Jake and Emma Rand are back in a new adventure. A spring blizzard traps the citizens of Casper, Wyoming in their homes, closing roads and shutting down highways out of town. When murder strikes in spite of the snow, suspicion immediately turns to the victim's neighbors - including Emma's receptionist, Kristy Castle. As Emma fights to prove Kristy's innocence, a terrible secret begins to emerge that could threaten all their lives.
Dollycas’s Thoughts I read this right after the first book in the series and they really flowed right together. That final snowstorm of the year had me shivering as we were having freezing rain here.
This time we meet more residents of Caspar and the plot was even more developed with the longer length of the story. There were plenty of twists too. I was very impressed with the author’s storytelling from book 1 to book 2. She really breathes life into both her characters and setting. She also sets us up to read book 3, Justice for Katie. I am thankful I do not have to wait like others did for this installment. I will be reading it just as soon as I can squeeze it in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Linda Crowder has another hit on her hands with the second book in her Jake and Emma Mystery series, Main Street Murder.
Who would have guess that Casper, Wyoming could be a hot bed of criminals and murderers? This murder hits closer to home for Jake and Emma as two of their friends are intimately involved. Jake and Emma are still Casper’s cutest, most loving couple. They are a likable couple; they’re the kind of people you would expect to meet in a small town. Homey, friendly, caring, and they have a houseful of animals.
The set up for the story is excellent. There are multiple situations that could lead to murderous ends (this is a no-spoiler review, so you’ll have to read the book to get the scoop). The secondary characters are further developed in Main Street Murder, and Kristy, Emma’s “girl-Friday”, is quite interesting!
I loved this charming, cozy-mystery by Linda Crowder, and I’m looking forward to learn more about the enigmatic “Boss” who seems to be the root of much evil in Casper, Wyoming.
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Dollycas 19s Thoughts I read this right after the first book in the series and they really flowed right together. That final snowstorm of the year had me shivering as we were having freezing rain here.
This time we meet more residents of Caspar and the plot was even more developed with the longer length of the story. There were plenty of twists too. I was very impressed with the author 19s storytelling from book 1 to book 2. She really breathes life into both her characters and setting. She also sets us up to read book 3, Justice for Katie. I am thankful I do not have to wait like others did for this installment. I will be reading it just as soon as I can squeeze it in.
This was an interesting one with several villains and a storyline that lead back to the past. I found the wife who left an abusive spouse very compelling and understood her need to start over. I liked the events/scene/ climate descriptions of Wyoming. in winter and Spring. There is something quite realistic and attractive about the relationship of the couple (Jake the Attorney and Emma the psychologist). This is the 2n in a series. and should be rated 3.5- better than good.
Main Street Murder by Linda Crowder is the second installment of the Jake and Emma Mystery series and one that is just as good, if not better than the first book, Too Cute to Kill.
This second book begins with a May 1st blizzard in Casper and a murder while the roads are closed in or out of the city. Jake and Emma are never far from the action and when one of their closest friends is named a suspect in the murder, they go above and beyond to prove her innocence. As one other reviewer noted, the ending was not closure, so be prepared to read the next book for unanswered questions in this second installment.
I loved the backdrop of Wyoming for this story, as with the first book, the sights, sounds and feel of the area jumped from the pages as I read through the story. The author is a great story-teller and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Book 2 in the Jake and Emma Rand Mysteries series gives you a good sense of the continuing characters and their Casper, Wyoming location as the primary theme. As with the first book, we have a murder to start the action, and then a wonderful 'development of place' as we learn more about the characters and their daily lives in Casper. Emma's employee and close friend, Kristy is implicated in the murder, and then another close friend, Cheri, is attacked during the annual rodeo celebration and again Kristy is implicated. Kristy has opportunity in both cases, but no motive, which convinces Jake and Emma the police are wrong and they must help prove it. The answer is slow enough to unfold to keep me reading, and comes with an unexpected twist at the end that wraps everything up nicely. Great weekend reading!
Jake and Emma don't have to go far to find this dead body but how and why did it get there? And in the middle of a blizzard no less! The investigation in this small Wyoming town of course centers on Emma's friend, and even Emma has to wonder what Kristy is hiding. The consideration of others - friends or not - as a the possible murderer - puts a strain on the parade and rodeo preparations.
The plot is well-developed and easy to follow, with a twist at the end. Jake and Emma have a healthy relationship and are both likable. This is the second in the series, but easily can be read as a stand alone. Hopefully by the time I read the first one, TOO CUTE TO KILL, the third will be waiting...
The beginning of the book jumped around quite a bit and was somewhat confusing, but it all smoothed out as the story continued. The characters appeared to be more likeable than in the first book where I found them to be a bit "cardboard". Emma's assistant, Kristy, has a dark past that she has not shared with anyone - and that fact is now causing problems for her. A man is murdered in the apartment building where she lives, a friend of hers is attacked and a police woman killed. All investigative roads lead back to Kristy although she doesn't appear to have a motive. Kristy's past intertwines with the three crimes and the perpetrator came as a complete surprise to me! And the mystery "Boss" is still a mystery...guess I will have to read the next book to find out who he is!
This sequel to TOO CUTE TO KILL was much more riveting, with multiple characters in danger, and so I was compelled to keep reading to find out what happened. Except for one minor gaffe of police procedure (my husband was a cop) the plot was believable, and the characters, major and minor, were three-dimensional and easy to like (or dislike). This series reminds me of one of my favorite old TV shows, Hart to Hart, but I've now decided it's more fun to read a murder mystery than to watch one. Thanks to Jake and Emma Rand & company and their creator, Ms. Crowder, for igniting my interest in this genre!
Emma's assistant, Kristy Castle, owns a condo in a building with other renters. When a tenant in Kristy's building is killed, but nobody heard anything, the police have no leads. A few days later, Kristy's friend, Cheri Jackson is attacked in the ladies' room at the rodeo.
Since Kristy was in the area for both events, Detective Joyner thinks she may be involved, but can't prove anything - yet. As a precaution, Det. Joyner assigns a policewoman, Ann Rutledge, to guard Cheri. Shortly after Kristy visits Cheri, Officer Rutledge is killed.
Is Kristy responsible for both deaths? Or is she being set up? Can Emma, Jake, and Detective Joyner solve the mystery before somebody else dies?
Used to live in Casper, Wyoming. In the process of reading the book. One glaring detail I'm having trouble dealing with: there is no Main Street in Casper (unless the street names have changed in the last 30 years!)
I finished the book and enjoyed it. However, the absence of a Main Street in real-life Casper as portrayed in the book was a negative to me. The author should have changed Main Street to Center.
This was a free book and since it was book 2 in a series I borrowed book 2. Enjoyed them both. Short books of less than 200 pages they were great afternoon reads. Author got to the murder and on with the story with enough action and clues to keep me reading. Looking forward to number 3.
Emma thinks her assistant Kristy might be in trouble. However, it is their friend Cheri who keeps getting hurt. Again, Jake and Emma start looking around and stirring things up. Who are the two men Emma hears and why are they going after Cheri, or are they??? Again, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
This is a good cozy mystery with recurring characters that you get to know more with each book. Based in Wyoming, it has room to grow. Linda Crowder has done a good job of creating a mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
A very enjoyable read with a winning couple as its central characters. The novel caught and held my attention until the fascinating resolution. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Enjoyed reading this murder mystery with a few twists. I had considered who the murderer were and I was right ! I just couldn't pull all the "reasons". But that was a good read. I'll now go back and read book number 1 and later book 3.
Engaging and fast paced. Would definitely read more by this author. Couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the plot the places, everything about this book was wonderful.
I really got into this book, but about 3/4 through (no spoiler I promise), it just became trite and highly predictable. I MAY try the next book just to see if they get any better.
This is one of those books you just can't put down. The reader becomes invested in the characters early on as they are likable and interesting. The mystery is intense and engaging. My only question is, where was the editor? There were way too many grammatical errors!
While the tone for most of the book is very laid back, the mystery is intense and the plot convoluted. The characters are fairly well defined. I liked the little romantic twist at the end between Runyon and Kristy, and the teaser for the next book in the series.
The story line is well built out and the plot is well hidden. This is a great book that draws you I and propels you along. It even has the hook well placed for the next book.