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Annabelle Archer #2
For Better or Hearse
Iced!Wedding planner extraordinaire Annabelle Archer is used to dealing with difficult personalities -- neurotic brides, despotic mothers, and prima donna bridesmaids. However, being chased from a swank hotel kitchen at knifepoint by a shrieking Chef Henri takes the cake. Soon after, Washington's most thoroughly despised culinary artist is discovered dead, impaled on an ice sculpture -- a crime which surprises no one, since revenge "is," after all, a dish best served cold.
Unfortunately, the police think the hotel's sometimes temperamental but always stylish catering exec (and Annabelle's good friend) Georgia Rhodes did Henri in -- so the planner and her posse set out to put the "real" murderer on ice. But when the corpse of a rival culinarian turns up in a walk-in freezer -- and more nasty chef-deaths quickly follow -- the suspect list suddenly shrinks . . . as do Annabelle and her cronies' chances for survival, if they get caught poking around in a killer's kitchen.
Unfortunately, the police think the hotel's sometimes temperamental but always stylish catering exec (and Annabelle's good friend) Georgia Rhodes did Henri in -- so the planner and her posse set out to put the "real" murderer on ice. But when the corpse of a rival culinarian turns up in a walk-in freezer -- and more nasty chef-deaths quickly follow -- the suspect list suddenly shrinks . . . as do Annabelle and her cronies' chances for survival, if they get caught poking around in a killer's kitchen.
272 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2006
395 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Laura Durham
30 books268 followersI'm a writer and reformed wedding planner who loves quiet mornings, great books, paddle boarding, and blackberry cobbler.
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 26, 2018
Though I enjoy this cozy mystery that takes place in Washington, D.C. I have to say that this one ended up bugging me a lot. The reveal behind the murder was nonsensical and I got really tired of Annabelle's friends telling her who she should go out with. They were aggravating to the extreme to me in this one. I also cannot stand the next door neighbor who invites herself in. Probably because I am an introvert (with extrovert tendencies) I just found myself ready to pummel this person. I with that Annabelle would stand up for herself more and get more of a personality too.
"For Better of Hearse" has Annabelle dealing with another dead body. A loathsome chef is found dead before one of her weddings (seriously how does she still have a job?) and when one of Annabelle's friends is accused she takes it upon herself to investigate. I think my main issue with this series is that there is not a real organic way for Annabelle to keep investigating. She's a wedding planner. Why in the world the police don't warn her for being involved with things is baffling. It's one thing when the main character is a private investigator or something.
I also couldn't stand Annabelle's friends in this one, Richard and Kate were off-putting about a potential love interest. I liked the idea of someone else being interested in Annabelle since I am not a fan of the detective character at all. He's bland and jerky.
The writing is good. I was more interested in the wedding planning details though of the crazy brides to be. I found myself annoyed anytime we went back to the murder mystery cause I really didn't care. Maybe I should just read some chick lit wedding planning romance books or something.
The setting of DC is always a favorite of mine and Durham definitely knows her way around the city. I just find it hard to believe that the rich of DC would not be shunning Annabelle's wedding planning business after two of her weddings have been ruined by dead bodies.
"For Better of Hearse" has Annabelle dealing with another dead body. A loathsome chef is found dead before one of her weddings (seriously how does she still have a job?) and when one of Annabelle's friends is accused she takes it upon herself to investigate. I think my main issue with this series is that there is not a real organic way for Annabelle to keep investigating. She's a wedding planner. Why in the world the police don't warn her for being involved with things is baffling. It's one thing when the main character is a private investigator or something.
I also couldn't stand Annabelle's friends in this one, Richard and Kate were off-putting about a potential love interest. I liked the idea of someone else being interested in Annabelle since I am not a fan of the detective character at all. He's bland and jerky.
The writing is good. I was more interested in the wedding planning details though of the crazy brides to be. I found myself annoyed anytime we went back to the murder mystery cause I really didn't care. Maybe I should just read some chick lit wedding planning romance books or something.
The setting of DC is always a favorite of mine and Durham definitely knows her way around the city. I just find it hard to believe that the rich of DC would not be shunning Annabelle's wedding planning business after two of her weddings have been ruined by dead bodies.
February 7, 2022
This first book in the series wasn't very good but I decided to see if it was a case of Freshman blues or a pattern.
Alas it is a pattern. This is a 'cozy' mystery so we have the obligatory 'sexy sidekick', wacky old lady and the cop that got away. And since we are in the wedding industry a gaggle of gay guys who pop in and out to be bitchy or just stereotypes.
Our sexy side kick is also the Queen of mangled idioms. So many and so badly she should either have her hearing tested or her reading comprehension analyzed. An ongoing theme is that she dresses inappropriately, too short, too tight, too low cut etc. Now in The Stephanie Plum universe Lulu is neither Stephanie's employee nor underling. In this universe Kate is. So we get to see Annabelle frustrated with Kate's apparel ... hmmm what's a boss to do? Institute a uniform/ dress code or fire her.
So we have another wedding and another murder and a bunch of people acting stupidly and a cop who isn't interested in looking for evidence... and the endless teasing of Annabelle by her friends about liking the cop... and why are detectives in these books always super hotties who run around in jeans and tight teeshirts when in real life most detectives look more like Lenny Brisco and Munch
This is definitely a hard pass of a series
Alas it is a pattern. This is a 'cozy' mystery so we have the obligatory 'sexy sidekick', wacky old lady and the cop that got away. And since we are in the wedding industry a gaggle of gay guys who pop in and out to be bitchy or just stereotypes.
Our sexy side kick is also the Queen of mangled idioms. So many and so badly she should either have her hearing tested or her reading comprehension analyzed. An ongoing theme is that she dresses inappropriately, too short, too tight, too low cut etc. Now in The Stephanie Plum universe Lulu is neither Stephanie's employee nor underling. In this universe Kate is. So we get to see Annabelle frustrated with Kate's apparel ... hmmm what's a boss to do? Institute a uniform/ dress code or fire her.
So we have another wedding and another murder and a bunch of people acting stupidly and a cop who isn't interested in looking for evidence... and the endless teasing of Annabelle by her friends about liking the cop... and why are detectives in these books always super hotties who run around in jeans and tight teeshirts when in real life most detectives look more like Lenny Brisco and Munch
This is definitely a hard pass of a series
October 2, 2021
Rated 3.5 stars
Annabelle never has a boring moment as a wedding planner. No matter how much she deals with when it comes to the bride's and their mothers, there's also someone who manages to end up dead. This time not a very like chef. So I can see why someone would want to kill him. Well the fun begins for Annabelle and of course the fun, loving Richard.
Annabelle never has a boring moment as a wedding planner. No matter how much she deals with when it comes to the bride's and their mothers, there's also someone who manages to end up dead. This time not a very like chef. So I can see why someone would want to kill him. Well the fun begins for Annabelle and of course the fun, loving Richard.
March 20, 2021
Lively plot!
February 3, 2021
Loved it
April 28, 2020
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️ not as surprising as the first one, there was definitely a lot more going on to keep track of, but really enjoying getting to know the characters and can’t wait to start the next one!
December 28, 2013
3.5 stars
August 2, 2021
2.5/3 Stars. Several months ago I purchased a 4 book audio of Laura Durham’s Annabelle Archer Mysteries. After completing 2 in the set, it seems as if they may be too Cozy/Silly for my tastes but I plan to complete the set.
MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, NOT FOR ME/NOT TO MY TASTES; 3= THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).
BETTER OR HEARSE -
Annie/FMC discovers a dead body just before the wedding party and elegant quests enter the banquet room for dinner. The life size tiger ice sculpture was unusual but probably not meant to hold in it’s claws the body of a draped and bloody corpse.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
1) My audio copy (4 books) has no indicators of chapters or books so I have no idea by looking how far I am into any particular book in the set. This makes each book seem endless.
2) A character, Leatrice, is Annabelle Archer’s senior downstairs neighbor. She is extremely nosy and drives me crazy. I believe she is meant to be funny but I would insist on much stronger boundaries if she lived next to me.
3) Annabelle seems to have a need to try to solve everything herself. People end of dead because of her busybody methods. I realize this is a description of many Cozy protagonists which may become a deal breaker for me with this series.
WHAT I LIKED :
1) The idea of the protagonist being a wedding planner certainly opens itself up to many possible murderous situations.
2) Detective Reese (Reece?) seems intelligent and capable. I wish Annie would allow him to do his job, perhaps assisting as able rather than going off on her own.
3) The narrator, Stephanie Spicer, voices the various characters well. I would listen to other audios with her work. 4) BETTER OR HEARSE is well written; genre is simply merely a matter of taste and BETTER OR HEARSE leans closer to the Cozy Mysteries than I prefer (with nosy neighbors and characters solving or attempting to solve the mysteries themselves - at times doing more harm than good).
Readers of very light Cozy Mysteries and those who don’t mind protagonists who constantly jump into official investigations, without much forethought, may enjoy BETTER OR HEARSE more than I did.
READER CAUTIONS - This is a Clean novel appropriate, IMO, for any reader of Murder Mysteries.
PROFANITY - I believe none.
VIOLENCE - None on scene. This is a murder mystery but details are not graphic or dark.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
MY RATING GUIDE: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, NOT FOR ME/NOT TO MY TASTES; 3= THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I rarely give 5 Stars).
BETTER OR HEARSE -
Annie/FMC discovers a dead body just before the wedding party and elegant quests enter the banquet room for dinner. The life size tiger ice sculpture was unusual but probably not meant to hold in it’s claws the body of a draped and bloody corpse.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
1) My audio copy (4 books) has no indicators of chapters or books so I have no idea by looking how far I am into any particular book in the set. This makes each book seem endless.
2) A character, Leatrice, is Annabelle Archer’s senior downstairs neighbor. She is extremely nosy and drives me crazy. I believe she is meant to be funny but I would insist on much stronger boundaries if she lived next to me.
3) Annabelle seems to have a need to try to solve everything herself. People end of dead because of her busybody methods. I realize this is a description of many Cozy protagonists which may become a deal breaker for me with this series.
WHAT I LIKED :
1) The idea of the protagonist being a wedding planner certainly opens itself up to many possible murderous situations.
2) Detective Reese (Reece?) seems intelligent and capable. I wish Annie would allow him to do his job, perhaps assisting as able rather than going off on her own.
3) The narrator, Stephanie Spicer, voices the various characters well. I would listen to other audios with her work. 4) BETTER OR HEARSE is well written; genre is simply merely a matter of taste and BETTER OR HEARSE leans closer to the Cozy Mysteries than I prefer (with nosy neighbors and characters solving or attempting to solve the mysteries themselves - at times doing more harm than good).
Readers of very light Cozy Mysteries and those who don’t mind protagonists who constantly jump into official investigations, without much forethought, may enjoy BETTER OR HEARSE more than I did.
READER CAUTIONS - This is a Clean novel appropriate, IMO, for any reader of Murder Mysteries.
PROFANITY - I believe none.
VIOLENCE - None on scene. This is a murder mystery but details are not graphic or dark.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
May 26, 2021
Oh this was a really FUN book. Once again I suspected a person early on and I was correct as to whom the killer was, well partially correct, but of course I didn't know why or how. And I did have my doubts at times due to all the red herrings tossed out to confuse the reader and yet I still wasn't surprised by who was guilty party.
