Death in Perspective

A Cherry Tucker Mystery #4

by Larissa Reinhart

The curtain rises on Cherry Tucker’s debut as a high school set designer at the posh Peerless Day Academy. Cherry’s been hired for an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, but the drama director is hoping Cherry can also turn the spotlight on a malicious social media bully who’s sending poisonous texts to the faculty. The director’s got his own drama to hide, and the phantom texter seems eager to spill school secrets. When the principal’s secretary commits suicide, Cherry suspects foul play.

Deputy Luke Harper is ready to return as Cherry’s leading man. He’s eager to assist in finding the phantom culprit, but Cherry fears family secrets offstage may doom them to the role as star-crossed lovers. With the bully waiting for a murderous encore and her own family skeletons to hide, Cherry scrambles to find her brother and the mysterious texter before the phantom decides it’s curtains for Cherry and forces her to take a final bow.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Whodunit, Murder Mystery, Detective, Chick Lit

292 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2014

About the author

A Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author, Larissa loves to tell funny, sweet stories about sassy Southern women looking for love (and sometimes dead bodies) in all the wrong places, like in her award-winning Cherry Tucker Mystery, Maizie Albright Star Detective, and/or Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. You might have seen Larissa and her family with their little dog, Biscuit, on HGTV's House Hunters International "Living for the Weekend in Nagoya" episode. They’re back in Georgia where Biscuit has a bigger yard but now has to live with thunderstorms.
Check out LarissaReinhart.com to learn more and get a free story while you're visiting.

Her books have been chosen as book club picks by Woman's World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews. They've also been finalists for Georgia Author of the Year, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, The Emily Award, and Dixie Kane Memorial. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.

Cherry Tucker Mysteries (in order):

A CHRISTMAS QUICK SKETCH (prequel)
PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY
STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW
HIJACK IN ABSTRACT
DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE
THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE
THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE
A COMPOSITION IN MURDER
A VIEW TO A CHILL
A MOTHERLODE OF TROUBLE

Maizie Albright Star Detective series in order:

15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS (coming soon!)
20 CARATS

Finley Goodhart Crime Capers in order:

PIG’N A POKE (prequel short story for Larissa's subscribers)
THE CUPID CAPER

Reviews

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Tucker is always a delight. With her Southern charm and down-home expressions, she keeps me in stitches, and with her sweet heart and stubborn nature, she holds me in the palm of her hand. Cherry was born on the wrong side of the track for some people to find her unique personality attractive; in fact, if she became a full-on southern belle, the on-going clash between her family and the Bransons would have kept the town's elite from accepting her. Cherry could take or leave those snooty people if it wasn't for one particular guy, Luke Harper, deputy sheriff and stepson of the head of the Branson family. Sigh. It is a bit ironic that when she is offered the job of creating the sets at a day school for the financially able, the play turns out to be a rather unique version of Romeo and Juliet. It also turns out that her talent as an artist is not the only thing that draws the attention of the head of the drama department; her curiosity and success in solving crimes is the real talent that he is interested in. Every book in this series gets better and better and the first one was a winner. I love unique cozy mysteries and this one is all that and more.
As always Larissa Reinhart's characters are strong and resonate deeply with me.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Highly recommend

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Perspective is the fourth Cherry Tucker mystery and has left me rather upset . . . that I haven't read any of Larissa Reinhart's work before. Her characters leap to life and the plot is witty, funny, and intriguing. I can't believe I've been missing out on such sassy Southern suspense!

Cherry Tucker is a artist struggling to make her way from the wrong side of the tracks in Halo, Georgia into the acceptance of small town Southern society. Trouble is, she's a Tucker, part of the Ballard clan that has a long standing Hatfield and McCoy feud with the Bransons. Complicating matters further is Cherry's attraction to Deputy Luke Harper, a Branson by marriage if not by name. Entwined in the mystery that unfolds in Death in Perspective is the "West Side Story" romance between Cherry and Luke. Their interactions are sweet and sizzle; heck, I might have to get into the fight for Luke!

