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Book Club Mystery #3
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala
One sleuthing book club finds themselves in the midst of a gothic-esque mystery as they read Du Maurier’s Rebecca in the latest from the author of The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle.
Reading the gothic classic Rebecca already has the Readaholics spooked, and the chills only get worse when someone in town actually gives up the ghost....
Amy-Faye Johnson has her hands full coordinating the Celebration of Gothic Novels in Heaven, Colorado. The festivities start off smoothly, but the weekend is soon cursed with large egos, old resentments, and uninvited guests. Matters become truly grave when a dead body is found at the gothic-themed costume party.
The out-of-town authors claim not to know the victim, but Amy-Faye has doubts. With skeletons turning up in all of the suspects’ closets, Amy-Faye and the Readaholics must tap into their knowledge of gothic literature to find a killer who lurks in the shadows...
Reading the gothic classic Rebecca already has the Readaholics spooked, and the chills only get worse when someone in town actually gives up the ghost....
Amy-Faye Johnson has her hands full coordinating the Celebration of Gothic Novels in Heaven, Colorado. The festivities start off smoothly, but the weekend is soon cursed with large egos, old resentments, and uninvited guests. Matters become truly grave when a dead body is found at the gothic-themed costume party.
The out-of-town authors claim not to know the victim, but Amy-Faye has doubts. With skeletons turning up in all of the suspects’ closets, Amy-Faye and the Readaholics must tap into their knowledge of gothic literature to find a killer who lurks in the shadows...
298 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2016
23 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Laura DiSilverio
20 books393 followersI'm the author of the Swift Investigations, Mall Cop and Readaholics mystery series.
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 17, 2017
3.5 stars
Still not having as much as charm as the first, the third was still an enjoyable mystery with a book-centered theme. I was especially fangirling when it started out with a celebration of famous Gothic authors and books, including a bookish cake and costume party. Murder comes to the celebration, of course, but it was interesting to meet three "current" gothic writers and their demented families. Rebecca is the book's theme, one of my favorites, and for most of the length I didn't think they focused enough on it fairly in their book club discussions like previous novels. They fixed that during the last few chapters, giving their theories and again settling in for a movie version. That reminds me, I still need to watch that Hitchcock adaptation...
The mystery is worthy enough, especially the ending where it looked like they may have been tricked for a minute. On the downside, there wasn't any way for the reader to figure out the villain because that big reveal wasn't there until the end. Unfortunately there were too many coincidental discoveries and finds for the MC, especially with stumbling on vans and the bathroom. I liked how Rebecca blended in with the ending of the mystery a bit, and how the author brought up the intriguing disorder of Kleptomania and treated it seriously.
Amy-Faye is as fun as ever, again mentally conjuring her favorite detective Kinsey Millhone in some circumstances, Stephanie Plum in others. Hart and her finally progress their relationship to another level, and I'm happy the author avoided a love triangle that was hinted in the first book - none of that in sight now. Fans of Maud will be happy since we get plenty of the older, conspiracy-seeking friend. Brooke gets some happy news that has been brewing for three books as well. Amy-Faye and the gang are all present, and I'm happy to see they gave a small moment of remembrance to their lost friend from the first book.
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala delivers another book-themed cozy that works - the series is well-written and evenly paced. While the mystery isn't fair for budding detectives since it's not solvable without sudden discoveries that pop up at the end, it's inventive enough with some amusing tributes to detectives mystery readers will recognize from other book series. Strangely the author dropped a hint that one of the characters slept with Jack Nicholson on a movie set. Worth reading if you're a fan of cozies, although you should start from the beginning of the series for the full effect of the characters.
Still not having as much as charm as the first, the third was still an enjoyable mystery with a book-centered theme. I was especially fangirling when it started out with a celebration of famous Gothic authors and books, including a bookish cake and costume party. Murder comes to the celebration, of course, but it was interesting to meet three "current" gothic writers and their demented families. Rebecca is the book's theme, one of my favorites, and for most of the length I didn't think they focused enough on it fairly in their book club discussions like previous novels. They fixed that during the last few chapters, giving their theories and again settling in for a movie version. That reminds me, I still need to watch that Hitchcock adaptation...
The mystery is worthy enough, especially the ending where it looked like they may have been tricked for a minute. On the downside, there wasn't any way for the reader to figure out the villain because that big reveal wasn't there until the end. Unfortunately there were too many coincidental discoveries and finds for the MC, especially with stumbling on vans and the bathroom. I liked how Rebecca blended in with the ending of the mystery a bit, and how the author brought up the intriguing disorder of Kleptomania and treated it seriously.
Amy-Faye is as fun as ever, again mentally conjuring her favorite detective Kinsey Millhone in some circumstances, Stephanie Plum in others. Hart and her finally progress their relationship to another level, and I'm happy the author avoided a love triangle that was hinted in the first book - none of that in sight now. Fans of Maud will be happy since we get plenty of the older, conspiracy-seeking friend. Brooke gets some happy news that has been brewing for three books as well. Amy-Faye and the gang are all present, and I'm happy to see they gave a small moment of remembrance to their lost friend from the first book.
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala delivers another book-themed cozy that works - the series is well-written and evenly paced. While the mystery isn't fair for budding detectives since it's not solvable without sudden discoveries that pop up at the end, it's inventive enough with some amusing tributes to detectives mystery readers will recognize from other book series. Strangely the author dropped a hint that one of the characters slept with Jack Nicholson on a movie set. Worth reading if you're a fan of cozies, although you should start from the beginning of the series for the full effect of the characters.
November 9, 2016
This was a fun cozy mystery starring amateur sleuth Amy-Faye Johnson and the members of her Readaholics book club. Amy-Faye is an event planner, and she's organized the Celebration of Gothic Novels for the local bookstore. It appears to be a smashing success, until one of the guests is murdered. Who was he? Why was he there? The book club has their work cut out for them to solve the complex mystery.
I enjoyed the characters and murder mystery, though once again we have the protagonist in a relationship with the police detective. Not my favorite cozy element, after reading so many. At least they had a good relationship, and Amy-Faye never stepped over the line in her investigation.
Of course, one of my favorite things about the book was all the Gothic novel talk. If only the Celebration of Gothic Novels was real! I'd be there, for sure. This is the third book in the Book Club Mystery series, and I'd love to take a look at the first two.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the characters and murder mystery, though once again we have the protagonist in a relationship with the police detective. Not my favorite cozy element, after reading so many. At least they had a good relationship, and Amy-Faye never stepped over the line in her investigation.
Of course, one of my favorite things about the book was all the Gothic novel talk. If only the Celebration of Gothic Novels was real! I'd be there, for sure. This is the third book in the Book Club Mystery series, and I'd love to take a look at the first two.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2018
I am very sad to see this fantastic series ending. So far Laura DiSilverios series all ended with the 3rd installment, a habit that should be broken in my humble opinion :)
I can't pinpoint why but I had a bit of a hard time to get into this book but once I did off I went on an exciting ride. The plot is twisting and turning and the settings are described in so much detail that I felt like I was there and not just reading it. I am going to miss Amy-Faye and the Readaholics. But since this was my first series by the author I don't have to wait for new books to come out but will catch up with the previous ones!
I can't pinpoint why but I had a bit of a hard time to get into this book but once I did off I went on an exciting ride. The plot is twisting and turning and the settings are described in so much detail that I felt like I was there and not just reading it. I am going to miss Amy-Faye and the Readaholics. But since this was my first series by the author I don't have to wait for new books to come out but will catch up with the previous ones!
November 17, 2016
The Readaholics are a group of friends who like to read books. They meet to discuss them. Amy-Faye is an event coordinator who is staging a Readaholics Convention of the Gothic novels in Heaven, Colorado. Things began to go wrong at the auction, an original manuscript is offered for bidding. The author immediately buys it. An author is being stalked by someone who claims she stole her book. Everyone is shocked when a body of a strange man is found murder in the office. The twists and turns found in the book will keep you hooked. The ending is a surprise. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own
August 9, 2016
Amy-Faye is coordinating a celebration of Gothic novels for the local bookstore, culminating in a dance that night. The night ends in tragedy when a dead body is found – the body of a stranger. Amy-Faye had seen the victim during the events earlier in the day. Who was he? Why would someone kill him? And can the Readaholics’s latest read, Rebecca, offer some clues to the modern crime?
It is wonderful to be back in the presents of this group of mystery lovers. All five of the women are great and contribute in their own ways to the plot. The mystery is strong with some good twists and surprises before we reach the logical and satisfying ending. I hadn’t read Rebecca before I picked up this book, but that didn’t hamper my enjoyment at all.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It is wonderful to be back in the presents of this group of mystery lovers. All five of the women are great and contribute in their own ways to the plot. The mystery is strong with some good twists and surprises before we reach the logical and satisfying ending. I hadn’t read Rebecca before I picked up this book, but that didn’t hamper my enjoyment at all.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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November 17, 2016The Readaholics are a group of friends who like to read books. They meet to discuss them. Amy-Faye is an event coordinator who is staging a Readaholics Convention of the Gothic novels in Heaven, Colorado. Things began to go wrong at the auction, an original manuscript is offered for bidding. The author immediately buys it. An author is being stalked by someone who claims she stole her book. Everyone is shocked when a body of a strange man is found murder in the office. The twists and turns found in the book will keep you hooked. The ending is a surprise. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own
May 12, 2019
I've really enjoyed this series and wish there was more than the three books. Hate it when that happens. =(
August 26, 2016
This is a fantastic and funny book! There are so many things that I want to say, but because of spoilers, I really can't. It is safe to say that this book keeps you on your toes. I may have a preconceived affection because some of my first "grown-up" books were the Gothic novels I found on my grandmother's bookshelves over long summer visits.
Laura DiSilverio does a wonderful job setting and describing a scene. She fills them with just the right amount of detail. She doesn't overwhelm you but makes every scene feel real. She also highlights friendships and relationships. The relationships between the Amy-Faye and her close female friends, the relationship with Amy-Faye and Hart, and the relationships with and among the writers gathered for the "Celebration of Gothic Novels" make the entire story.
If I have to have a complaints or a mild irritation, then first is taunting me with Nana's Lemon cake and then (because this isn't a culinary mystery) not giving me the recipe. :-) That cake sounded heavenly! The second, after spending a lot of time looking for a specific car, not asking the auctioneer questions about the car that he had an interaction with. Those are two pretty petty irritation, this book is full of witty dialog, fun action scenes, and some hilarious "I Love Lucy" worthy bits. If you are considering this book, take the plunge and read it. It is a whole lot of fun.
I have but have not read the first two books in this series. They are sitting on my tbr bookcase, but other books have been jumping in front of them. I entered a contest and won an autographed book in exchange for an honest review. After reading and thoroughly enjoying this book, I can't wait to dive into the first two of the Readaholics series.
Laura DiSilverio does a wonderful job setting and describing a scene. She fills them with just the right amount of detail. She doesn't overwhelm you but makes every scene feel real. She also highlights friendships and relationships. The relationships between the Amy-Faye and her close female friends, the relationship with Amy-Faye and Hart, and the relationships with and among the writers gathered for the "Celebration of Gothic Novels" make the entire story.
If I have to have a complaints or a mild irritation, then first is taunting me with Nana's Lemon cake and then (because this isn't a culinary mystery) not giving me the recipe. :-) That cake sounded heavenly! The second, after spending a lot of time looking for a specific car, not asking the auctioneer questions about the car that he had an interaction with. Those are two pretty petty irritation, this book is full of witty dialog, fun action scenes, and some hilarious "I Love Lucy" worthy bits. If you are considering this book, take the plunge and read it. It is a whole lot of fun.
I have but have not read the first two books in this series. They are sitting on my tbr bookcase, but other books have been jumping in front of them. I entered a contest and won an autographed book in exchange for an honest review. After reading and thoroughly enjoying this book, I can't wait to dive into the first two of the Readaholics series.
April 3, 2017
From the cover: Reading the gothic classic Rebecca already has the Readaholics spooked, and the chills only get worse when someone in town actually gives up the ghost.... Amy-Faye Johnson has her hands full coordinating the Celebration of Gothic Novels in Heaven, Colorado. The festivities start off smoothly, but the weekend is soon cursed with large egos, old resentments, and uninvited guests. Matters become truly grave when a dead body is found at the gothic-themed costume party. The out-of-town authors claim not to know the victim, but Amy-Faye has doubts. With skeletons turning up in all of the suspects’ closets, Amy-Faye and the Readaholics must tap into their knowledge of gothic literature to find a killer who lurks in the shadows...
This is the first book in the series that I have read. The mystery is a good one, but there wasn’t enough clues to determine who the killer was until the end. Yes, it did keep me reading, but I usually like to try to figure out who the ‘bad guy’ is before the reveal. This is my first intro to Amy-Faye the amateur sleuth for the series. I did like her she is fun and has a good eye for details and she has a great group of friends helping her. The only thing is the ‘love interest’ is a police officer-this seems to run in many cozy mysteries that I read. I can understand because the amateur female sleuth needs info from the police and a way in to help. I also like Hart-the boyfriend/police officer, he suggests she not help, but listens to what she says. In this book they move the relationship to the next level. This is an easy fast read book. I liked the reference to gothic novels. I used to read those many years ago. I recognized the authors’ names and I liked the reference to the cake that was baked. Allover a very good book.
This is the first book in the series that I have read. The mystery is a good one, but there wasn’t enough clues to determine who the killer was until the end. Yes, it did keep me reading, but I usually like to try to figure out who the ‘bad guy’ is before the reveal. This is my first intro to Amy-Faye the amateur sleuth for the series. I did like her she is fun and has a good eye for details and she has a great group of friends helping her. The only thing is the ‘love interest’ is a police officer-this seems to run in many cozy mysteries that I read. I can understand because the amateur female sleuth needs info from the police and a way in to help. I also like Hart-the boyfriend/police officer, he suggests she not help, but listens to what she says. In this book they move the relationship to the next level. This is an easy fast read book. I liked the reference to gothic novels. I used to read those many years ago. I recognized the authors’ names and I liked the reference to the cake that was baked. Allover a very good book.
June 24, 2016
ARC for review - EPD - August 2, 2016
This is the third in a series of cozy mysteries (don't know what a cozy mystery is? Think Agatha Christie or "The Cat Who..." series by Lillian Jackson Braun. There's a murder, but nothing too bloody or gory and all the action takes place in a charming small town...and often "around" something - here a book club, but it can be a tea shop, a psychic, a sewing circle, whatever), the first two are The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco Book and the second The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle, so clearly the Readaholics are into cozies themselves. It's been a long time since I read a cozy mystery (since the last, awful, "Cat Who" book in fact, but don't judge them by the last few...generally the series was a delight), so when I saw this one about a book club that was reading Rebecca one of my all-time favorites, I decided it was time for something light and fun.
This was....well, light. The plot focuses on party planner Amy Faye and, in this volume, her plan for a gothic themed event celebrating several gothic novelists in town to publicize their latest books (why they would come here and stay so long is never really clear). Anyway, since the book is about a book club I was hoping for a bit more bookish charm, but the only discussion the Readaholics have about Rebecca is surface-level and very short. Instead the group is concerned with their own mystery - who killed the stranger in town on the night of the gothic costume ball? I didn't really care and the characters here didn't grab me in any way - in fact I could never distinguish the various members of the Readaholics from one another. I would suggest you skip this series and start at the beginning of the "Cat Who" series or the great "Spellman" series by Lisa Lutz (a little more adult, but still a cozy, I think) if this is the sort of thing you're looking for - a book you can read in an afternoon and enjoy, but not feel overwhelmed by. I will say it was a nice break from the somewhat dreary poetry of Anne Sexton that I'm working my way through, so there was that.
This is the third in a series of cozy mysteries (don't know what a cozy mystery is? Think Agatha Christie or "The Cat Who..." series by Lillian Jackson Braun. There's a murder, but nothing too bloody or gory and all the action takes place in a charming small town...and often "around" something - here a book club, but it can be a tea shop, a psychic, a sewing circle, whatever), the first two are The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco Book and the second The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle, so clearly the Readaholics are into cozies themselves. It's been a long time since I read a cozy mystery (since the last, awful, "Cat Who" book in fact, but don't judge them by the last few...generally the series was a delight), so when I saw this one about a book club that was reading Rebecca one of my all-time favorites, I decided it was time for something light and fun.
This was....well, light. The plot focuses on party planner Amy Faye and, in this volume, her plan for a gothic themed event celebrating several gothic novelists in town to publicize their latest books (why they would come here and stay so long is never really clear). Anyway, since the book is about a book club I was hoping for a bit more bookish charm, but the only discussion the Readaholics have about Rebecca is surface-level and very short. Instead the group is concerned with their own mystery - who killed the stranger in town on the night of the gothic costume ball? I didn't really care and the characters here didn't grab me in any way - in fact I could never distinguish the various members of the Readaholics from one another. I would suggest you skip this series and start at the beginning of the "Cat Who" series or the great "Spellman" series by Lisa Lutz (a little more adult, but still a cozy, I think) if this is the sort of thing you're looking for - a book you can read in an afternoon and enjoy, but not feel overwhelmed by. I will say it was a nice break from the somewhat dreary poetry of Anne Sexton that I'm working my way through, so there was that.
August 1, 2016
I’ve wanted to be a part of a book club for some time now. Thanks to author Laura DiSilverio I get to be in one each time I read a new book in her Book Club Mystery series.
Ms. DiSilverio has come a long way since the first book in this series, THE READAHOLICS AND THE FALCON FIASCO (which I really enjoyed). She has done a fantastic job fleshing out all of her characters. It’s been fun to watch them grow.
Book three in the Book Club Mysteries, THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA, was an excellent story with a mystery that gave me chills. I loved the gothic angle in the plot. It made for some wonderful reading.
The best in the series to date, this fast moving, exciting book kept me reading much later then I had intended. But once into the story, I couldn’t possible worry about sleep. I had to know whodunit. I have to tell you, it was totally worth being tired the whole next day!
If you’re in a book club, check out this series for making fun comparisons. With your group. If you’re not in a book group, the Book Group Mysteries will have you wanting to start one!
Ms. DiSilverio has come a long way since the first book in this series, THE READAHOLICS AND THE FALCON FIASCO (which I really enjoyed). She has done a fantastic job fleshing out all of her characters. It’s been fun to watch them grow.
Book three in the Book Club Mysteries, THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA, was an excellent story with a mystery that gave me chills. I loved the gothic angle in the plot. It made for some wonderful reading.
The best in the series to date, this fast moving, exciting book kept me reading much later then I had intended. But once into the story, I couldn’t possible worry about sleep. I had to know whodunit. I have to tell you, it was totally worth being tired the whole next day!
If you’re in a book club, check out this series for making fun comparisons. With your group. If you’re not in a book group, the Book Group Mysteries will have you wanting to start one!
August 17, 2016
Heaven, Colorado is about to be the site of the Celebration of Gothic Novels. Amy-Faye has her hands full with preparing everything for the event but, it looks like it's going to be a great gig. There's the auction, the costume party, the birthday party..... and the murder. Only, the murder of the unknown man was not in the plans. None of the authors claim to have known the man but, Amy-Faye saw him at all of the author events so has her doubts. Amy-Faye and the Readaholics decide to investigate, if for no other reason than to ease Lola's mind as it was a part of her costume that was used to kill the man.
I really liked this book! Amy-Faye and the Readaholics seem like a great group of people. I could see being friends with all of them though and by the end of the book, I felt like I knew them. Can't wait for the next book!
I received an advanced copy of the book for an honest review.
I really liked this book! Amy-Faye and the Readaholics seem like a great group of people. I could see being friends with all of them though and by the end of the book, I felt like I knew them. Can't wait for the next book!
I received an advanced copy of the book for an honest review.
November 27, 2016
Really like this author and all her many nom de plumes. This series is a particular favorite, due to the makeup of the group and the locale. Enjoyed the backdrop of the "gothic novel" festival. Highly recommend this series!
February 3, 2021
Its a shame this series seems to have stopped with this book. It's a very likeable setting, with a good mix of characters.
May 14, 2021
Enjoyed this book and I like the author's style of writing.
September 12, 2016
This is the third installment of The Book Club Mysteries by Laura DiSilverio. Amy-Faye is hired by to put together an event celebrating gothic writers. It will include a small panel of current gothic writers, an auction, and a costumed ball. All the plans seem to be in order...and then the authors and their problems and egos arrive. Amy-Faye holds it together until at the ball a woman, who is stalking one of the writers, shows up and flings faux blood on everyone. If that isn't bad enough, the manager brings Amy-Faye back to his office where summon has staked a man on his desk. Well Amy-Faye just can't help herself, and with her Readaholic friends, there is snooping and shenanigans to get up to!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved the gothic backdrop of this one. The characters have really grown from the first book and each are distinct in their persona now. Maude is still easily my favorite character, and she is still seeing conspiracies everywhere. As for the side characters in this book, the authors were all great and added a lot of humor in spots also. The last scene with them all was a hoot!
I would definitely recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans. It is part of a series and it is nice for backstory if you read them in order, but it is also fine as a stand alone novel. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved the gothic backdrop of this one. The characters have really grown from the first book and each are distinct in their persona now. Maude is still easily my favorite character, and she is still seeing conspiracies everywhere. As for the side characters in this book, the authors were all great and added a lot of humor in spots also. The last scene with them all was a hoot!
I would definitely recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans. It is part of a series and it is nice for backstory if you read them in order, but it is also fine as a stand alone novel. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
August 22, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The series is about Amy-Faye, an event coordinator, and her book club. It’s interesting to be reading a book about a book club and their reviews of the books they are reading, or have read. This is my first book in the Book Club Mystery series, and I really enjoyed it. I was worried going into it that I was not going to know the characters, but by the end – I felt like I knew each one. I also felt that if I had read the other books, I wouldn’t have had too much repetition about each of the characters, which is nice.
A stranger in small-town Heaven, Colorado has been murdered, and the book club takes it into their own hands to try to help solve the murder. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it seemed to take a long time to get to the murder, but after that I felt like it was fast paced and really an enjoyable read. It was really fun to try and guess along with Amy-Faye about what was next and who had committed the murder. The book makes me really want to visit Colorado sometime as it sounds so beautiful.
I will definitely go back and read the other two books in this series and I would recommend this book to others.
The series is about Amy-Faye, an event coordinator, and her book club. It’s interesting to be reading a book about a book club and their reviews of the books they are reading, or have read. This is my first book in the Book Club Mystery series, and I really enjoyed it. I was worried going into it that I was not going to know the characters, but by the end – I felt like I knew each one. I also felt that if I had read the other books, I wouldn’t have had too much repetition about each of the characters, which is nice.
A stranger in small-town Heaven, Colorado has been murdered, and the book club takes it into their own hands to try to help solve the murder. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it seemed to take a long time to get to the murder, but after that I felt like it was fast paced and really an enjoyable read. It was really fun to try and guess along with Amy-Faye about what was next and who had committed the murder. The book makes me really want to visit Colorado sometime as it sounds so beautiful.
I will definitely go back and read the other two books in this series and I would recommend this book to others.
September 8, 2016
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala by Laura DiSilverio is an enchanting cozy mystery about the main character Amy Faye and her book club. This is the third book in the series set in Heaven, Colorado, where they are having a celebration of gothic novels. This is a mystery with a cast of characters that you would want to join to solve mysteries with,such as the body that is found during their gothic costume party. The setting sounds beautiful and I could not put this book down. I will be going back to read the first two books in this book club mystery series. I love her writing style. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2017
Amy-Faye, protagonist, event organiser, founder of readaholics book club, thought organising event "celebration of Gothic novels" for a book store owner would be fun. Event starts smoothly but turns bad when unwelcoming guests try to spoil it and even worse when unknown man is murdered in office of club manager where the event is organised. Amy-Faye and readaholics are trying to find out who is the murderer, who was the dead man and what was the motive behind murder.
All situations, characters and events were clearly described throughout the series. The end of book where characters were trying to catch murderer was fun. I enjoyed this book most in series.
All situations, characters and events were clearly described throughout the series. The end of book where characters were trying to catch murderer was fun. I enjoyed this book most in series.
September 18, 2016
Complice anche un viaggio in treno, l'ho divorato. Buona la storia gialla: pur essendoci tutti gli indizi giusti, non sono riuscita a decifrarli se non dopo che è stato rivelato il colpevole.
Da lettrice di romance ho apprezzato come l'autrice sia riuscita a mostrare l'evoluzione della storia fra la protagonista e il detective con rapidi accenni, ma molto "dolci" (niente scene di sesso nei cozy mysteries!).
Da lettrice di romance ho apprezzato come l'autrice sia riuscita a mostrare l'evoluzione della storia fra la protagonista e il detective con rapidi accenni, ma molto "dolci" (niente scene di sesso nei cozy mysteries!).
August 23, 2021
Perfect book to kick off my Fall-centered reading! I know, I know... It's mostikely not even close to Fall for most people, but for me the weather is already cooling and Fall is here.
I love reading books that have books or bookish characters and this was an enjoyable one. Not only was it set around gothic books and their authors, it has a costume gala, murder, and mystery. I can't think of a better way to spend my day.
I absolutely love the Readaholics and the friendship they all share through, not only books, but through their everyday life occurrences. That they also solve mysteries together is a plus. 🤣
Not sure if the author has plans for more of this series but I'm crossing my fingers!!
I love reading books that have books or bookish characters and this was an enjoyable one. Not only was it set around gothic books and their authors, it has a costume gala, murder, and mystery. I can't think of a better way to spend my day.
I absolutely love the Readaholics and the friendship they all share through, not only books, but through their everyday life occurrences. That they also solve mysteries together is a plus. 🤣
Not sure if the author has plans for more of this series but I'm crossing my fingers!!
August 26, 2020
I wish there were more to this series! I want to see what the readaholics read next and what will happen next for them, things were getting interesting. I enjoyed the story in this one and was kept guessing as to who done it. I always love how the book club selection works with real life although in this case they picked their selection to go with the Gothic book festival that was going on. I'm not as familiar with Gothic books as I am with what was featured in the first two books of the series so it wasn't quite as fun but I enjoyed learning about them.
October 26, 2018
Really enjoy these books! I love that each book is themed around the book the group is reading! But of course if plan in reading any of the books they are, they do contain spoilers! But either way these are very fun and charming!
June 19, 2025
The story is set around three authors at a gothic book event. It was an easy read.
May 1, 2020
A fun cosy mystery with well-written characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. I enjoyed catching up with the Readaholics and following their latest adventure. I look forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala
A Book Club Mystery, Book #3
By Laura DiSilverio
ISBN# 9780451470850
Author’s website: www.Lauradisilverio.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Reading the Gothic classic Rebecca already has the Readaholics spooked, and the chills only get worse when someone in town actually gives up the ghost….
Amy-Faye Johnson has her hands full coordinating the Celebration of Gothic Novels in Heaven, Colorado. The festivities start off smoothly, but the weekend is soon cursed with large egos, old resentments, and uninvited guests. Matters become truly grave when a dead body is found at the Gothic-themed costume party.
The out-of-town authors claim not to know the victim, but Amy-Faye has doubts. With skeletons turning up in all of the suspects’ closets, Amy-Faye and the Readaholics must tap into their knowledge of Gothic literature to find a killer who lurks in the shadows…
Review:
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala is the enjoyable third entry in the Book Club Mystery series. With likable recurring characters, plenty of red herrings, and a Gothic literature theme, it is sure to please fans of the cozy mystery genre.
Heaven, Colorado’s local bookstore is celebrating Gothic novels, and event organizer Amy-Faye is coordinating a full itinerary of activities beginning with an author panel and culminating in a Gothic themed costume ball. Despite the demands and difficult personalities of the headlining authors, everything goes well…until a stranger, who Amy-Faye saw throughout the event, is found stabbed to death during the gala. All of the authors and their entourages claim to have no knowledge of the man, but Amy-Faye and the Readaholics (book club members) think someone is not telling the truth. As they investigate, they uncover quite a few secrets that the authors do not want made public, but what could be worth killing the man to keep private?
I love the Gothic novel theme of this mystery, and references and comparisons to the classic novel Rebecca are thoughtfully included. (If you have not read Rebecca and it is on your TBR list, read it before reading The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala because there are big plot spoilers mentioned by various characters.) All of the activities planned for the event sound like a lot of fun; I would definitely attend. The murder of Trent Van Allen plays well into the Gothic theme, and the clues about his death fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The guest authors and their guests all make great suspects, and the secrets they are all trying so desperately to keep hidden provide the best moments of the story. All of the revelations are career ending doozies.
Amy-Faye is an affable, relatable protagonist who does a good job of balancing her work and natural curiosity. I appreciate that she works openly with the police and not furtively against them. It helps that her boyfriend is on the police force. The supporting characters, mainly the Readaholics and assistant Al, are about as different from each other as they can be. The town’s mayor, an ex-beauty queen BFF, a plant nursery owner, a hunting/fishing guide, and a college student all provide interesting perspectives and make valuable contributions to the investigation.
I enjoyed my time in Heaven, CO, with the Readaholics and recommend The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala to any cozy fan.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala
A Book Club Mystery, Book #3
By Laura DiSilverio
ISBN# 9780451470850
Author’s website: www.Lauradisilverio.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Reading the Gothic classic Rebecca already has the Readaholics spooked, and the chills only get worse when someone in town actually gives up the ghost….
Amy-Faye Johnson has her hands full coordinating the Celebration of Gothic Novels in Heaven, Colorado. The festivities start off smoothly, but the weekend is soon cursed with large egos, old resentments, and uninvited guests. Matters become truly grave when a dead body is found at the Gothic-themed costume party.
The out-of-town authors claim not to know the victim, but Amy-Faye has doubts. With skeletons turning up in all of the suspects’ closets, Amy-Faye and the Readaholics must tap into their knowledge of Gothic literature to find a killer who lurks in the shadows…
Review:
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala is the enjoyable third entry in the Book Club Mystery series. With likable recurring characters, plenty of red herrings, and a Gothic literature theme, it is sure to please fans of the cozy mystery genre.
Heaven, Colorado’s local bookstore is celebrating Gothic novels, and event organizer Amy-Faye is coordinating a full itinerary of activities beginning with an author panel and culminating in a Gothic themed costume ball. Despite the demands and difficult personalities of the headlining authors, everything goes well…until a stranger, who Amy-Faye saw throughout the event, is found stabbed to death during the gala. All of the authors and their entourages claim to have no knowledge of the man, but Amy-Faye and the Readaholics (book club members) think someone is not telling the truth. As they investigate, they uncover quite a few secrets that the authors do not want made public, but what could be worth killing the man to keep private?
I love the Gothic novel theme of this mystery, and references and comparisons to the classic novel Rebecca are thoughtfully included. (If you have not read Rebecca and it is on your TBR list, read it before reading The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala because there are big plot spoilers mentioned by various characters.) All of the activities planned for the event sound like a lot of fun; I would definitely attend. The murder of Trent Van Allen plays well into the Gothic theme, and the clues about his death fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The guest authors and their guests all make great suspects, and the secrets they are all trying so desperately to keep hidden provide the best moments of the story. All of the revelations are career ending doozies.
Amy-Faye is an affable, relatable protagonist who does a good job of balancing her work and natural curiosity. I appreciate that she works openly with the police and not furtively against them. It helps that her boyfriend is on the police force. The supporting characters, mainly the Readaholics and assistant Al, are about as different from each other as they can be. The town’s mayor, an ex-beauty queen BFF, a plant nursery owner, a hunting/fishing guide, and a college student all provide interesting perspectives and make valuable contributions to the investigation.
I enjoyed my time in Heaven, CO, with the Readaholics and recommend The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala to any cozy fan.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 15, 2016
This is the first book I’ve read in the Book Club Mystery series, and I really enjoyed it. There was so much about the characters that I really liked, the fact that Amy-Faye and her boyfriend, Hart, had an adult relationship was a big one. They enjoyed each other, and were not acting like so many couples who have recently gotten together in other books that I’ve read. They were not constantly questioning if their relationship should be happening, or pushing away from each other in one chapter to only be passionately in love in the next.
The group of women in the book club were also a wonderfully diverse bunch of strong women. There was not a wishy-washy female among them, which is so refreshing. And their strengths helped out in various ways while solving the mystery.
Also Amy-Faye actually worked at her job, unlike a lot of cozies where the main character owns a business, but never actually seems to be there. Her job as a party planner, puts her in contact with a lot of people and areas of buildings she might not normally have access to, so this helped a lot in finding clues.
The mystery itself had many twists and red herrings, which made it a fun puzzle to try and solve. And the extra twist right at the end was something I did not see coming. DiSilverio also added other crimes into the book, which helped to make the murder harder to solve.
I don’t think you need to read this series in order since DiSilverio added enough context to previous storylines and characters that you were easily able to figure out what was going on. But with any series it is always enjoyable to start from the beginning because you get to watch the characters grow, and finding a series part way through is always good because that means you have more books to read right away!
The group of women in the book club were also a wonderfully diverse bunch of strong women. There was not a wishy-washy female among them, which is so refreshing. And their strengths helped out in various ways while solving the mystery.
Also Amy-Faye actually worked at her job, unlike a lot of cozies where the main character owns a business, but never actually seems to be there. Her job as a party planner, puts her in contact with a lot of people and areas of buildings she might not normally have access to, so this helped a lot in finding clues.
The mystery itself had many twists and red herrings, which made it a fun puzzle to try and solve. And the extra twist right at the end was something I did not see coming. DiSilverio also added other crimes into the book, which helped to make the murder harder to solve.
I don’t think you need to read this series in order since DiSilverio added enough context to previous storylines and characters that you were easily able to figure out what was going on. But with any series it is always enjoyable to start from the beginning because you get to watch the characters grow, and finding a series part way through is always good because that means you have more books to read right away!
August 20, 2016
#3 in the Book Club Mystery series. Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. Further disclosure: This is the ninth cozy I have read by author Laura DiSilverio and would have read it without, the nonetheless appreciated, free copy. I thought this was the best, so far, of the author's mysteries. The plot was tied into the Book Club's reading of DuMaurier's Rebecca and the local book store sponsored Gothic Gala. The book club members (and amateur detectives): Event Organizer Amy-Faye; her BFF, ex-Miss Colorado, Brooke; Nursery owner, Lola; Mayor/Realtor Kerry; and, Hunting/Fishing guide Maud all have a part to play in solving the murder uncovered at the Gala's costume party. Three noted Gothic mystery writers with their entourages, a mysterious stranger who gets murdered, clues scattered throughout, a plentiful supply of red herrings, and enjoyable gothic lore add to the fun of this enjoyable cozy mystery.
Book Club Mystery - Amy-Faye Johnson, Heaven, CO event planner, and four of her friends are the Readaholics. This month they are reading the gothic novel Rebecca, which coincides with the Gothic Gala event A-Faye is staging for the local book store featuring appearances by three noted gothic writers. All of the writers seem to have secrets and when a body is found at the costume ball, the Readaholics are determined to find the killer.
Book Club Mystery - Amy-Faye Johnson, Heaven, CO event planner, and four of her friends are the Readaholics. This month they are reading the gothic novel Rebecca, which coincides with the Gothic Gala event A-Faye is staging for the local book store featuring appearances by three noted gothic writers. All of the writers seem to have secrets and when a body is found at the costume ball, the Readaholics are determined to find the killer.
September 4, 2016
It was supposed to be a “Celebration of Gothic Novels” but somehow it ended in murder instead. Amy-Faye Johnson is in charge of organizing all the events associated with the event, but the authors attending are proving to quite difficult. Amy-Faye and the Readaholics set out to investigate. Does one of the visiting authors harbor a secret worth killing for?
I love Amy-Faye and the rest of the Readaholics so it was with great pleasure that I dived into THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA! Maud is still my favorite character as I love her quirky personality and ability to see conspiracies everywhere. I like that we get a bit more insight into her character and her history, as we meet some of her former college friends in THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA.
THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA is the third book in the Book Club Mystery series but can easily be read as a standalone. REBECCA is one of my all-time favorite classics, so I was thrilled to see the combination of a great series and a great classic. And oh, Laura DiSilverio does a magnificent job at weaving the classic story of REBECCA into the plotline of THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA! If you like gothic novels and mysteries, then you’re in for a real treat with this book!
*The author provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I love Amy-Faye and the rest of the Readaholics so it was with great pleasure that I dived into THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA! Maud is still my favorite character as I love her quirky personality and ability to see conspiracies everywhere. I like that we get a bit more insight into her character and her history, as we meet some of her former college friends in THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA.
THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA is the third book in the Book Club Mystery series but can easily be read as a standalone. REBECCA is one of my all-time favorite classics, so I was thrilled to see the combination of a great series and a great classic. And oh, Laura DiSilverio does a magnificent job at weaving the classic story of REBECCA into the plotline of THE READAHOLICS AND THE GOTHIC GALA! If you like gothic novels and mysteries, then you’re in for a real treat with this book!
*The author provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 7, 2016
The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala was a great book. I was excited to get chosen for an advanced copy in return for a fair review. I had never read anything by Laura DiSilverio, and had never heard of the Book Club Mystery series. I was a bit skeptical about the content of the book because of the title, but was pleasantly surprised to find myself turning page after page, waiting to see what came next. I have to admit though that it started off very slow. After a few chapters, however, I got to know the characters a bit more and was interested to see how the story would turn out.
Amy-Faye is a party planner who was responsible for setting up a Gothic Gala to celebrate the genre of gothic writers. The celebrity writers who were invited all have their little quirks, and friction between them is clear. During their costume party a dead body shows up, but no one seems to know who he is. However, after a few twists and turns, and some good sleuthing on part of the Readaholics book club, some dirty little secrets are exposed and the identity of the dead man turns out to be a real doozy!
If you are in the mood for some good writing, good humor, a little romance, and a lot of mystery, read this! You won’t be disappointed. I know I will be going back and reading the rest of the series. Thank you for choosing me!!
Amy-Faye is a party planner who was responsible for setting up a Gothic Gala to celebrate the genre of gothic writers. The celebrity writers who were invited all have their little quirks, and friction between them is clear. During their costume party a dead body shows up, but no one seems to know who he is. However, after a few twists and turns, and some good sleuthing on part of the Readaholics book club, some dirty little secrets are exposed and the identity of the dead man turns out to be a real doozy!
If you are in the mood for some good writing, good humor, a little romance, and a lot of mystery, read this! You won’t be disappointed. I know I will be going back and reading the rest of the series. Thank you for choosing me!!
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