This book is exactly what a cozy mystery should be and it delivered so well that I am determined to purchase the other books in the series. Book one was good but this book, #2, is EVEN BETTER. It had usual who done it mystery, it had some mild flirting by and at our protagonist Annabelle but no real romance, and there were some moments that will make you giggle; Or at least those moments sure made ME giggle.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery that moves at a good pace, has some humor, has a diverse and likeable team of armature sleuths, and has wedding craziness happening in the background then this is the book you need to try out.
Next on my must read in the series will be "Dead Ringer" book 2.5 and "To Love and To Perish" book 3.
This book is exactly what a cozy mystery should be and it delivered so well that I am determined to purchase the other books in the series. Book one was good but this book, #2, is EVEN BETTER. It had usual who done it mystery, it had some mild flirting by and at our protagonist Annabelle but no real romance, and there were some moments that will make you giggle; Or at least those moments sure made ME giggle.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery that moves at a good pace, has some humor, has a diverse and likeable team of armature sleuths, and has wedding craziness happening in the background then this is the book you need to try out.
Next on my must read in the series will be "Dead Ringer" book 2.5 and "To Love and To Perish" book 3.
July 11, 2020
The story starts with Annabelle being chased out of the kitchen by a knife wielding chef. The chef turns up impaled on an ice sculpture right before the wedding guests are about to come into the reception. Annabelle is of course the one to find him and her friend is framed for the murder. She can not let it go and drags her associates in to an investigation.
This is a great cozy mystery about a wedding planner and her group of quirky associates. The characters are interesting and engaging. The dialogue is witty. The storyline runs smoothly filled with numerous suspects, subtle clues, danger and suspense. I enjoy the interaction between the characters and how complex the mystery was. I can not wait until I get to read more books in this series.
This is a great cozy mystery about a wedding planner and her group of quirky associates. The characters are interesting and engaging. The dialogue is witty. The storyline runs smoothly filled with numerous suspects, subtle clues, danger and suspense. I enjoy the interaction between the characters and how complex the mystery was. I can not wait until I get to read more books in this series.
August 8, 2017
Another wedding, another murder or three!
In the world of a wedding planner - a drunk bride, a missing groom or mother-of-the-bride, is fairly common. But a pastry chef hanging off of an ice sculpture isn't. Poor Annabelle has a huge DC wedding almost taken care of perfectly when disaster happens. Who did the deed? The chef was hated so there are lots of suspects but a good friend is arrested. So it is time for our group of caterers, wedding planners and little old ladies to get into detective mode. Great Story and great laughs. Read on with the next story for a good time.
In the world of a wedding planner - a drunk bride, a missing groom or mother-of-the-bride, is fairly common. But a pastry chef hanging off of an ice sculpture isn't. Poor Annabelle has a huge DC wedding almost taken care of perfectly when disaster happens. Who did the deed? The chef was hated so there are lots of suspects but a good friend is arrested. So it is time for our group of caterers, wedding planners and little old ladies to get into detective mode. Great Story and great laughs. Read on with the next story for a good time.
November 24, 2020
Great series
I’m so happy that I discovered this series. I’m reading them in order as I prefer to read this way. The books are great light reading and they are perfect for listening to while I run. For Better or Hearse follows wedding planner Annabelle Archer, her assistant and various other wedding vendors and participants. Most of the characters show up in each book and add a lot of comic relief. The mysteries themselves are pretty lightweight but complex enough to keep you guessing “who done it”. I look forward to reading the next book in the series that I’ve already purchased.
I’m so happy that I discovered this series. I’m reading them in order as I prefer to read this way. The books are great light reading and they are perfect for listening to while I run. For Better or Hearse follows wedding planner Annabelle Archer, her assistant and various other wedding vendors and participants. Most of the characters show up in each book and add a lot of comic relief. The mysteries themselves are pretty lightweight but complex enough to keep you guessing “who done it”. I look forward to reading the next book in the series that I’ve already purchased.
February 9, 2021
3.5 rounded to 4
I think the storytelling is good but there are a few things that I just didn’t get. This was offset with fun characters like the Christian Biker Florists. I hope they make another appearance. I don’t get the objections to Ian. Reece seems disinterested. Kate was more helpful this time and Richard was Richard. I like him though. The reveal was almost a blink and you missed it moment. I do have to say that it was not expected.
