuller character than just a barista by helping Lila sleuth.
I'm continuing on with this series and hoping the next two books are just as good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2017
This took me a while to finish. I had taken a break from it, went back to reading it then took another break from it. While I didn't mind the first one, I thought it was okay.
With this one, it was okay. It does have its moments but wow did Lila seem different than she did in the first book. I do like some of the characters to give the series a chance. Same goes for the mystery.
Overall, an okay installment but still liked reading it. And I like the cover for these cozy books. It fits the theme and tone and will read the other books.
With this one, it was okay. It does have its moments but wow did Lila seem different than she did in the first book. I do like some of the characters to give the series a chance. Same goes for the mystery.
Overall, an okay installment but still liked reading it. And I like the cover for these cozy books. It fits the theme and tone and will read the other books.
May 23, 2023
I don't usually read series books right after the other, but this was available at the library, so here we are.
Lila Wilkins us now a full-fledged literary agent at Novel Idea, with her dream house and feeling pretty lucky and content. She has been working extra hard for the inaugural literary festival, and is looking forward to it.
But when a Lila is nearly attacked by a threatening man attending the festival, things take a downward turn. And when a visiting agent is murdered, Lila is convinced the same person is responsible.
I have to say that I thought this was another good story, with multiple layers. The secondary characters are interesting enough that you pay attention, and though this is basically a cozy mystery, a lot of the story is more "regular" than in some cozies. not worry though, there is still a lot that requires a certain level of suspension of disbelief!
Lila Wilkins us now a full-fledged literary agent at Novel Idea, with her dream house and feeling pretty lucky and content. She has been working extra hard for the inaugural literary festival, and is looking forward to it.
But when a Lila is nearly attacked by a threatening man attending the festival, things take a downward turn. And when a visiting agent is murdered, Lila is convinced the same person is responsible.
I have to say that I thought this was another good story, with multiple layers. The secondary characters are interesting enough that you pay attention, and though this is basically a cozy mystery, a lot of the story is more "regular" than in some cozies. not worry though, there is still a lot that requires a certain level of suspension of disbelief!
April 25, 2017
Another fun installment in this series! I really enjoy the details about Lila’s job and the book blurbs throughout. The mystery was a little darker and more twisty than the last. Overall, still a fun series.
August 20, 2020
Early in this book I wasn't enjoying it very much; there was an awfully lot of detail about things I wasn't interested in. Once the actual mystery got going the story was very good, and there were certainly a few surprises.
January 4, 2017
I'm not entirely sure what happened to this series. I really enjoyed the first book, and I kept hoping while reading this one that the author would find her groove again but everything in this book smacked of trying too hard and it made it truly hard for me to suspend my disbelief and go with the main character on her journey.
From the very beginning the stereotype of a "bad guy" to Lila's insistence she knew who he was to the exclusion of all else grated on me. And little things like that kept grating on me until I was just plain annoyed. But then I lost my belief in the book entirely.
Because a 40-something grown, professional woman who has already solved a murder and dates a police officer when confronted with the possibility of the person they are looking for for the murder coming to her place of work - in the daytime, while it is full of other adults - doesn't simply call her boyfriend and suggest a sting. Instead she . I don't know what the author, agent and editor of THIS book were thinking but that scene there, that's a hard no for me. Especially when later, while all alone in her house, after not living alone for YEARS and a murderer is wandering loose and knows who she is she insists she's entirely fine. It's like Arlington and Lila forgot who Lila was in this book because her behaviour and choices don't line up with who she is supposed to be or even to someone I want to keep reading with.
Which sucks. Because I really did enjoy reading book one. Someone tell me, does Arlington find her way back to a Lila who makes sense later or should I just stop now?
From the very beginning the stereotype of a "bad guy" to Lila's insistence she knew who he was to the exclusion of all else grated on me. And little things like that kept grating on me until I was just plain annoyed. But then I lost my belief in the book entirely.
Because a 40-something grown, professional woman who has already solved a murder and dates a police officer when confronted with the possibility of the person they are looking for for the murder coming to her place of work - in the daytime, while it is full of other adults - doesn't simply call her boyfriend and suggest a sting. Instead she . I don't know what the author, agent and editor of THIS book were thinking but that scene there, that's a hard no for me. Especially when later, while all alone in her house, after not living alone for YEARS and a murderer is wandering loose and knows who she is she insists she's entirely fine. It's like Arlington and Lila forgot who Lila was in this book because her behaviour and choices don't line up with who she is supposed to be or even to someone I want to keep reading with.
Which sucks. Because I really did enjoy reading book one. Someone tell me, does Arlington find her way back to a Lila who makes sense later or should I just stop now?
January 16, 2016
You have heard it said that all of us has a twin somewhere out there. What would you do if you came face to face with yours? and then they end up murdered! at an event you have helped organize!!
That’s what happens to Lila Wilkens in this second installment of the Novel Idea Mysteries. She has helped organize the Book and Author Festival and she was hoping to discover some talented new authors but she never imagined there would be one dead body and then another. Lila finds herself hunting down another killer and the clues that bring everything together are found in a very familiar place for this new literary agent. Can she catch the culprit before she is written out of the story?
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There is so much to love about this story!
A behind the scenes glimpse at book publishing from the agents point of view set in an enchanting place. Inspiration Valley, North Carolina – sounds like a perfect escape for me. I would never want to come back. Lila’s job would delight me as well.
The author has her hands full because she is not only writing the plot and sub-plots, she also has to come up with snippets of manuscripts and proposals for stories so that Lila can do her job. She does this with a precision that makes them all blend together and flow seamlessly for the reader. A lot happens in this story but it happens so naturally that before you know it you are on the last page and sad to have the story end.
The characters are superb and Lila’s new hire could prove to very interesting in the next editions. The rest of the agents at Novel Idea Literary are starting to gel. Lila’s son Trey’s path is changing. Lila is getting settled in her cottage after a little moving day drama and her relationship with Sean, the policeman, is moving forward even as he wishes she would just stay out of his cases.
I am excited for the next story, Books, Cooks and Crooks to be released in December. I am sure Lila will find “in the soup” again and I will devour every word.
That’s what happens to Lila Wilkens in this second installment of the Novel Idea Mysteries. She has helped organize the Book and Author Festival and she was hoping to discover some talented new authors but she never imagined there would be one dead body and then another. Lila finds herself hunting down another killer and the clues that bring everything together are found in a very familiar place for this new literary agent. Can she catch the culprit before she is written out of the story?
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There is so much to love about this story!
A behind the scenes glimpse at book publishing from the agents point of view set in an enchanting place. Inspiration Valley, North Carolina – sounds like a perfect escape for me. I would never want to come back. Lila’s job would delight me as well.
The author has her hands full because she is not only writing the plot and sub-plots, she also has to come up with snippets of manuscripts and proposals for stories so that Lila can do her job. She does this with a precision that makes them all blend together and flow seamlessly for the reader. A lot happens in this story but it happens so naturally that before you know it you are on the last page and sad to have the story end.
The characters are superb and Lila’s new hire could prove to very interesting in the next editions. The rest of the agents at Novel Idea Literary are starting to gel. Lila’s son Trey’s path is changing. Lila is getting settled in her cottage after a little moving day drama and her relationship with Sean, the policeman, is moving forward even as he wishes she would just stay out of his cases.
I am excited for the next story, Books, Cooks and Crooks to be released in December. I am sure Lila will find “in the soup” again and I will devour every word.
November 7, 2014
I loved the first book in this series. The setting of Inspiration Valley was idyllic and picture-perfect, and Lila Wilkins was a character I thoroughly liked and respected. She was an intelligent, sensible and responsible woman, who was able to solve a mystery using her smarts and gain justice for the victim.
Well, the setting in this book was still charming and unique and Lila's dream job as a literary agent working for A Novel Idea was very interesting with all the queries and sample manuscripts she received from potential, aspiring authors.
But....
Lila herself was a letdown and disappointment in this book. Where did all her intelligence and common sense suddenly disappear to? She started off okay in the beginning of the book, but quickly deteriorated into a melodramatic, irrational, hysterical woman who seemed to overreact to every little thing and made some stupid decisions. I just had to roll my eyes at some of her actions.
The mystery itself was not particularly spellbinding or surprising, either. The killer was obvious from the beginning and the ending was somewhat anticlimatic.
So, overall, what started off as an entertaining series was somewhat tainted by this second book but not enough to cause me to abandon it. I will continue on with the third book and hope that Lila once again regains the sensible, rational characteristics that made her so appealing in the first place.
Well, the setting in this book was still charming and unique and Lila's dream job as a literary agent working for A Novel Idea was very interesting with all the queries and sample manuscripts she received from potential, aspiring authors.
But....
Lila herself was a letdown and disappointment in this book. Where did all her intelligence and common sense suddenly disappear to? She started off okay in the beginning of the book, but quickly deteriorated into a melodramatic, irrational, hysterical woman who seemed to overreact to every little thing and made some stupid decisions. I just had to roll my eyes at some of her actions.
The mystery itself was not particularly spellbinding or surprising, either. The killer was obvious from the beginning and the ending was somewhat anticlimatic.
So, overall, what started off as an entertaining series was somewhat tainted by this second book but not enough to cause me to abandon it. I will continue on with the third book and hope that Lila once again regains the sensible, rational characteristics that made her so appealing in the first place.
September 2, 2013
Inspiration Valley, North Carolina is one of my all time favorite settings for a mystery story. With a book publishing agency set among a slew of stores with book titles for names, what more could a book lover want! In this second installment, Lila is honing her skills as a literary agent, as the agency puts on a book fair for aspiring authors to pitch their book ideas. Everything is going great even though one sinister looking author does nothing but drop off a crows feather at Lila's table. Well, Lila thought it was great until one of the participants is found murdered, holding a card with a crow feather embossed on it.
Lila, and her continuing romantic interest, policeman Sean, become involved in another mystery. Things get more heated, when a second author is found dead, clutching a teddy bear. When this sounds too much like one of third author's "book pitch", the question becomes if and how these two murders are related. If that is not enough, Lila's son, Trey, finds himself excluded from his community's new 'meditation house', where suspicious things seem to be happening.
Lucy Arlington blends all these mysteries together beautifully in exciting and compelling story telling. She even furthers the romance between Lila and Sean seamlessly within the story line. Great series gets even better with this second book. The descriptions of the publishing industry add so much to this particular series. Hoping for lots more in this "bookie" little town!!
Lila, and her continuing romantic interest, policeman Sean, become involved in another mystery. Things get more heated, when a second author is found dead, clutching a teddy bear. When this sounds too much like one of third author's "book pitch", the question becomes if and how these two murders are related. If that is not enough, Lila's son, Trey, finds himself excluded from his community's new 'meditation house', where suspicious things seem to be happening.
Lucy Arlington blends all these mysteries together beautifully in exciting and compelling story telling. She even furthers the romance between Lila and Sean seamlessly within the story line. Great series gets even better with this second book. The descriptions of the publishing industry add so much to this particular series. Hoping for lots more in this "bookie" little town!!
March 23, 2013
I had a difficult time decding between 2 or 3 stars. While the beginning chapters drew me right in, the story then fell apart. There was no reason for the agent and editor to look alike because one was killed right way. there was no reason for the subplot of Jasper and the farm. It appeared the author wasn't sure what to do woth this book. And I find it totally ridiculous that Lila shows up the police over and over again. Just not sure about this one.
May 1, 2013
I'm in love with Lucy Arlington's characters. The story was a thoroughly enjoyable read on a quiet afternoon. I'm looking forward to book three and have already noted the title on my advance release list to keep track of it.
November 11, 2013
This was a solid book, but not as good as the first in the series. I didn't believe the plotline changes with the son character, and liked the protagonists struggles better when she was an intern versus an agent. Still, a solid series!
January 30, 2014
Did anyone edit this book? The writing seems so uneven. Flowery sentence structures that are way over the top and really unnecessary. I didn't care for the main character or her zippy Vespa. Surprised a real literary agent ever picked this one up.
February 15, 2014
I wanted to like it because of the premise, but it was boring and poorly written, a double sin in my book. The main character was also very unlikeable and nearly hysterical in her reactions. Throw in that it had an obvious conclusion and, well, I had to push myself to finish.
February 24, 2013
Hmmmm I was not a fond of this one as the first in the series but I still like the setting and the writing enough that I will give book three a read when it comes out.
January 8, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. This town is a place I still want to visit. Ready to read the next book in this series.
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