While Cherry tries to sort through her seemingly impossible romantic life, she's also trying to track down her AWOL brother Cody, track down the person responsible for sending mysterious and threatening text messages to students and staff at the posh Peerless Academy, and figure out just what in tarnation is a Tiny Tony.

I adored this book and I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands on copies of the preceding three stories in the series. Larissa Reinhart has crafted a seriously engaging sleuth story with unique and true characters who are hard to forget - not that you'd want to!

I'm a Midwestern girl at heart - born and raised in the dairy state - but there's something about the South that capture my attention and my heart, in a way. Maybe it's my inner Scarlett O'Hara, or a not-so-secret desire to swoon at someone calling me "Sugar." Whatever the cause, Larissa Reinhart is the perfect fix for my latent Southern living longing and I'm all in from here on out!

My thanks to Henery Press for the advanced reader copy of Death in Perspective in exchange for this honest review.

[HENERY PRESS PUBLISHING]

“Artist and accidental detective Cherry Tucker goes back to high school and finds plenty of trouble and skeletons…Reinhart's charming, sweet-tea flavored series keeps getting better!” – Gretchen Archer, USA TODAY Bestselling Author of the Davis Way Crime Caper Series

[Shelley Giusti · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[Jane Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book — #4 in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series. The main character of Death in Perspective, Cherry Tucker, has a great sense of humor, as do many of her friends, family members, and neighbors. I was laughing out loud at times while I read it. The pacing is just right — neither too slow, nor too fast. I had a hard time putting Death in Perspective down. In fact, I stayed up late to finish it; it's that good!

Cherry and the other characters seem realistic, and are placed in realistic situations. Author Larissa Reinhart's world-building in Death in Perspective is spot on. The town of Halo, in Forks County, Georgia, seems so real to me, that I am (almost) fully convinced that I can drive down there, visit with Cherry and her family and friends, meet Tater and Snickerdoodle, eat some barbecue at the Lickety Pig, and hang out a while at Red's County Line Tap.

The mystery of Death in Perspective's "malicious social media bully" comes to a thrilling conclusion. I suspected who the perpetrator might be, but my correct guess in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this great, very fun read. The serious subject of suicide, including teen suicide, is handled well and in a sensitive manner.

In addition to the resolved mystery in Death in Perspective, there is more to the ongoing mystery that began in book 1, Portrait of a Dead Guy, when Shawna Branson asked Cherry for some photographs that Shawna had lost. In preparation for reading and reviewing Death in Perspective, I re-read books 1 - 3, and found several clues to this series mystery that I had not picked up on earlier. I am looking forward to reading book #5, to find out what happens next in the continuing saga of Shawna's photos.

Because of this continuing mystery in the Cherry Tucker Mysteries, I recommend that the books be read in order; however, it is possible to read Death in Perspective as a stand-alone. The important task is .... read the book!

I recommend Death in Perspective to all cozy mystery fans, especially those who like "hick lit" (the author's term — I love it!) books with strong, sassy heroines and quirky characters.

Death in Perspective has earned Five Kitties, our highest rating!


Originally published at Jane Reads

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Cherry Tucker series. Cherry Tucker is a artist and is hired by Terry Tinsley from Peerless Day Academy, but on the day she arrives at this elite academy she finds out that the principal's secretary Miss Pringle, has died the police suspect suicide but after listening to a parent volunteer Cherry begins to wonder if it has to do with a ghost of a texter who has gotten another student to commit suicide due the heinous texts the drama teacher who hired Cherry also wants her to check into the texter to find out who it is and what they really know. Cherry is up for the job but will she survive the posh academy?

I really enjoyed this book it was different then many cozy books as the amateur sleuth is an artist and not a cook or book person in anyway. I loved meeting all the various characters in this book and seeing what this town has to offer with it's colorful residents. Especially the fighting between Cherry's family and Deputy Luke Harper's family.

As this book progress we find that more and more teachers are being threatened by the texter and the list of suspects is getting more confusing then someone else ends up dead by home invasion. Meanwhile Cherry is having a lot of trouble keeping Luke Harper in the friendship circle. And something is going on with Cherry's brother who seems to be out to cause more trouble.

I loved this story for so many reasons the relationships the kids at the prep school and the nutty teachers. I especially loved reading about Cherry trying to get to the bottom of things. What a great journey to go on! Can't wait to see what's in store next for Cherry Tucker!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I like the characters especially Cherry Tucker. I want things to go her way all the time. She gets into so much trouble trying to help. I want things to work out for her and Luke. Their families have been feuding for years. No one except them want things to work.

Cherry Tucker is an artist. She also gets involved trying to figure out mysteries. She does not make much. Her new roommate is her ex-husband.

Luke Harper is a deputy working for Cherry's Uncle Will. Luke has a nice girl stalking him. His cousin hates Cherry. Luke hates that Cherry gets involved in dangerous things she shouldn't. He wants to get back with Cherry.

Cherry is hired to help with scenery at a local private school. The drama teacher also wants her to find out who is cyber bullying him and other teachers. Also he wants Max to give to the school.

A teacher commits suicide but Cherry does not buy it. She is finding out a lot of secrets at the school.

Lots of drama at the school, also around Cherry and Luke's romance. Cherry has a lot of drama in her family lives right now to.

Cherry reminds me a little like Charlie Brown were nothing goes right for her. Her Lucy is Shawna Luke's step cousin.

There is a lot of snooping, spying and action that gets Cherry in dangerous situations.

I can't wait to see what happens next in Cherry's life and who ends up with whom.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review and be part of its blog tour.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free from Net Galley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!!!

Cherry Tucker is at it again. She just can't seem to keep her nose out of trouble. This time, she's involved with cyberbullying at a local private school where a sophomore committed suicide the year before. Now, the school secretary has been found dead, thought to be a suicide. Or was it?

The antics continue as she is hired by the overly dramatic drama teacher to find out what is going on at the school. Anonymous texts are being sent to teachers in the "I know what you did" manner and some teachers are scared. The suspects are numerous and it's one you have to read to find out "who did it".

The cast of usual characters are back, including the Todd/Cherry/Luke triangle as well as the ever bitchy, Shawna Branson (I don't feel as though I can say just her first name. Lord knows I don't want her pissed at me. HA!!).

Cherry finds herself, yet again, in trouble and in the middle of the action. This is a story that is well done, lighthearted, and very entertaining.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Cherry Tucker Mysteries and I loved it. I have not read any of the previous books, but I do not feel that deterred from my following the story or enjoying it any less. However, I got so interested in the characters that I promptly book the other books to find out more about Cherry's world. Larissa Reinhart does a wonderful job of story building and makes you feel like you are right there with the characters experiencing things as they do. This is the talent of a masterful storyteller. There were many twists and turns in the story and it left me guessing until the end. The author also deals with the very serious issues of cyber-bullying and teen suicide and does so with extreme grace and poise. But this does not bring the story down, as Larissa Reinhart adds great humor that will have you laughing out loud at times. She also transitions between the high and low points of the story with great skill, so it does not feel forced.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Hendry Press, but that has not influenced my opinion of this great fast paced mystery.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry is back and up to her old tricks. This time we also get to see her ex, still hanging around and living in her house. We find ourselves among Russian mobsters and getting way too involved in town politics. Promiscuous Maranda Pringle is dead, even before we get started Cherry had an interview with her and no one had bothered to tell her the meeting was cancelled. Cherry had been contacted by Mr. Tinsley the art teacher at Peerless Day Academy, offering her a job painting back drops for the school's next musical, Romeo and Juliet. Although Cherry tries her hardest to stay out of Maranda's death investigation, we all know how that ends up!
This is the 4th book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series, and I feel myself being part of the "gang". Larissa Reinhart writes very entertaining plots that we find Cherry becoming involved in.Waiting for each new book gets harder and harder, if only Larissa would write faster.....

[Terri Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Perspective is the fourth installment in the Cherry Tucker series. And this time, Cherry has to deal with her biggest challenge yet...teenagers. Taking a job at a private school, Cherry plans on designing sets for Romeo and Juliet. What she didn't expect was having to hunt down a mystery texter who's spreading vicious rumors. And when the principal's secretary supposedly commits suicide, Cherry suspects murder. With the help of Luke Harper, sheriff's deputy and Cherry's real life Romeo, she unravels the clues and turns the spotlight on the evil doer.

As always, Larissa Reinhart delivers humor along with her unique, Southern characters. Full of charm and wit, this mystery delivers plenty of laughs and a surprise ending. Loved it.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been a while since I've read a book with a "white trash" heroine. Cherry is a frank talking "real" type of character but she's not really trashy. I enjoyed the mystery and how Cherry's personal life sort of mirrors the play the local school is putting on, Romeo and Juliet. I can see the whole right side of the tracks (rich) guy, wrong side of the tracks (poor) gal and being worried about what others think to get on my nerves if it was prominent in all the other books in the series though. It gets OLD quick. I should mention that this is the first book in the series I have read so it didn't bother me much.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Southern Families.

These books just keep getting better. I would like to have Cherry as a friend because your life would not be dull. Between her and her family the entertainment factor would be unlimited. On to book 5 to see what happens next.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There is so much going on that I never got the chance to breath let alone get board with this mystery. It was a while ago that I went to school and I am so glad that I am not there now with all the modern technology that plagued the students of this school but then again it was so well written and having been in the drama class myself it was like walking down the corridors once again, good job I didn't have a murder or two to solve. Cherry is a great main character, even if her home life is equal to any high school drama or Shakespeare play you can imagine, but that just adds to the fun as do her quirky friends and relationships. Don't worry if you are not into Shakespearean plays as you don't get subjected to great big dialogues, just a few lines and even the play Romeo and Juliet play put on by the drama teacher isn't one you would recognise, we live in interesting times and this author has a good imagination. The mystery contained lots of twists to keep you guessing and also routing for Cherry to get to the bottom of the problem quickly but obviously not too quickly. I can't wait for the next book to see if she can come with a plain for her and Luke to finally be together.
Cherry Tucker is pleased and surprised to be hired by the drama teacher at Peerless Day Academy to paint the set for his latest play. Although she quickly learns that he hasn't just hired her for her painting skills. He wants her to find out who is sending the faculty members poisonous text messages after reading about her sleuthing skill in the local paper. The teacher's don't want the police involved and in fact most of them are denying the existence of the messages. Even after the school secretary commits suicide nobody will talk, even through everybody is getting the messages including the students. Cherry isn't so sure it was another suicide. Especially when The phantom texter keeps trying to draw attention to the drama teacher and the death of one of his students the year before. Can the two be connected? Hoping to keep the drama limited to the stage Cherry will have to get to the bottom of the messages if she doesn't want any more deaths to investigate.
I liked the narrator. She helped to make the characters come to life by giving them each there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star review Death In Perspective (A Cherry Tucker Mystery #4) by Larissa Reinhart

Audio Review:

This is book four in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series but can easily be listened to as a stand alone. Cherry, an artist is trying to make a success of her career but is struggling. When she is hired to be a set designer at the Peerless Day Academy she has no idea that she will soon be involved in another investigation.

There are secrets around and cyber bullying with nasty and outrageous texts being sent to the faculty. However when the principal’s secretary commits suicide Cherry is not convinced it isn’t something else. Could she be right? Deputy Luke Harper will have Cherry’s back once again but will they be able to solve the case? Can these two finally get together once and for all?

The characters are quirky and the situations she finds herself in make for some dangerous and at times amusing moments. There were numerous twists and turns in and I admit I was surprised on occasions.

Joan Dukore’s narration brought this story to life for me. She did justice to the characters and her voice was easy to listen to.

‘

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Cherry Tucker series by Larissa Reinhart! The characters are likable and funny. Cherry Tucker is a struggling artist. She gets a job at a local private school helping with set design for a play. A social media bully is targeting students and staff and a teacher is rumored to have committed suicide. The Art Director wants Cherry to find the texting culprit along with painting the sets. Cherry's brother is avoiding her and popular Tara is popping up wherever Luke is. Luke agrees to help Cherry find the texting culprit which results in them spending quite a bit of time together. Of course Cherry gets herself into trouble and there are a lot of laughs but she has spunk. The ending was really good! This is a very enjoyable book and audiobook! It is narrated by Joan Dukore who does a wonderful job with the characters. I received the audiobook from Larissa Reinhart for an honest review. #DeathInPerspective #LarissaReinhart

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE is a good mystery but it’s buried in details and red herrings. There are also too many characters. Bit players pop up just often enough to rip the reader out of the story while they try to figure out ,”Now who was this?” Such interruptions could easily be alleviated by a short identifying phrase such as “(Blank) the choir teacher.” Further, it would be really nice to see Cherry start to get her head on straight and mature. Even a loose cannon should be able to learn a few lessons.
Fast Paced, Entertaining, Confusing.

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the global pandemic and all the drama surrounding last week's election and recounts, I was looking for some escapist reading. The books in this series are perfect for this. Cherry Tucker, with her smart mouth and her caring heart and her crazy friends and family are very entertaining ... and I do find myself chuckling when I am reading. Hopefully I will not run out of books in this series before all of the recounts are done!

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series with Cherry being both parts fascinating and frustrating. Sadly, much of Halo was reminiscent of a place near and dear ...almost disturbingly so. Fortunately I am no Cherry soni had a much different small town experience, though the author caught the southern quirks quite well.

[Marianne McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theater and Art

Another delightful , continuing saga about Cherry Tucker and her escapades! I don't know how she does it, but Larissa Reinhart has hooked me in with her series. Now I will have to peruse her other wonderful storytelling.

[Diane Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the sassy southern storyline

I've missed reading about Cherry. She seems to blunder her way to solving the crimes and heats up the scenes with Luke. I'm definitely on team Luke. Get this one if you love sassy southern storylines.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy fast past

I was not sure I wanted to read more of Cherry Tucker, she is a mess and a hindrance to herself. I get frustrated with her but get lost in wanting to see the out come of her disastrous mine and life.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best yet

Cherry is funny and strongheaded she cares about everyone but herself except when tummy roars. Is afraid of falling in love keeps everyone at arms lenght

[Donna LoCastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! Great twisted plot and characters and even Tater the goat lol! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Maranda Pringle and why??? And now Dr. Vail??? Financial Fraud??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Cindy Rippentrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama

It's a drama, Romeo and Juliet and then it becomes murder by bullying or does it. While Cherry works the case Cody becomes the outlaw.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Death In Perspective - Cherry Tucker Mystery 4
Author: Larissa Reinhart
Published: 6-24-14
Publisher: Hennery Press
Pages: 302
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Crafts & Hobbies; Cozy Mystery;
ISBN: 9781940976181
ASIN: B001Q79YW
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley

.
Cherry is always on the look for new commissions to pay the bills. Her latest is with the Peerless Day Academy to paint the backdrops and props for teacher Mr. Tinsley's vision of an underwater Romeo and Juliet. While waiting to be seen she is told of the suicide death of the Principle Cleveland's secretary and lover Maranda Pringle. Her suicide is believed to be spurred on by an anonymous bully that is the threatening the faculty and staff. A friend also lets her know Ms. Pringle was mean to the students and not well liked and believed not be above sleeping with someone she thought could help her position at work.


The saga of Luke Harper, who has serious trust issues, Cherry Tucker, who can't seem to choose and Todd McIntosh, who has loved Cherry forever, continues. I am getting to the point to where I want to shake all three and tell them to grow up. Only I am afraid Cherry's honest and innocent view of the world would be crushed. Luke at least has to either her can trust Cherry or walk away for good. Both Luke and Cherry need to stop others from interfering with their love lives. Luke needs to especially if he allowed those around him to influence how he did his job as deputy like he does his personal life he would have been fired long ago. I am beginning to see what Cherry saw originally in Todd. I truly would like to see a happily ever after one day. If you are looking for a mystery with a little humor, enough twist and turns to keep you coming back for more and characters you cannot wait to visit again then this is book for you. Like any set of friends they may frustrate you beyond belief, but you would not trade them for anything.


Who is the Cyber Bully? Was Maranda's death really a suicide? Will Luke and Cherry ever get the courage to tell everyone to back off? Will Todd finally make Cherry see him as more than a friend? Time to find out some of the answers for yourself!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death...

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted:Traveling With T


E-galley requested via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.



Death in Perspective

Summary from Goodreads:


The curtain rises on Cherry Tucker’s debut as a high school set designer at the posh Peerless Day Academy. Cherry’s been hired for an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, but the drama director is hoping Cherry can also turn the spotlight on a malicious social media bully who’s sending poisonous texts to the faculty. The director’s got his own drama to hide, and the phantom texter seems eager to spill school secrets. When the principal’s secretary commits suicide, Cherry suspects foul play.

Deputy Luke Harper is ready to return as Cherry’s leading man. He’s eager to assist in finding the phantom culprit, but Cherry fears family secrets offstage may doom them to the role as star-crossed lovers. With the bully waiting for a murderous encore and her own family skeletons to hide, Cherry scrambles to find her brother and the mysterious texter before the phantom decides it’s curtains for Cherry and forces her to take a final bow.



Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

This is my first Larissa Reinhart book- but since I generally adore the Henery Press books- I felt pretty safe participating in this book tour- even though I have not read the other 3 books in the series.

Cherry Tucker is so darn funny. She’s got love problems- living with her ex-boyfriend, trying to be just friends with him. Then another ex-boyfriend wants her back- and they are the Romeo and Juliet of Georgia- neither family wants them together. Cherry is smart, funny, and a memorable character!

So, while there was some things I was a bit lost in- Larissa does do a pretty good job of trying to keep the reader up to speed whether this is the first book you’ve read or if you are a die-hard fan! I liked the small-town feel and the characters that you could instantly feel comfortable with (and you just know that if you took the time to read the other books- you would love these characters more!)

My take: Read this book- but if this is your first time with Larissa- go read the first book (I plan to!) There is romance, funny characters, smart one-liners, and small town drama. All in all- an enjoyable read!



*This book was requested via Netgalley so Traveling With T could take part in the DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE Escape With Dollycas tour. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.



Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/de...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer JoAnne

Cherry Tucker is an artist who is hired by the prestigious Peerless Academy to do set decoration for a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. When she arrives, she finds out that Mr. Tingley, head of the drama department, hired her not only for her skills, but because she has “had some success” in the past with solving murders, and he thinks he’s next on a stalker’s list. While she is reluctant to try and find out who’s stalking him, she needs the money and decides to accept. What she doesn’t know though, is that there is more than meets the eye.

The day she arrives, there is a suicide, and what she finds out from this is that someone at the academy is sending the faculty and staff threatening emails. No one wants to talk about it, and Assistant Principal Cooke is downright hostile toward her, so she figures it’s best to stay out of Cooke’s way. However, in trying to find out who wants to do Mr. Tingley harm, she might also be putting herself in the way of danger.

However, I don’t get why Cherry and Luke Harper, her ex-boyfriend deputy sheriff can’t date. So what if his mother married a Branson. HE’S still a Harper. He’s also an adult, and should be able to date who he wants. He’s a Deputy Sheriff, supposedly good at his job but doesn’t want to confront his family and tell them it’s none of their business? Not a good man to have around in a crisis if he’s afraid of hurting someone’s feelings.

So you see, the backstory is what kept the main story from being excellent. All this my family/your family stuff from the 1930′s probably wouldn’t be so today, unless you were really backwoods somehow. (I can truthfully say I’ve never disliked someone just because I didn’t care for their family background). And it distracts from the story, which didn’t pick up and get to the heart of the matter until the last third of the book.

Although I believe Ms. Reinhart has a flair for mysteries, and this one was really good, I’d rather see some resolution and have either Cherry or Luke (or better yet, both of them) stand up to their families and to what they want, not what their families want. It might be nice to keep peace in the family, but it sure doesn’t help if you’re living with someone you really don’t want.

Four stars for the mystery, a decent read if you can get past all the ridiculous family dynamics.