A fun read overall especially the wedding.
Happy Reading
I think the storytelling is good but there are a few things that I just didn’t get. This was offset with fun characters like the Christian Biker Florists. I hope they make another appearance. I don’t get the objections to Ian. Reece seems disinterested. Kate was more helpful this time and Richard was Richard. I like him though. The reveal was almost a blink and you missed it moment. I do have to say that it was not expected.
A fun read overall especially the wedding.
Happy Reading
February 9, 2025
4.25 stars
For the most part the pacing was good, but at other times there were lulls where it felt like it was being dragged out a little bit too much. However there were lots of things happening not only to Annabelle but others in the story that increased the levels of mystery and suspense. I really liked that.
The cast of characters were hilarious especially the neighbor. She was a hoot. These characters just really add a nice dynamic to the series. Plus it just made me that much more into the story because I am not invested in these characters.
For the most part the pacing was good, but at other times there were lulls where it felt like it was being dragged out a little bit too much. However there were lots of things happening not only to Annabelle but others in the story that increased the levels of mystery and suspense. I really liked that.
The cast of characters were hilarious especially the neighbor. She was a hoot. These characters just really add a nice dynamic to the series. Plus it just made me that much more into the story because I am not invested in these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
Annabelle Archer
The second book in the Annabelle Archer Wedding planner series. Annabelle is doing a wedding at the Fairmont when chef Henri is murdered after she had an argument with him. When her fried who works at the Fairmo t, Georgia is arrested for the murder, Annabelle sets out to find the real killer. How she along with her assistant, Kate, her friend, Richard, and her neighbor, Patrice discover the killer makes for another good story in the series. Really enjoying this series.
The second book in the Annabelle Archer Wedding planner series. Annabelle is doing a wedding at the Fairmont when chef Henri is murdered after she had an argument with him. When her fried who works at the Fairmo t, Georgia is arrested for the murder, Annabelle sets out to find the real killer. How she along with her assistant, Kate, her friend, Richard, and her neighbor, Patrice discover the killer makes for another good story in the series. Really enjoying this series.
September 5, 2019
A fulfilling sequel
I so thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series that I was afraid that the second one would pale in comparison. But it didn’t! It was just as funny and interesting as the first one. I wanted to be a wedding planner once upon a time so I love getting to live vicariously through the main character’s job (and be glad that I chose a different profession! 😂). This book is such a fun read. Looking forward to the next one!
I so thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series that I was afraid that the second one would pale in comparison. But it didn’t! It was just as funny and interesting as the first one. I wanted to be a wedding planner once upon a time so I love getting to live vicariously through the main character’s job (and be glad that I chose a different profession! 😂). This book is such a fun read. Looking forward to the next one!
September 29, 2023
Book 2 of a 4 audiobook set. 2.5 stars. Typical cozy with the usual cast of sidekicks. Police seem to step aside and allow main character, who is a wedding planner, handle the investigation. After several deaths and lots of activity, and much silliness, the wedding planner puts all the clues together and solves the case.
Many enthusiastic reviews by other readers, but just too over the top for me.
Many enthusiastic reviews by other readers, but just too over the top for me.
July 30, 2018
This book is good for a laugh; I enjoyed it especially the quirks of the characters.
The only let down for me is that Leatrice did not have enough air time!
Read this book if you like: cozy mysteries, wedding planning behind-the-scenes, amateur sleuths, colorful characters, kitchen/chef wars
The only let down for me is that Leatrice did not have enough air time!
Read this book if you like: cozy mysteries, wedding planning behind-the-scenes, amateur sleuths, colorful characters, kitchen/chef wars
May 14, 2019
In this second book of the Annabelle Archer series, we get to spend more time with the Wedding Dream Team -- Annabelle and her colleagues. The characters are hilarious and there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. The very accurate descriptions of Washington DC are great!
April 27, 2020
Dumb twit
I chose this rating because I think that Annabell the wedding planner is a sorry excuse for her job. Can't take the time to really dress appropriate, has a bimbo assistant, a diva chef, and an aggorant detective. It's so annoying when she can't be bother to keep food in her fridge. I won't buy another book by this author.
I chose this rating because I think that Annabell the wedding planner is a sorry excuse for her job. Can't take the time to really dress appropriate, has a bimbo assistant, a diva chef, and an aggorant detective. It's so annoying when she can't be bother to keep food in her fridge. I won't buy another book by this author.
December 17, 2020
Great read for an evening
I love these books and the characters. The neighbor is a hoot. Everyone is perfect for the story. I just couldn't put it down. My husband kept saying its after 1:00. Its lot of fun and I can hardly wait to read the next one. Thanks for a great evening reading and try to resolve the mystery.
I love these books and the characters. The neighbor is a hoot. Everyone is perfect for the story. I just couldn't put it down. My husband kept saying its after 1:00. Its lot of fun and I can hardly wait to read the next one. Thanks for a great evening reading and try to resolve the mystery.
June 5, 2023
2nd book in the audio bundle.
Annabelle finds a chef at the reception of one of her weddings murdered. As she dives deeper, the amount of possible suspects increases.
This chef was so hated. Then, other chefs in the wedding industry turn up dead. It was getting so bad, I feared for Richard, Annabelle's favorite caterer.
Good ending.
Annabelle finds a chef at the reception of one of her weddings murdered. As she dives deeper, the amount of possible suspects increases.
This chef was so hated. Then, other chefs in the wedding industry turn up dead. It was getting so bad, I feared for Richard, Annabelle's favorite caterer.
Good ending.
March 7, 2018
Loving this series
I like the humor and easy read. I’m enjoying the characters and look forward to more. Can’t wait to share with my daughter who’s getting married later this year. Great escape from the wedding stresses.
I like the humor and easy read. I’m enjoying the characters and look forward to more. Can’t wait to share with my daughter who’s getting married later this year. Great escape from the wedding stresses.
July 5, 2018
Annabelle is still not my favorite character in the series but the side characters more then make up for her. Even those who end up dead. I was even surprised by not so much who did it but why they did it. I will definitely continue the series.
October 24, 2018
Wedding planner Annabelle manages to get involved with troublesome brides and families and a murder to boot. When her friend Georgia is framed Annabelle tries to help Georgia get out of jail, and upsets many chefs.
November 7, 2019
This book was cute, but definitely not as exciting as the first in the series. I am, however, looking forward to read more! I am planning on physically reading the others, like I did with the first, as I listened to the audiobook for this one, and feel it lost some of its pizzazz that way.
July 10, 2020
Super fun wedding just
I love, love this series!! This is the second one & it was as good as the first. The characters are funny, charming, and quirky. The mystery was great but the characters are what makes these books so AWESOME!! I can not recommend this series enough.
I love, love this series!! This is the second one & it was as good as the first. The characters are funny, charming, and quirky. The mystery was great but the characters are what makes these books so AWESOME!! I can not recommend this series enough.
January 15, 2021
Great second book
She does it again! I love these books! They keep me intrigued and i also love the witry humor they have as well. They have great murder mysterys that keep you guessing right along with them. I am excited to dive right in to the next book!
She does it again! I love these books! They keep me intrigued and i also love the witry humor they have as well. They have great murder mysterys that keep you guessing right along with them. I am excited to dive right in to the next book!
June 26, 2021
Not Again
So much fluff and nonsense make for a fun read. Lots of gay chatter and not guys for narration between the actual mystery. This is not a page turned but a light read to fill beach time.
So much fluff and nonsense make for a fun read. Lots of gay chatter and not guys for narration between the actual mystery. This is not a page turned but a light read to fill beach time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews