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Collapsible #1
Collapsible: A Novel of Friendship, Broken Bones, Coffee, Shenanigans, and the Occasional Murder
Rachel Cooper has life under control: good job, good friends, and good plans for the future. All of that collapses one early morning when she falls and breaks her ankle. Now she must face the horrors of preparing for an upcoming move and handling her tenth year of teaching while clomping around on crutches. Worse, somewhere in the shadows, the Memento Killer lurks—a serial murderer who stalks women with four anonymous gifts before moving in for the kill. When unexpected presents begin arriving on Rachel’s doorstep, she fears that she'll soon be crutching for her life.
231 pages, ebook
Published September 29, 2017
11 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Buchanan
15 books195 followersRuth Buchanan is a Christian freelance writer and the author of seven books, four stage plays, and countless articles and essays. She is the Director of Literary Services at Build a Better Us.
Stars based on subjective enjoyment rather than merit.
Stars based on subjective enjoyment rather than merit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 20, 2020
2020 Update: I just proofed the audio files for the upcoming Audible release. Going back through this book again has given me really complicated feelings, the predominant one being where can I get my hands on a double order of hash browns?
2017: I am the author. I just re-read this book for the first time since it came out last year. Frankly, I was a bit nervous to revisit it, but I found it actually quite fun to revisit the characters and reacquaint myself with the final product. Frankly, no one can be objective about her own work, but I'm giving myself 5 stars because I can.
2017: I am the author. I just re-read this book for the first time since it came out last year. Frankly, I was a bit nervous to revisit it, but I found it actually quite fun to revisit the characters and reacquaint myself with the final product. Frankly, no one can be objective about her own work, but I'm giving myself 5 stars because I can.
June 1, 2019
This book was a lot of fun with quirky characters, a suspenseful story and a touch of romance. My only complaint is that I really didn't like the main character. Her quirkiness helped make up for that quite a bit, but I just didn't like Rachel until the very end. In spite of that, the story line was good and the book itself was a lot of fun! I would recommend to any who enjoy mysteries with quirky characters or anyone who is looking for a short and fun read.
January 9, 2018
Collapsible is a fun twist on the cozy mystery genre.
Rachel Cooper is an odd character, I like her a lot, but she is very high maintenance and while I did enjoy the book, I found myself wanting to slap her.
After a fall, Rachel breaks her ankle and this sets her crankiness level up to high. She is a school teacher and it is the end of the school year and the last thing Rachel wants or needs is to have to clump around in a cast.
This is where her whining got on my nerves. She wanted everyone to wait on her hand and foot and sadly enough, her best friend is willing to do it.
It seems that there is a "Memento Killer" on the prowl and Rachel believes that she is the next victim.
I think the story was good and the writing was well done. Rachel has the potential to become a great character, I am nit sure if I would call this a cozy mystery though, as it borders on the romance/fiction genre more.
I read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Rachel Cooper is an odd character, I like her a lot, but she is very high maintenance and while I did enjoy the book, I found myself wanting to slap her.
After a fall, Rachel breaks her ankle and this sets her crankiness level up to high. She is a school teacher and it is the end of the school year and the last thing Rachel wants or needs is to have to clump around in a cast.
This is where her whining got on my nerves. She wanted everyone to wait on her hand and foot and sadly enough, her best friend is willing to do it.
It seems that there is a "Memento Killer" on the prowl and Rachel believes that she is the next victim.
I think the story was good and the writing was well done. Rachel has the potential to become a great character, I am nit sure if I would call this a cozy mystery though, as it borders on the romance/fiction genre more.
I read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 2, 2017
Funny, charming and ridiculously readable. "Collapsible" is a quick read, and I almost wish I'd saved it for the readathon - it would have been perfect for it! I really got to care for Rachel, and though Ann and Lynn sometimes seemed slightly overbearing (although it was possibly warranted) their affection for one another was obvious.
The first book in a series, so though the main plot was nicely wrapped up, many small threads were left for the next book -- which I'll definitely be reading too!
The first book in a series, so though the main plot was nicely wrapped up, many small threads were left for the next book -- which I'll definitely be reading too!
October 7, 2017
Buchanan spins a tale that kept me laughing, wondering, and wishing it wouldn’t end. Her heroine Rachel’s sense of humor had me in stitches, and her often self-imposed penchant for trouble made this character relatable and sympathetic. What’s not to love about a single gal in her thirties with a confused love life that involves a man ten years her junior, a stalker, and a potential serial killer? Collapsible was just the diverting read I needed. Clean, fun, and irresistible, this one gets five stars!
May 18, 2020
I just discovered and read all four books in this series, and I laughed out loud so much, finding the books to be real, relatable (as a longtime single like the main character), and lighthearted -- without insulting my intelligence or leaving a bitter aftertaste. Rachel Cooper, her sister Ann and their mutual friend Lynn are so vividly drawn that I can't help wishing I could spend more time with them.
March 18, 2018
Smart and funny
I read this book in two days, smiling and wondering as I turned pages. When I wasn't reading, I often wondered how it would turn out and ended up talking (and tweeting) about it. A fun, entertaining read!
I read this book in two days, smiling and wondering as I turned pages. When I wasn't reading, I often wondered how it would turn out and ended up talking (and tweeting) about it. A fun, entertaining read!
September 30, 2019
Such a fun cozy read! Rachel was a very enjoyable character to get to know and I loved that she was an English teacher.
May 12, 2020
Well I read book 4 first as it came up for a Christmas read. These are part romance part light mystery. Now off to read #2 and #3.
May 6, 2019
GET ME BOOK 2.
Rachel is my actual best friend, and this book is a gem. Favorite things, without spoilers:
1. Rachel is the most down-to-earth, relatable, dramatic train wreck of a human
2. Lee is my actual son now
3. White-Out bone cast art
4. THERE IS A KILLER ON THE LOOSE PEOPLE
5. Kids these days
6. Even though Rachel can be overly dramatic (can't we all), none of the drama here is over-the-top or unearned or unbelievable
7. I want to exist in the same world as Ann
8. IT'S FUNNY
9. Adulthood is weird and awkward, and I feel like this story really shines a spotlight on that
10. There are more books in this series
Readers should read this and non-readers probably gonna want to start here.
Rachel is my actual best friend, and this book is a gem. Favorite things, without spoilers:
1. Rachel is the most down-to-earth, relatable, dramatic train wreck of a human
2. Lee is my actual son now
3. White-Out bone cast art
4. THERE IS A KILLER ON THE LOOSE PEOPLE
5. Kids these days
6. Even though Rachel can be overly dramatic (can't we all), none of the drama here is over-the-top or unearned or unbelievable
7. I want to exist in the same world as Ann
8. IT'S FUNNY
9. Adulthood is weird and awkward, and I feel like this story really shines a spotlight on that
10. There are more books in this series
Readers should read this and non-readers probably gonna want to start here.
May 26, 2018
This was the first time I read one of Ms. Buchanan's books, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed her wit and fun capers. There is a bit of a who-dunnit which leaves you guessing what will happen until the end. The classroom scenes made me laugh. A teacher myself, the student characters were spot-on. I will continue reading about the competent, charming, and chatty Rachel Cooper in this delightful trilogy.
February 15, 2018
Truly I was unsure until chapter 29... I was grateful Rachel became introspective. She’s intense and driven... I totally relate to the why-is-this-happening-at-this-juncture-of-my-life?!?! But so much like looking in a mirror... I wanted to say, “Listen to people who love you!” And I heard my heart say to the girl in my mirror, Listen! Less talk. Ruth, I loved it! ❤️
March 31, 2018
An enjoyable read. I haven’t read much in either the Christian fiction or cozy mystery genres, but my enjoyment of eccentric thirtysomething spinster protagonists is well established. This scratched my itch for an entertaining, light-but-not-excessively-light read. I kind of enjoy murder mysteries as long as they’re not too dark.
I will likely consider getting the other two books for plane reading next month; I’d like to see how characters and relationships develop. Not that it greatly matters, but my one complaint is that Lynn’s and Ann’s single-syllable names are SO similar I kept mixing up their characters as I was reading about them.
I will likely consider getting the other two books for plane reading next month; I’d like to see how characters and relationships develop. Not that it greatly matters, but my one complaint is that Lynn’s and Ann’s single-syllable names are SO similar I kept mixing up their characters as I was reading about them.
January 10, 2018
I enjoyed it very much! I want to be friends with Rachel, too, though I'm not sure I'd be as patient as Ann and Lynn. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them in future books.
January 22, 2018
Fun and fast paced! The dialogue is snappy and witty, and the mystery kept me turning pages. A fun read for the mystery lover.
March 12, 2019
It was okay — nothing to make me want to recommend it.
May 17, 2025
Light-hearted, funny, with a little bit of murder. Didn't know that could go together but now I know. I enjoyed being in Rachel Cooper's world and I'll pick up the next one in the series soon.
October 23, 2017
Great job, Ruth!
April 18, 2020
Hilarious! A tale of a redhead--her curls, her friends, and her students...
March 2, 2018
Read for Sustainer book club. Author will be attending our luncheon too. Found it to be somewhat of a cozy mystery. Not completely resolved at the end, but wasn't that bought into it anyways. Probably would not have picked it up on my own.
February 21, 2018
I read for March Sustainer book club not normally a genre I would read (faith based) although not highly dependent on the plot. I found myself smiling and laughing and the antics of Rachel and the dynamic between herself, sister Ann and best friend Lynn. I felt too many loose ends but I suppose a good lead into book two.
October 28, 2020
Quirky and fun!
Delightfully down-to-earth characters and a proportionate blend of humor and suspense make for a refreshing read. Rather than a predictable romance, the story leaves room for several possibilities, ensuring the reader will make haste to begin the sequel!
Delightfully down-to-earth characters and a proportionate blend of humor and suspense make for a refreshing read. Rather than a predictable romance, the story leaves room for several possibilities, ensuring the reader will make haste to begin the sequel!
November 9, 2017
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek before it's released--such fun!
November 29, 2017
I could not wait to find out what Rachel decided to do as she finished her school year...and that decision was about the men in her life....not what she would do for her summer vacation. And now I need to wait til the next book comes out to find out what is in Rachel’s mind. A fun book which made me laugh throughout and perfect to read any time of day or night.
I know the author, but not as well as I would like, but maybe Rachel will give me more insight into her mind. A great read!
I know the author, but not as well as I would like, but maybe Rachel will give me more insight into her mind. A great read!
October 17, 2024
I can’t decide between 4 or 5 stars. Love Rachel Cooper so much. She’s the epitome of a modern Christian single woman. Doing things herself even when someone tries to help or intervene. Oh Rachel.
I think the best part of this book is Rachel realizing that the world is not constantly out to get you. She’s paranoid and I get it. But really Rachel, there’s no need to convince yourself that a man (and an eligible one mind you!) wants you dead.
Already reading the next book in the series. Can’t wait to see what trouble Rachel finds herself in now.
I think the best part of this book is Rachel realizing that the world is not constantly out to get you. She’s paranoid and I get it. But really Rachel, there’s no need to convince yourself that a man (and an eligible one mind you!) wants you dead.
Already reading the next book in the series. Can’t wait to see what trouble Rachel finds herself in now.
September 28, 2019
Fun story
This was a fun book to read. I liked the characters, and I really felt the plight of the main character with her broken ankle and a struggle remain independent or accept help.
This was a fun book to read. I liked the characters, and I really felt the plight of the main character with her broken ankle and a struggle remain independent or accept help.
December 30, 2017
I was lucky enough to read this before it comes out. A fun read!
October 5, 2017
Disclaimer: I know the author and she is one of my favorite people.
Disclaimer aside, this is a charming debut book from Ruth. The character she created, Rachel, is completely full of humanness. Rachel can't read people for anything. I truly loved how real Ruth wrote the characters - especially Rachel.
The book starts with Rachel breaking her ankle in a completely ridiculous way at the gym. Seeing as Rachel teaches high school English, this makes her life complicated. And she's trying to pack to move. And there's a homicidal maniac on the loose targeting women who look like her. And Rachel has a very vivid imagination. This does not make for a good combination, but it does make for a lot of laughs.
The book is written from a Christian point of view. Rachel teaches at a Christian school and is seen at church more Sundays than not. Her Christianity isn't emphasized, it's just stated as a part of her character and a guiding force in her life. The bible isn't beaten, thumped, or even overly quoted, and there's no pious preaching. So, if you think you'll be turned off by a Christian bent to the book, don't be.
I can't wait to see what Ruth has in mind for Rachel (Poor Rachel) next.
Disclaimer aside, this is a charming debut book from Ruth. The character she created, Rachel, is completely full of humanness. Rachel can't read people for anything. I truly loved how real Ruth wrote the characters - especially Rachel.
The book starts with Rachel breaking her ankle in a completely ridiculous way at the gym. Seeing as Rachel teaches high school English, this makes her life complicated. And she's trying to pack to move. And there's a homicidal maniac on the loose targeting women who look like her. And Rachel has a very vivid imagination. This does not make for a good combination, but it does make for a lot of laughs.
The book is written from a Christian point of view. Rachel teaches at a Christian school and is seen at church more Sundays than not. Her Christianity isn't emphasized, it's just stated as a part of her character and a guiding force in her life. The bible isn't beaten, thumped, or even overly quoted, and there's no pious preaching. So, if you think you'll be turned off by a Christian bent to the book, don't be.
I can't wait to see what Ruth has in mind for Rachel (Poor Rachel) next.
December 5, 2017
I had purchased Ruth Buchanan's latest book and was entering it on Goodreads when I noticed I'd never recorded reading this one, which I probably read in October (it's no wonder I don't reach my reading goals when I forget to add books).
Rachel is a melodramatic klutz with a long-suffering sister and a nurturing friend who keep her grounded--or, at least, try to. The characters are ones I can see myself becoming fond of as the series progresses.
Disclaimer: I've been internet friends with Ruth for ages, and I love her to bits; however, modern mysteries are not my favored genre. An inclusion of a spaceship, dinosaur, or a wizard would have bumped the stars up, but Ruth is in good company, as I've given three stars to the mysteries of Agatha Christie, Robin Cook, and Daphne DuMaurier, too. If you like a clean mystery served with a side of humor, give Collapsible a read.
Rachel is a melodramatic klutz with a long-suffering sister and a nurturing friend who keep her grounded--or, at least, try to. The characters are ones I can see myself becoming fond of as the series progresses.
Disclaimer: I've been internet friends with Ruth for ages, and I love her to bits; however, modern mysteries are not my favored genre. An inclusion of a spaceship, dinosaur, or a wizard would have bumped the stars up, but Ruth is in good company, as I've given three stars to the mysteries of Agatha Christie, Robin Cook, and Daphne DuMaurier, too. If you like a clean mystery served with a side of humor, give Collapsible a read.
July 5, 2020
I enjoyed this enough that I instantly downloaded and started book 2 in the series. It had some humor, tho not laugh out loud. There was possible romance, but not quite, because the main character has issues. Not issues in a big, serious way, but she can be frustrating.
Not 5 stars, because I don't really feel like I know her or the other characters very well after reading the book. She's not quite "real" to me. But, I'm reading book 2, and enjoying it, so, worth the read.
Not 5 stars, because I don't really feel like I know her or the other characters very well after reading the book. She's not quite "real" to me. But, I'm reading book 2, and enjoying it, so, worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews