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A Poppy McAllister Mystery #1
Class Reunions Are Murder
Newly widowed and stuck in a middle-aged funk, Poppy has been running on cookies, infomercials, and one-sided chats with her cat for months. There's no way on earth she's attending her twenty-five-year class reunion--especially after receiving a very bizarre letter from Barbie, the popular cheerleader who taunted her all through high school. At least, not until Poppy's best friend practically drags her to the event . . . Using the dreaded homecoming as an excuse to visit her eccentric Aunt Ginny, Poppy vows to leave Cape May with pride and Spanx intact. Too bad Barbie is still the queen of mean at the reunion. And worse, that her dead body is lying right in front of Poppy's old locker. Singled out as the killer, it's up to Poppy to confront her past and clear her name. But between protecting her aunt from disaster and tackling a gluten-free diet, can Poppy crack the case before she's voted Most Likely to Die by the murderer?
407 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 30, 2018
964 people are currently reading
3066 people want to read
About the author
Libby Klein
11 books636 followersLibby Klein graduated Lower Cape May Regional High School sometime in the '80s. Her classes revolved mostly around the culinary sciences and theater, with the occasional nap in Chemistry. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that forced her to remove gluten from her kitchen and adopt a Paleo Diet. Now her life revolves around coffee and bacon. When she’s not feeling sorry for herself that she can’t eat bread, she writes from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her cat Figaro off her keyboard. Most of her hobbies revolve around eating, and travel, and eating while travelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
July 19, 2018
Yay! I'm finally starting a series with book #1. I always seem to read books out of order, but this is the first and it was extremely entertaining!
Poppy McAllister and her cat Figaro (I want to name a cat that) had me laughing out loud and even speaking aloud to them! This was the audio version and I thought it added to my enjoyment. Poppy is a forty-something widow and kind of down on her luck (which she doesn't mind reminding us of often). She is planning on attending her 25th year class re-union and is dreading seeing Barbie - a cheerleader who was kind of pushy in high school.
Poppy's Aunt Ginny is also a character that "cracked me up". There is a murder to solve of course, and Poppy is on the case. Fans of cozy murder mysteries, cats with attitudes and laughing out loud will most likely enjoy!
Listened via my own Audible Account.
January 21, 2018
Class Reunions Are Murder by Libby Klein is the first book in the new cozy Poppy McAllister Mystery series. From the opening pages of this book I knew I was going to be in for a really good read when I was already laughing before the story had really even begun.
Poppy is single again after the death of her husband and just learning how to be on her own again while dealing with a meddlesome mother in law when she gets an invite to her class reunion. Now Poppy does not have the fondest memories of high school with her own version of the mean cheerleaders at the forefront of her mind she is determined not to go but breaks down when her best friend begs her to come along.
As torturous as the reunion sounds Poppy knows she really should return to Cape May to see her aunt who she hasn’t done the best of keeping in touch with over the years. After arriving Poppy finds Aunt Ginny has been having a bit of trouble with social services due to her eccentric ways and then to top it all off Poppy finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation after the dreaded reunion.
I don’t even know if I can truly express just how great this little cozy gem was, I just loved the entire book. All of those little elements that get me totally engaged in a cozy were in this one, a funny and engaging main character, a spunky elderly aunt, a crazy kitty for a companion and wrap all that up with a compelling mystery to solve between the laughs.
Poppy did not take but a few page turns to completely gain my attention and interest as a lead character. Here we have an “older” main character telling this story who is also on the plus size with a junk food addiction to ease her troubles and one heck of a character for a pet cat, I could totally relate to her almost instantly. The only thing I think might be a turn off for some is Poppy fat-shaming herself but I hate to say it but I’ve been there so her sarcastic nature hooked me right in.
This was also a book that I felt I got to know a lot of the other characters in the story rather easily and give the author two thumbs up for her character development. Often only a main character and possibly one or two others become as distinct but she did a wonderful job pulling me into this world and getting to know everyone. When all was said and done I was a huge fan and really look forward to many more books in this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Poppy is single again after the death of her husband and just learning how to be on her own again while dealing with a meddlesome mother in law when she gets an invite to her class reunion. Now Poppy does not have the fondest memories of high school with her own version of the mean cheerleaders at the forefront of her mind she is determined not to go but breaks down when her best friend begs her to come along.
As torturous as the reunion sounds Poppy knows she really should return to Cape May to see her aunt who she hasn’t done the best of keeping in touch with over the years. After arriving Poppy finds Aunt Ginny has been having a bit of trouble with social services due to her eccentric ways and then to top it all off Poppy finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation after the dreaded reunion.
I don’t even know if I can truly express just how great this little cozy gem was, I just loved the entire book. All of those little elements that get me totally engaged in a cozy were in this one, a funny and engaging main character, a spunky elderly aunt, a crazy kitty for a companion and wrap all that up with a compelling mystery to solve between the laughs.
Poppy did not take but a few page turns to completely gain my attention and interest as a lead character. Here we have an “older” main character telling this story who is also on the plus size with a junk food addiction to ease her troubles and one heck of a character for a pet cat, I could totally relate to her almost instantly. The only thing I think might be a turn off for some is Poppy fat-shaming herself but I hate to say it but I’ve been there so her sarcastic nature hooked me right in.
This was also a book that I felt I got to know a lot of the other characters in the story rather easily and give the author two thumbs up for her character development. Often only a main character and possibly one or two others become as distinct but she did a wonderful job pulling me into this world and getting to know everyone. When all was said and done I was a huge fan and really look forward to many more books in this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 18, 2017
New cozy author Libby Klein blasts back to the past in her debut mystery “Class Reunions Are Murder”. I loved the sassy, wise-cracking, plus-size protagonist, Poppy McAllister as she braves her 25 year class reunion to confront the (still) mean girls, and manages to pull out all the stops to keep a conniving social services worker from sending her Aunt Ginny to an assisted living home.
The plot is fresh and fun! Poppy keeps the dialogue snapping with her wit and ‘I got grit’ personality. I was charmed by the handsome barista, Gia, who charms Poppy, who is a widow. Aunt Ginny is a hoot! The pacing is rapid, the mystery’s really good, and the murderer list is composed of Poppy’s old classmates names. You’ll be flipping pages and laughing out loud reading this story!
Ms. Klein is an author to watch. I look forward to the next adventure with Poppy and her Aunt Ginny. The author also includes delicious recipes for readers to enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author. Thank you.
The plot is fresh and fun! Poppy keeps the dialogue snapping with her wit and ‘I got grit’ personality. I was charmed by the handsome barista, Gia, who charms Poppy, who is a widow. Aunt Ginny is a hoot! The pacing is rapid, the mystery’s really good, and the murderer list is composed of Poppy’s old classmates names. You’ll be flipping pages and laughing out loud reading this story!
Ms. Klein is an author to watch. I look forward to the next adventure with Poppy and her Aunt Ginny. The author also includes delicious recipes for readers to enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author. Thank you.
December 22, 2017
Release Date: January 30, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Wohoo!!! I loved, loved, LOVED, this book! Class Reunions are Murder is the first book in the Poppy McAllister cozy mystery series and I know it is going to be a HUGE HIT among fans of this genre. It's got everything I wanted in a cozy mystery and more! Gosh, the only thing that disappoints me is that I have to wait until July 2018 for the next installment!! This is a must read if you're a fan of cozy mysteries. If you haven't read much in the genre and want to try, this is a great place to start!
MORE ABOUT THE STORY
Poppy McAllister has hit an all time low in her life. Her beloved husband died six months ago and the only thing she can successfully go is eat a little debbie snack. Feeling like her life is in shambles she has no intention of going to her high school reunion. I mean, why would she suject herself to the torture of allowing all the bullies who once tormented her about her weight do it again 25 years later?
But when her friend, Sawyer forces her to go, she has no choice because she has run out of excuses. So Poppy ventures off to Jersey with her cat, Figaro in tow to stay with her eccentric aunt in the home she grew up in.
Fast forward a little later when Poppy and her group of friends attend the reunion. Thinking it's only going to bring back some fond memories of her and her friends, Poppy starts to enjoy being out of the house. But that soon goes down hill when a vicious and ugly old classmate bullies her and her friends AGAIN and then is found murdered right in front of Poppy's locker... Poppy being the prime suspect is thrust into the investigation in hopes of clearing her name and finding out who really killed Barbie before she spends the rest of her time in the slammer...
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I LOVED this cozy mystery and I have every intention of continuing the series as the books are released. The author realistically portrayed the hell a hefty person goes through in both her head in in real life. She also adds laugh out loud humor into the story making readers just like me laugh until they cry. Honestly, you just cannot go wrong with this book and I can't wait till the next one is released.
WHAT I SPECIFICALLY LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The brutal honesty in the authors description about how it feels to be a heavier woman. OMG I loved the inner monologue when it came to Poppy and her weight. It's so realistic and really makes me think back to how I felt when I gained weight.
- The humor: It's not too often where you can fund a cozy mystery that is more humorous than serious. I think authors TRY to be a little too serious with these books and it ultimately lets down a reader who is looking for some lighthearted fun. Thankfully, this had a more humorous edge to it.
- Poppy and her Grandmother: What a dynamic duo these two are! It kind of reminds me of Stephanie Plum and Grandma Mazur (don't worry though, they are noting like those characters, I mean in a close and funny way). It's also been a while since I have connected with a set of characters like these ones and I'm so glad they changed this for me.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE STORY
- Honestly, I loved everything about this book. The only downside is that I have to wait till July to get the next one! It's well worth the wait though as I feel the series if going to be that good,
PURCHASE A COPY
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2BUe0UN
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/2BTB0Di
ACTUAL RATING
5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Wohoo!!! I loved, loved, LOVED, this book! Class Reunions are Murder is the first book in the Poppy McAllister cozy mystery series and I know it is going to be a HUGE HIT among fans of this genre. It's got everything I wanted in a cozy mystery and more! Gosh, the only thing that disappoints me is that I have to wait until July 2018 for the next installment!! This is a must read if you're a fan of cozy mysteries. If you haven't read much in the genre and want to try, this is a great place to start!
MORE ABOUT THE STORY
Poppy McAllister has hit an all time low in her life. Her beloved husband died six months ago and the only thing she can successfully go is eat a little debbie snack. Feeling like her life is in shambles she has no intention of going to her high school reunion. I mean, why would she suject herself to the torture of allowing all the bullies who once tormented her about her weight do it again 25 years later?
But when her friend, Sawyer forces her to go, she has no choice because she has run out of excuses. So Poppy ventures off to Jersey with her cat, Figaro in tow to stay with her eccentric aunt in the home she grew up in.
Fast forward a little later when Poppy and her group of friends attend the reunion. Thinking it's only going to bring back some fond memories of her and her friends, Poppy starts to enjoy being out of the house. But that soon goes down hill when a vicious and ugly old classmate bullies her and her friends AGAIN and then is found murdered right in front of Poppy's locker... Poppy being the prime suspect is thrust into the investigation in hopes of clearing her name and finding out who really killed Barbie before she spends the rest of her time in the slammer...
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I LOVED this cozy mystery and I have every intention of continuing the series as the books are released. The author realistically portrayed the hell a hefty person goes through in both her head in in real life. She also adds laugh out loud humor into the story making readers just like me laugh until they cry. Honestly, you just cannot go wrong with this book and I can't wait till the next one is released.
WHAT I SPECIFICALLY LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The brutal honesty in the authors description about how it feels to be a heavier woman. OMG I loved the inner monologue when it came to Poppy and her weight. It's so realistic and really makes me think back to how I felt when I gained weight.
- The humor: It's not too often where you can fund a cozy mystery that is more humorous than serious. I think authors TRY to be a little too serious with these books and it ultimately lets down a reader who is looking for some lighthearted fun. Thankfully, this had a more humorous edge to it.
- Poppy and her Grandmother: What a dynamic duo these two are! It kind of reminds me of Stephanie Plum and Grandma Mazur (don't worry though, they are noting like those characters, I mean in a close and funny way). It's also been a while since I have connected with a set of characters like these ones and I'm so glad they changed this for me.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE STORY
- Honestly, I loved everything about this book. The only downside is that I have to wait till July to get the next one! It's well worth the wait though as I feel the series if going to be that good,
PURCHASE A COPY
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2BUe0UN
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/2BTB0Di
ACTUAL RATING
5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 3, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This was a fresh, fun, and very entertaining read!
Poppy McAllister has been dealing with the grief of her husband’s death. She hardly leaves her house and is in no hurry do so. She and her cat are just fine. Then she receives an invite to her class reunion including a letter from Barbie, one of the popular crowd of which Poppy was never ever part of. She has no desire to attend but her best friend begs her to come.
“Friday afternoon dawned bright and early and my alarm clock let out a loud meow, letting me know I had overslept and his belly was a quart low.”
Poppy really does need to visit her Aunt Ginny so she packs herself and her cat Figaro “Fig” in the car and heads to Cape May. What could go wrong? She arrives at the reunion and Barbie is in rare form, insulting almost everyone she sees. When Poppy finds her dead body and right in front of her old locker she is found guilty by her peers even before the investigation even begins. She can’t leave town, plus she has to help her aunt out of a huge mess, so she might as well work to find the real killer.
I loved this book! Poppy is a great protagonist. I identified with her on so many levels. Her Aunt Ginny is a spitfire too, so I know where Poppy gets it. Both women are dealing with personal crisis’ in addition to trying to catch a killer. I have also fallen hard for Fig. They all cracked me up several times.
The plot really has two mysteries, Barbie’s murder and Aunt Ginny’s fight to remain in her home. They flow nicely side by side and together. The murder has so many suspects, almost anyone at the reunion could have put the cheerleader out of their misery. 🙂 Ginny’s problem is puzzling because someone has decided she is unable to care for herself and Poppy, a murder suspect, is not viewed as a good guardian. Both mysteries are complex, I had a hint as to what was happening to Ginny because something similar happened to someone I know. Barbie’s murder was a doozy to solve and I was completely surprised when the killer was revealed.
I also enjoyed the fact that a high school boyfriend was still sweet on Poppy and a handsome barista was interested in her too. I am looking forward to seeing which of these romances Poppy pursues in the future.
Everything about this book appealed to me. I love it when stories make me laugh out loud and the characters seem like people I would want to be friends with. Ms. Klein has written a superb story and scores my first Paradise Rating, (deserves more than 5 stars) of 2018.
Midnight Snacks Are Murder comes out July 31 and I already have it scheduled on my reading calendar!
This was a fresh, fun, and very entertaining read!
Poppy McAllister has been dealing with the grief of her husband’s death. She hardly leaves her house and is in no hurry do so. She and her cat are just fine. Then she receives an invite to her class reunion including a letter from Barbie, one of the popular crowd of which Poppy was never ever part of. She has no desire to attend but her best friend begs her to come.
“Friday afternoon dawned bright and early and my alarm clock let out a loud meow, letting me know I had overslept and his belly was a quart low.”
Poppy really does need to visit her Aunt Ginny so she packs herself and her cat Figaro “Fig” in the car and heads to Cape May. What could go wrong? She arrives at the reunion and Barbie is in rare form, insulting almost everyone she sees. When Poppy finds her dead body and right in front of her old locker she is found guilty by her peers even before the investigation even begins. She can’t leave town, plus she has to help her aunt out of a huge mess, so she might as well work to find the real killer.
I loved this book! Poppy is a great protagonist. I identified with her on so many levels. Her Aunt Ginny is a spitfire too, so I know where Poppy gets it. Both women are dealing with personal crisis’ in addition to trying to catch a killer. I have also fallen hard for Fig. They all cracked me up several times.
The plot really has two mysteries, Barbie’s murder and Aunt Ginny’s fight to remain in her home. They flow nicely side by side and together. The murder has so many suspects, almost anyone at the reunion could have put the cheerleader out of their misery. 🙂 Ginny’s problem is puzzling because someone has decided she is unable to care for herself and Poppy, a murder suspect, is not viewed as a good guardian. Both mysteries are complex, I had a hint as to what was happening to Ginny because something similar happened to someone I know. Barbie’s murder was a doozy to solve and I was completely surprised when the killer was revealed.
I also enjoyed the fact that a high school boyfriend was still sweet on Poppy and a handsome barista was interested in her too. I am looking forward to seeing which of these romances Poppy pursues in the future.
Everything about this book appealed to me. I love it when stories make me laugh out loud and the characters seem like people I would want to be friends with. Ms. Klein has written a superb story and scores my first Paradise Rating, (deserves more than 5 stars) of 2018.
Midnight Snacks Are Murder comes out July 31 and I already have it scheduled on my reading calendar!
May 11, 2018
i found it delightful and hilarious. Aunt Ginny would agree with me. 😁
February 6, 2018
Class Reunions Are Murder
Libby Klein
CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is the first book in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series. I truly believe this was the funniest cozy I have ever read. I was laughing throughout most of the book and Poppy won my heart from the very first chapter. Written by a fellow Jersey girl, I was instantly hooked from page one and could not put this wonderful story down. The twists and turns kept coming and I had to know who dun it! Every time I thought I knew who it was, a few pages later, Libby Klein threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong!
Poppy has just lost her husband six months ago. She has turned into a virtual hermit but somehow her best friend, Sawyer has convinced Poppy to come home to go to their twenty five year high school reunion. If anyone hated high school, it was Poppy. She was bullied all the time and couldn't get out of Jersey fast enough once she graduated. She stays with her eccentric aunt, Ginny, who she learns, is being investigated by social services. Hang on tight readers, CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is going to take you on a crazy and wild ride. During the reunion, Poppy stumbles upon Barbie, who is the most hated classmate of them all. Someone has killed her right there in the hallway, right next to Poppy's old locker. Well, it isn't long before everyone thinks Poppy did it!
Now Poppy finds herself investigating Barbie's murder and at first, she has a long list of suspects. CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER soon has Poppy's list getting shorter and shorter and Poppy is afraid she is going to wind up in federal prison. Poppy is a horrible detective and at times, she really cracked me up with her way of thinking. All Poppy wants to do is leave Cape May with her cat, Figaro and her spanx! Haha it's just so funny! I read it in one long sitting and had to know what was going to happen to Poppy and her Aunt Ginny. There are also recipes at the end of the book which is an added bonus! I'm so excited to continue with this series and will read anything by Libby Klein!
Libby Klein
CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is the first book in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series. I truly believe this was the funniest cozy I have ever read. I was laughing throughout most of the book and Poppy won my heart from the very first chapter. Written by a fellow Jersey girl, I was instantly hooked from page one and could not put this wonderful story down. The twists and turns kept coming and I had to know who dun it! Every time I thought I knew who it was, a few pages later, Libby Klein threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong!
Poppy has just lost her husband six months ago. She has turned into a virtual hermit but somehow her best friend, Sawyer has convinced Poppy to come home to go to their twenty five year high school reunion. If anyone hated high school, it was Poppy. She was bullied all the time and couldn't get out of Jersey fast enough once she graduated. She stays with her eccentric aunt, Ginny, who she learns, is being investigated by social services. Hang on tight readers, CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is going to take you on a crazy and wild ride. During the reunion, Poppy stumbles upon Barbie, who is the most hated classmate of them all. Someone has killed her right there in the hallway, right next to Poppy's old locker. Well, it isn't long before everyone thinks Poppy did it!
Now Poppy finds herself investigating Barbie's murder and at first, she has a long list of suspects. CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER soon has Poppy's list getting shorter and shorter and Poppy is afraid she is going to wind up in federal prison. Poppy is a horrible detective and at times, she really cracked me up with her way of thinking. All Poppy wants to do is leave Cape May with her cat, Figaro and her spanx! Haha it's just so funny! I read it in one long sitting and had to know what was going to happen to Poppy and her Aunt Ginny. There are also recipes at the end of the book which is an added bonus! I'm so excited to continue with this series and will read anything by Libby Klein!
April 6, 2018
Wow, this book was freakin hilarious and just fantastic all around!❤📚 I have to admit I pretty much read this book twice even though I have other ARCs I need to finish but in my defense it only took two days! 😀This is one of those stories you can just laugh out loud to and the main character is just freakin awesome! I just needed this story to cheer me up!😊
Poppy is a plus size woman who is trying to get over her grief of becoming a widow and how she learns to break away from her grief is just freaking hilarious and so realistic. Poppy is such a lovable hot mess that is incredibly relatable. I love how honest and humorous she is and even though she is a walking disaster(which I can relate to 😉), she is the kind of girl you would want to hang out with!
"Sure. And maybe I'll get a flying unicorn that eats rainbows and farts cupcakes."
-Poppy talking to her friend, Sawyer.
I loved Aunt Ginny as well. Eccentric old ladies are the bee's knees! When I become a senior citizen I am going tho be eccentric plus more! I mean, why not? You can totally get away with it. You might as well give people the 'Wtf face'*cough, cough* I already do that and of course I wouldn't have a filter like Aunt Ginny doesn't.
"You girls will be the belles of the ball." Then added under her breath, Or the talk of the town." She gave another look at my dress and shuddered. "I need a drink."
-Aunt Ginny when looking at Poppy's new dress
Sighs, one day my dream will come true. I dream of partying like a rockstar and then racing my wheel chair. Anyways back to the book, this book even shares the message that we should not be afraid to be who we are and the main character's personalities are a testament to that and I loved every bit of it.
The plot was at a great pace and it made you want to flip pages like a ninja. The supporting characters were great too and this book was definitely worth the hype! I just can't wait until the sequel comes out! I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who loves a great cozy mystery that will make you laugh out loud! Hands down, a 5 star must read!😊❤📚💯
I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views and opinions expressed are my own.❤📚💯
Poppy is a plus size woman who is trying to get over her grief of becoming a widow and how she learns to break away from her grief is just freaking hilarious and so realistic. Poppy is such a lovable hot mess that is incredibly relatable. I love how honest and humorous she is and even though she is a walking disaster(which I can relate to 😉), she is the kind of girl you would want to hang out with!
"Sure. And maybe I'll get a flying unicorn that eats rainbows and farts cupcakes."
-Poppy talking to her friend, Sawyer.
I loved Aunt Ginny as well. Eccentric old ladies are the bee's knees! When I become a senior citizen I am going tho be eccentric plus more! I mean, why not? You can totally get away with it. You might as well give people the 'Wtf face'*cough, cough* I already do that and of course I wouldn't have a filter like Aunt Ginny doesn't.
"You girls will be the belles of the ball." Then added under her breath, Or the talk of the town." She gave another look at my dress and shuddered. "I need a drink."
-Aunt Ginny when looking at Poppy's new dress
Sighs, one day my dream will come true. I dream of partying like a rockstar and then racing my wheel chair. Anyways back to the book, this book even shares the message that we should not be afraid to be who we are and the main character's personalities are a testament to that and I loved every bit of it.
The plot was at a great pace and it made you want to flip pages like a ninja. The supporting characters were great too and this book was definitely worth the hype! I just can't wait until the sequel comes out! I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who loves a great cozy mystery that will make you laugh out loud! Hands down, a 5 star must read!😊❤📚💯
I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views and opinions expressed are my own.❤📚💯
February 13, 2018
Life isn’t going well for Poppy McAllister. She’s only in her 40’s and already a widow. The only one she talks to is her cat. When she receives an invitation to her twenty-five year class reunion, she has no intentions on attending, but her best friend convinces her that it would be fun. Although Poppy has her doubts, her friend wears her down and she agrees to return to her hometown of Cape May, New Jersey.
Unfortunately, there are old enemies who haven’t changed at all in 25 years. The nasiest of all is Barbie. Barbie used to be a popular cheerleader and really awful to Poppy and her circle of friends. It turns out that Barbie hasn’t changed at all. The same could be said for Barbie’s group of friends. The class reunion turns out to be more than unpleasant especially when Barbie is found dead in front of Poppy’s old locker. Naturally all eyes turn towards Poppy as the prime suspect. It’s up to her to prove her innocence since the cops are doing nothing except blaming Poppy as well.
This book had the feel of chick lit meets cozy mystery. It’s funny, heartwarming, romantic and mysterious. All blended together in one exciting story. A fast-paced book bringing the heroine to the past, which wasn’t a happy time for her. Combine that with her not so happy present, is much more than any one person should have to handle, but Poppy is stronger than she thinks.
A 25 year old class reunion? Yeah, I’m feeling like Poppy - I wouldn’t want to go. The mean girls, weight gain…her feelings of inadequacy are all realistic. The author nailed this portrayal to perfection. She has created a loveable, unique and realistic heroine. She’s a character many readers can identify with. The added touch of humor made it an enjoyable, clever and intriguing story.
I’m adding the next book in the series to my wishlist. I want to re-visit Poppy now!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately, there are old enemies who haven’t changed at all in 25 years. The nasiest of all is Barbie. Barbie used to be a popular cheerleader and really awful to Poppy and her circle of friends. It turns out that Barbie hasn’t changed at all. The same could be said for Barbie’s group of friends. The class reunion turns out to be more than unpleasant especially when Barbie is found dead in front of Poppy’s old locker. Naturally all eyes turn towards Poppy as the prime suspect. It’s up to her to prove her innocence since the cops are doing nothing except blaming Poppy as well.
This book had the feel of chick lit meets cozy mystery. It’s funny, heartwarming, romantic and mysterious. All blended together in one exciting story. A fast-paced book bringing the heroine to the past, which wasn’t a happy time for her. Combine that with her not so happy present, is much more than any one person should have to handle, but Poppy is stronger than she thinks.
A 25 year old class reunion? Yeah, I’m feeling like Poppy - I wouldn’t want to go. The mean girls, weight gain…her feelings of inadequacy are all realistic. The author nailed this portrayal to perfection. She has created a loveable, unique and realistic heroine. She’s a character many readers can identify with. The added touch of humor made it an enjoyable, clever and intriguing story.
I’m adding the next book in the series to my wishlist. I want to re-visit Poppy now!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 27, 2018
Recent widow Poppy McAllister isn’t planning to go to her 25th high school reunion until some friends talk her into it. She is definitely not excited about seeing popular girl Barbie, who has requested a meeting with Poppy and her friends. Barbie hasn’t changed since high school, and Poppy and her friends have a run in with their former nemesis. A few minutes later, Poppy finds Barbie dead outside Poppy’s old locker. With the police certain that Poppy is the killer, she leaps into action to find the truth.
The pacing of the book is uneven, but it gets better as it goes along. As the mystery build, the suspects keep us guessing until the end. It’s a little hard to keep them straight early on, but that gets better as the mystery progresses as well. Poppy’s great aunt Tilly is a riot. I laughed multiple times while reading this book, and Aunt Tilly was the reason for many of them. This is a promising first mystery in what looks to be a fun series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The pacing of the book is uneven, but it gets better as it goes along. As the mystery build, the suspects keep us guessing until the end. It’s a little hard to keep them straight early on, but that gets better as the mystery progresses as well. Poppy’s great aunt Tilly is a riot. I laughed multiple times while reading this book, and Aunt Tilly was the reason for many of them. This is a promising first mystery in what looks to be a fun series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 1, 2018
Put on your seatbelts, and a crash helmet, because CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is a fast paced, high speed ride of a story.
Before I had a chance to read this book, I had friends messengering me telling me I had to put it to the top of my TBR. I started it with high hopes and was not disappointed. Page after page I was laughing so hard I was crying. It took me forever to write this review because the only word that kept coming to mind was laughtastic. While it is accurate description for so many parts of this tale, it just doesn’t do justice to the mystery aspect of CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER.
This outstanding whodunit had an entire high school class of suspects, and with a victim like Barbie Pomeroy Clark, it could have been any one of them. The author did a great job in introducing a lot of characters at once but keeping everyone and everything clear for her readers. Though I did manage to narrow down the list of suspects, I never did nor never would have guessed who did it or why.
A giant kudos to the author for showcasing a truly relatable protagonist. I felt a true connection to series lead, Poppy McAlister. I was a lot like her in school, and now. It felt good to be able to relate in so many ways. But as much as I loved Poppy, my favorite character in this story was Poppy’s Aunt Ginny. She’s such a riot! Oh, the fun I would have had with an aunt like her! I can’t wait for the next installment to spend more time with these ladies.
Make sure to check out the recipes at the back of the book. You’ll find some great Paleo dishes!
An excellent mystery, that was just plain fun to read, CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is now on my list of favorite cozies for 2018.
Before I had a chance to read this book, I had friends messengering me telling me I had to put it to the top of my TBR. I started it with high hopes and was not disappointed. Page after page I was laughing so hard I was crying. It took me forever to write this review because the only word that kept coming to mind was laughtastic. While it is accurate description for so many parts of this tale, it just doesn’t do justice to the mystery aspect of CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER.
This outstanding whodunit had an entire high school class of suspects, and with a victim like Barbie Pomeroy Clark, it could have been any one of them. The author did a great job in introducing a lot of characters at once but keeping everyone and everything clear for her readers. Though I did manage to narrow down the list of suspects, I never did nor never would have guessed who did it or why.
A giant kudos to the author for showcasing a truly relatable protagonist. I felt a true connection to series lead, Poppy McAlister. I was a lot like her in school, and now. It felt good to be able to relate in so many ways. But as much as I loved Poppy, my favorite character in this story was Poppy’s Aunt Ginny. She’s such a riot! Oh, the fun I would have had with an aunt like her! I can’t wait for the next installment to spend more time with these ladies.
Make sure to check out the recipes at the back of the book. You’ll find some great Paleo dishes!
An excellent mystery, that was just plain fun to read, CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER is now on my list of favorite cozies for 2018.
January 16, 2018
A new author for me and the first in a new series. The writing flows easy and characters are developed. The descriptions will put you into the story. The plot is different. A love triangle may be developing. The police presence is unusual and minimal.I
Poppy McAllister, a middle age suspects experiencing a pity party since the death of her beloved husband. She is pressured to attend her 25th high school reunion by 3 friends. While there, the class bully is murdered and Poppy finds her dead. A classmate, Amber who disliked Poppy heads the investigation and feels The evidence points to Poppy. Amber arrested Poppy. Aunt Ginny sends Poppy to a holistic physician who informed Poppy she must go on Paleo diet. A CASE worker for The department of welfare wants Aunt Ginny go into an assisted living home. Both these event cause Poppy to leave her pity party. The antics of Figuaro, Poppy's cat are amusing and an add a lot to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Recipes from Poppy Kitchen are included. These are Gluten Free.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for the copy I received for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Poppy McAllister, a middle age suspects experiencing a pity party since the death of her beloved husband. She is pressured to attend her 25th high school reunion by 3 friends. While there, the class bully is murdered and Poppy finds her dead. A classmate, Amber who disliked Poppy heads the investigation and feels The evidence points to Poppy. Amber arrested Poppy. Aunt Ginny sends Poppy to a holistic physician who informed Poppy she must go on Paleo diet. A CASE worker for The department of welfare wants Aunt Ginny go into an assisted living home. Both these event cause Poppy to leave her pity party. The antics of Figuaro, Poppy's cat are amusing and an add a lot to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Recipes from Poppy Kitchen are included. These are Gluten Free.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for the copy I received for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2018
I LOVED IT SOOOO MUCH! This was a very engaging story with a great variety of characters.
Poppy comes back to Cape May for her 25 year Highschool class reunion. Barb, the head cheerleader and her arch nemesis, is still as rude and unlikeable as she had been in Highschool. When she is killed that night and Poppy discovers the body she becomes the prime suspect.
I don’t have a lot in common with Poppy but her character was so well written that I could relate to her and her problems at all times. It was great to see how she changed and took charge of her life over the course of the book.
I highly recommend this as a must read to every cozy mystery lover. I didn’t want the book to end so I was happy to see the first chapter of the second installment included at the end. There are also some very tempting recipes that I can’t wait to give a try. We hopefully don’t have to wait too long to read more from Poppy and the gang.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with a copy.
Poppy comes back to Cape May for her 25 year Highschool class reunion. Barb, the head cheerleader and her arch nemesis, is still as rude and unlikeable as she had been in Highschool. When she is killed that night and Poppy discovers the body she becomes the prime suspect.
I don’t have a lot in common with Poppy but her character was so well written that I could relate to her and her problems at all times. It was great to see how she changed and took charge of her life over the course of the book.
I highly recommend this as a must read to every cozy mystery lover. I didn’t want the book to end so I was happy to see the first chapter of the second installment included at the end. There are also some very tempting recipes that I can’t wait to give a try. We hopefully don’t have to wait too long to read more from Poppy and the gang.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Kensington and the author provided me with a copy.
April 27, 2021
This was a great first book! I can’t wait to check out book two!
January 26, 2020
The high reviews on this book are a bit confusing to me. I did not think it was that great. I should have stopped reading at the reunion when the "adults" were speaking to each other so nastily. I think if anyone were to speak to me in such a manner, I would either punch them in the face or not give them the satisfaction of even looking in their direction, depending on my mood. Also, characters were so farcical. From Sawyer, to Kyle, to Joel, to Barbie, to Joanne, to Aunt Ginny, to Kristen, to Missy, to Athena, to Poppy, to everyone. I really didn't think any single adult in this book was likable. Not one single person. They were all kind of exhausting. I really only liked Tim and Gia and that was only because they were nice, good-looking guys were who were not nasty to Poppy.
Poppy is really in bad shape. She is depressed and needs therapy. I am unsure how much help going to the homeopathic doctor is going to help. Clean eating and yoga are great, but this chick is depressed hardcore, and I cannot say I blame her, but she is also wallowing in a pity party of woe is me for her whole life. So she got drunk and had a one night stand. So she got pregnant and had a shotgun wedding. Put on your big girl panties and live with it instead of letting your mother-in-law push you around. She really kind of got on my nerves. And she does some REALLY, REALLY, REALLY stupid things after she is suspected of killing Barbie. I mean REALLY STUPID. I don't know how they didn't get her for **SPOILER ALERT** pulling the freaking pom pom out of Barbie's mouth and contaminating the crime scene. And SHE KEEPS GOING BACK TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE A SCHOOL, AND SHE KEEPS SNEAKING IN. I mean, hello. School security? So dumb. Someone should have taken her down for that. And Sawyer is so sickeningly sweet and cluelessly happy towards her friend, it's a bit over the top. It's all just a bit too much.
The social worker angle with Aunt Ginny I was coming a mile away, but I fell for the red herring with the murderer. I just could not figure out who killed Barbie (gag me with a spoon with that name), mainly because I do not feel the clues were there for us to follow.
Also, editing. There were a few things, but towards the end, her Aunt Ginny paid for the massage, but then Poppy paid for the massage and left a tip. And I also feel it was in bad taste to show the Botox dude just shooting extra Botox into his face.
And these people were just so nasty to one another. Really, really nasty.
I won't be reading any more in this series. There are so many other great cozy mystery series out there, and this one was not great. Pass if you prefer quality cozies.
Poppy is really in bad shape. She is depressed and needs therapy. I am unsure how much help going to the homeopathic doctor is going to help. Clean eating and yoga are great, but this chick is depressed hardcore, and I cannot say I blame her, but she is also wallowing in a pity party of woe is me for her whole life. So she got drunk and had a one night stand. So she got pregnant and had a shotgun wedding. Put on your big girl panties and live with it instead of letting your mother-in-law push you around. She really kind of got on my nerves. And she does some REALLY, REALLY, REALLY stupid things after she is suspected of killing Barbie. I mean REALLY STUPID. I don't know how they didn't get her for **SPOILER ALERT** pulling the freaking pom pom out of Barbie's mouth and contaminating the crime scene. And SHE KEEPS GOING BACK TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE A SCHOOL, AND SHE KEEPS SNEAKING IN. I mean, hello. School security? So dumb. Someone should have taken her down for that. And Sawyer is so sickeningly sweet and cluelessly happy towards her friend, it's a bit over the top. It's all just a bit too much.
The social worker angle with Aunt Ginny I was coming a mile away, but I fell for the red herring with the murderer. I just could not figure out who killed Barbie (gag me with a spoon with that name), mainly because I do not feel the clues were there for us to follow.
Also, editing. There were a few things, but towards the end, her Aunt Ginny paid for the massage, but then Poppy paid for the massage and left a tip. And I also feel it was in bad taste to show the Botox dude just shooting extra Botox into his face.
And these people were just so nasty to one another. Really, really nasty.
I won't be reading any more in this series. There are so many other great cozy mystery series out there, and this one was not great. Pass if you prefer quality cozies.
September 27, 2021
What in the diet culture hellscape did I just read?? I read this book for a book club and it started off as promising. We meet Poppy McAllister, recently widowed and trying to process her loss in the company of her mischievous cat, Figaro, and the last thing she wants to do is attend her high school reunion and see the girls who were mean to her as a teen. She feels bad about how her life turned out and doesn’t want to face the hometown she fled, but her best friend Sawyer convinces her to go. She heads back to her jersey shore hometown to stay with her eccentric Aunt Ginny in her old Victorian.
Sounds like a great cozy mystery setup, and parts of it, like Aunt Ginny and Figaro, were pretty great, but the positive aspects were negated by the constant negative body shaming on behalf of the main character. Being in Poppy’s head was exhausting and just in general made me feel bad. And literally everyone other than Aunt Ginny and her neighbors were pretty toxic; there was bullying all over the place, and 40-year-olds acting like hormone crazed teenagers. Poppy is basically binge eating instead of dealing with her emotions after several traumas, and instead of seeing a therapist she sees a naturopath who puts her on a restrictive diet. This is viewed as a positive turning point in Poppy’s story. It is a diet culture nightmare.
Besides the horrifying diet culture stuff, there’s a sprinkling of racial stereotyping just to add on to the cringe. The nail salon scene was so uncomfortable to read. As a white author, what makes you think it’s a good idea to write Asian characters as total caricatures and stereotypes? It was pretty gross. The jail scene was so weird as well, basically none of the characters seemed real but just existed to teach Poppy lessons about her life. Besides the body shaming and casual racism, we also get bizarre love interests because who doesn’t need a love triangle six months after their husband dies?
This one was tough to read. I don’t get all the reviews calling this light, fluffy, and fun because to me it was negative, toxic, and problematic.
Sounds like a great cozy mystery setup, and parts of it, like Aunt Ginny and Figaro, were pretty great, but the positive aspects were negated by the constant negative body shaming on behalf of the main character. Being in Poppy’s head was exhausting and just in general made me feel bad. And literally everyone other than Aunt Ginny and her neighbors were pretty toxic; there was bullying all over the place, and 40-year-olds acting like hormone crazed teenagers. Poppy is basically binge eating instead of dealing with her emotions after several traumas, and instead of seeing a therapist she sees a naturopath who puts her on a restrictive diet. This is viewed as a positive turning point in Poppy’s story. It is a diet culture nightmare.
Besides the horrifying diet culture stuff, there’s a sprinkling of racial stereotyping just to add on to the cringe. The nail salon scene was so uncomfortable to read. As a white author, what makes you think it’s a good idea to write Asian characters as total caricatures and stereotypes? It was pretty gross. The jail scene was so weird as well, basically none of the characters seemed real but just existed to teach Poppy lessons about her life. Besides the body shaming and casual racism, we also get bizarre love interests because who doesn’t need a love triangle six months after their husband dies?
This one was tough to read. I don’t get all the reviews calling this light, fluffy, and fun because to me it was negative, toxic, and problematic.
January 8, 2018
A MUST READ! I finished Class Reunions Are Murder by LIbby Klein late Thursday night. I started it Wednesday night and at midnight my son came out of his room and said "just how long is that chapter?" when I sat down at 8:30 to read it, I said I would be in to say good night to him after I finished the chapter I was reading, apparently he had been waiting a good long while... I did not want to put this book down. Each time I picked it up and got interrupted, I found I kept wanting to run grab the book and hide, sometimes adulting is really hard...
This is one of the longest cozy mystery books I have ever held in my hand, and one of the books I did not ever want to end. Page after page I was more engrossed in what Poppy was doing, going through and discovering next. She is likely one of the most relatable characters I have ever read. From her outlook on life, her eccentric aunt, her mother in law, her tragic backstory, her friends, her battle with her spanx and herself, there is just so much to love about this book. I laughed, I cried, I saw a tiny bit of myself, my friends, and learned about life and perspective in this cozy. Twists, turns, fashion, fun, murder, mystery, a barista to die for, a first love, and so much more await you in Class Reunions are Murder, oh and she also attends a Class Reunion, seriously so much packed in this amazing book that the reunion is only part of her story and one I hope that turns into a long running series and possibly a movie....truly loved it 2018 is shaping up to be a great year of reading. This one is out January 30th and published by Kensington Mystery.
This is one of the longest cozy mystery books I have ever held in my hand, and one of the books I did not ever want to end. Page after page I was more engrossed in what Poppy was doing, going through and discovering next. She is likely one of the most relatable characters I have ever read. From her outlook on life, her eccentric aunt, her mother in law, her tragic backstory, her friends, her battle with her spanx and herself, there is just so much to love about this book. I laughed, I cried, I saw a tiny bit of myself, my friends, and learned about life and perspective in this cozy. Twists, turns, fashion, fun, murder, mystery, a barista to die for, a first love, and so much more await you in Class Reunions are Murder, oh and she also attends a Class Reunion, seriously so much packed in this amazing book that the reunion is only part of her story and one I hope that turns into a long running series and possibly a movie....truly loved it 2018 is shaping up to be a great year of reading. This one is out January 30th and published by Kensington Mystery.
February 2, 2018
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2DTixuC
To say that Class Reunions Are Murder is a great cozy mystery really doesn’t do it justice, for this story is refreshingly different and stands out in its genre. All the key traditional elements – humor, small-town setting, amateur protagonist, ensemble cast, murder investigation – are beautifully blended into something special with the creative genius hand of author Libby Klein.
Best of all is the lead character, Poppy McAllister, who captured my heart immediately and lives on in my mind. Grieving over the death of her husband six months earlier and dealing with a controlling mother-in-law at the same time, Poppy’s coping mechanism was unhealthy food and mindless TV, resulting in an obvious weigh gain – and then comes the unthinkable class reunion invitation, bring back a flood of unpleasant memories. Especially in the beginning pages, I loved how elements of women’s fiction are used to cement the characters and backstory.
Another strong suit of this story is the delightful humor throughout. I’d love to meet the author, for she must be a hoot. I constantly had a smile on my face as I read, often laughing out loud. Poppy’s Aunt Ginny is precious, an eccentric older lady trying to prevent social services from taking control of her life. And then there’s Poppy’s cat, Figaro, one of the funniest fictional kitties I’ve ever seen.
New Jersey’s Cape May setting is vividly conveyed, a place I’d love to visit. If I were writing this story, the murder victim is someone I’d definitely want to kill off. Suspects are plenty and guilt was not obvious to me. Also impressive to me is the depth of character development throughout, more than is usually found in this type of novel.
Class Reunions Are Murder is a wonderful beginning to what I hope becomes a long series. Highly recommended.
I was provided a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
To say that Class Reunions Are Murder is a great cozy mystery really doesn’t do it justice, for this story is refreshingly different and stands out in its genre. All the key traditional elements – humor, small-town setting, amateur protagonist, ensemble cast, murder investigation – are beautifully blended into something special with the creative genius hand of author Libby Klein.
Best of all is the lead character, Poppy McAllister, who captured my heart immediately and lives on in my mind. Grieving over the death of her husband six months earlier and dealing with a controlling mother-in-law at the same time, Poppy’s coping mechanism was unhealthy food and mindless TV, resulting in an obvious weigh gain – and then comes the unthinkable class reunion invitation, bring back a flood of unpleasant memories. Especially in the beginning pages, I loved how elements of women’s fiction are used to cement the characters and backstory.
Another strong suit of this story is the delightful humor throughout. I’d love to meet the author, for she must be a hoot. I constantly had a smile on my face as I read, often laughing out loud. Poppy’s Aunt Ginny is precious, an eccentric older lady trying to prevent social services from taking control of her life. And then there’s Poppy’s cat, Figaro, one of the funniest fictional kitties I’ve ever seen.
New Jersey’s Cape May setting is vividly conveyed, a place I’d love to visit. If I were writing this story, the murder victim is someone I’d definitely want to kill off. Suspects are plenty and guilt was not obvious to me. Also impressive to me is the depth of character development throughout, more than is usually found in this type of novel.
Class Reunions Are Murder is a wonderful beginning to what I hope becomes a long series. Highly recommended.
I was provided a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 10, 2018
Class Reunions are Murder is the debut book in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series. What an enjoyable book! It’s full of humor, nostalgia and sass! What I enjoyed most about this book is how relatable the characters are written. Poppy isn’t perfect, but she is perfectly likable. As the book begins Poppy is stuck in a middle-age funk, but all that is about to change once she sets off for her hometown to attend a class reunion and catch up with her eccentric Aunt Ginny. Poppy’s high school arch-nemesis also shows up at the reunion….but she doesn’t make it out alive. Poppy becomes a prime suspect and she has no choice but to go about clearing her name all while looking out for her quirky aunt. This book is interesting. It’s light, it’s novel, it’s engaging and it’s a refreshing read! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
July 14, 2018
This was such a fun book to read! I found myself laughing on a regular basis at some of the scenes. I think this series is definitely off to a great start and I can't wait to find out what the next book brings.
Poppy McAllister let herself be talked into going to her 25th high school reunion by her best friend, Sawyer. She was widowed, depressed and quite a bit overweight, so she had no desire to be seen by anyone, except her cat Figaro that she lived with in her and her husband's big house. Poppy stayed with her Aunt Ginny, her mother's sister, who lived in a big Victorian in Cape May, NJ. Not more than once, Poppy longed to be home in Virginia, especially when at the reunion she discovered the very dead body of the so-called class sweetheart and Prom Queen, Barbie Pomeroy Clark. Lots of secrets were hidden by the various characters in this story and there was a really good side mystery involving Aunt Ginny and a social worker who was trying to force her out of her home and into assisted living, claiming that Ginny's eccentric and sometimes flamboyant personality was senility.
There were some really great characters in this book, but I think my favorite, aside from Poppy herself, was her Aunt Ginny. She was sharp as a tack and faithful to her niece. She was not going to let her niece go to jail for a crime she didn't commit, but the local police officer, Amber Fenton, who just happened to be a classmate, seemed determined to arrest Poppy for the murder. Poppy had to work twice as hard to gather evidence, because Amber said it was just a matter of time before the lab report would come back and Poppy would be arrested for real this time.
I can honestly believe there are people like this, mean girls who simply got older but are still mean, flirts who have never stopped going after the opposite sex and people who unmercifully make fun of overweight people, even if they are in the same shape themselves. I was really proud that Poppy finally took her life into her hands and worked on her whole self, not just her weight. The cute coffee shop owner apparently thought she was pretty enough to want to date, as did her ex-boyfriend Tim, whom she'd almost married. She had a really good epiphany towards the end and it turned her life around. Now she had two handsome guys interested in her, wonderful friends who stuck by her through the whole ordeal as well as an awesome aunt who even put up with her cat that got into crazy destructive moods.
The showdown was great! I had a suspicion who the killer was but I had no idea why, and I did waver back and forth. The scene with the social worker who was trying to get Ginny into assisted living was epic! You'll just have to read it and find out, it's just too good to spoil. I can't wait to read the next book. Things are definitely looking up for Poppy McAllister!
Poppy McAllister let herself be talked into going to her 25th high school reunion by her best friend, Sawyer. She was widowed, depressed and quite a bit overweight, so she had no desire to be seen by anyone, except her cat Figaro that she lived with in her and her husband's big house. Poppy stayed with her Aunt Ginny, her mother's sister, who lived in a big Victorian in Cape May, NJ. Not more than once, Poppy longed to be home in Virginia, especially when at the reunion she discovered the very dead body of the so-called class sweetheart and Prom Queen, Barbie Pomeroy Clark. Lots of secrets were hidden by the various characters in this story and there was a really good side mystery involving Aunt Ginny and a social worker who was trying to force her out of her home and into assisted living, claiming that Ginny's eccentric and sometimes flamboyant personality was senility.
There were some really great characters in this book, but I think my favorite, aside from Poppy herself, was her Aunt Ginny. She was sharp as a tack and faithful to her niece. She was not going to let her niece go to jail for a crime she didn't commit, but the local police officer, Amber Fenton, who just happened to be a classmate, seemed determined to arrest Poppy for the murder. Poppy had to work twice as hard to gather evidence, because Amber said it was just a matter of time before the lab report would come back and Poppy would be arrested for real this time.
I can honestly believe there are people like this, mean girls who simply got older but are still mean, flirts who have never stopped going after the opposite sex and people who unmercifully make fun of overweight people, even if they are in the same shape themselves. I was really proud that Poppy finally took her life into her hands and worked on her whole self, not just her weight. The cute coffee shop owner apparently thought she was pretty enough to want to date, as did her ex-boyfriend Tim, whom she'd almost married. She had a really good epiphany towards the end and it turned her life around. Now she had two handsome guys interested in her, wonderful friends who stuck by her through the whole ordeal as well as an awesome aunt who even put up with her cat that got into crazy destructive moods.
The showdown was great! I had a suspicion who the killer was but I had no idea why, and I did waver back and forth. The scene with the social worker who was trying to get Ginny into assisted living was epic! You'll just have to read it and find out, it's just too good to spoil. I can't wait to read the next book. Things are definitely looking up for Poppy McAllister!
January 31, 2018
Class Reunions Are Murder is the first book in the A Poppy McAllister Mystery series.
When Poppy gets an invitation to her 25th class reunion she has no desire to attend and have to see Poppy and Amber, the high school bullies. Poppy has recently lost her husband, John, and is grieving his loss and facing depressions as the pounds keep increasing. She also wants to avoid seeing Tim, who she was engaged to high school and they went their separate ways and she ended up pregnant and married John. But her BFF from their high school days, Sawyer, finally convinces her to come.
When she arrives in Cape May, NJ at her Aunt Ginny’s house, she is shocked to see the house and yard in a state of disrepair. Poppy soon learns that Social Services is trying to get Aunt Ginny in a senior citizen. Community.
Aunt Ginny sets Poppy up with a holistic doctor that is able to get her to think more of herself and how much better it will be when she starts to think positive about herself.
On the evening of reunion, it quickly becomes apparent that Barbie has not changed and was insulting everyone there. Evidently, someone had had enough of her cutting remarks, cause when Poppy went to look for Sawyer after she had an altercation with Barbie, Poppy finds Barbie lying in front of Poppy’s old locker, dead. The first person to arrive after Poppy had screamed was none other than Amber, who is now a police officer and Poppy has bypassed person of interest and went straight to prime suspect and is sure she will be railroaded straight to the “big house”. With the help of Sawyer and her Aunt Ginny, they begin there own investigation into who the killer might be and soon find that there is no shortage of suspects.
This is a good start to an interesting new series, with a well-told story and an interesting cast of characters. I felt that Poppy spent a little too much time talking to her cat, Figaro, and answering for him, but, I guess, it also helped to develop her character in this first book.
There’s also a delicious recipe also included in the book.
When Poppy gets an invitation to her 25th class reunion she has no desire to attend and have to see Poppy and Amber, the high school bullies. Poppy has recently lost her husband, John, and is grieving his loss and facing depressions as the pounds keep increasing. She also wants to avoid seeing Tim, who she was engaged to high school and they went their separate ways and she ended up pregnant and married John. But her BFF from their high school days, Sawyer, finally convinces her to come.
When she arrives in Cape May, NJ at her Aunt Ginny’s house, she is shocked to see the house and yard in a state of disrepair. Poppy soon learns that Social Services is trying to get Aunt Ginny in a senior citizen. Community.
Aunt Ginny sets Poppy up with a holistic doctor that is able to get her to think more of herself and how much better it will be when she starts to think positive about herself.
On the evening of reunion, it quickly becomes apparent that Barbie has not changed and was insulting everyone there. Evidently, someone had had enough of her cutting remarks, cause when Poppy went to look for Sawyer after she had an altercation with Barbie, Poppy finds Barbie lying in front of Poppy’s old locker, dead. The first person to arrive after Poppy had screamed was none other than Amber, who is now a police officer and Poppy has bypassed person of interest and went straight to prime suspect and is sure she will be railroaded straight to the “big house”. With the help of Sawyer and her Aunt Ginny, they begin there own investigation into who the killer might be and soon find that there is no shortage of suspects.
This is a good start to an interesting new series, with a well-told story and an interesting cast of characters. I felt that Poppy spent a little too much time talking to her cat, Figaro, and answering for him, but, I guess, it also helped to develop her character in this first book.
There’s also a delicious recipe also included in the book.
January 12, 2018
Class Reunions Are Murder, the first book in Libby Klein's Poppy McAllister Mystery series was a fun, entertaining read. I like the premise of the murder taking place at a class reunion. I had read a plot like this yet in a cozy mystery. Poppy McAllister, herself, is a relatable and sympathetic main character. I liked watching her grow and gain inner strength to turn around her situation and take her future into her own hands. She is reluctantly pulled into investigating a murder after she becomes the prime suspect of the "mean girl" who was murdered at the class reunion. I enjoyed Poppy's friends who round out the cast nicely. They are fun, supportive and have her back. I really enjoyed Aunt Ginny. She is unique and provided a nice dose of humor, as did Figaro, Poppy's cat.
The dialogue was witty and had some self deprecating humor, especially from Poppy. The mystery was woven through the story nicely. Because the victim was the "mean girl" there were plenty of suspects to choose from as she had offended everyone over the year. There was a nice dose of clues, twists and attempts to misdirect the reader thrown in. I enjoyed that Poppy was not instantly good at being a sleuth and has some false starts and looked at the wrong suspects. I think the story wrapped up nicely and this is a series that I think I will continue to follow.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
The dialogue was witty and had some self deprecating humor, especially from Poppy. The mystery was woven through the story nicely. Because the victim was the "mean girl" there were plenty of suspects to choose from as she had offended everyone over the year. There was a nice dose of clues, twists and attempts to misdirect the reader thrown in. I enjoyed that Poppy was not instantly good at being a sleuth and has some false starts and looked at the wrong suspects. I think the story wrapped up nicely and this is a series that I think I will continue to follow.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
October 1, 2021
I could not bring myself to continue this novel after the abundant fat shaming/weight remarks and the transphobic scene at the class reunion. I feel that it would have been a much better work without these in it and it turned unreadable for me after reaching the class reunion. It is unfortunate that I seem to be in the minority here, however it is hard for me to overlook these things in a cozy mystery, well in any novel actually.
May 8, 2018
A fun and fresh first in series cozy mystery! I loved the quirky characters like Aunt Ginny and the very likable characters of Poppy and her friends. I will be looking forward to more books in this series.
February 11, 2018
Fantastic book! I absolutely loved everything about it. Poppy, the main character, is so great! Lots of humorous moments and some great 80s references, this is one of my new favorite series!
April 2, 2018
Poppy McAllister gets dragooned into attending her high school’s 25th reunion by her best friend, Sawyer Montgomery, especially after the pair and their two best friends get cards from Barbie Clark, their biggest enemy from high school in Class Reunions Are Murder by Libby Klein. Since getting widowed six months earlier, Poppy really let herself go, refusing to leave her house except for getting more junk food to gorge on, so she fears facing her former classmates, especially after she gets to her Aunt Ginny’s run-down house and discovers that she can’t fit into any of the dressy clothes she has. The only outfit she can manage to find that fits her is full of feathers and leather, not ideal to impress the people at the reunion
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
January 15, 2018
Class Reunions Are Murder
A Poppy McAllister Mystery, Book #1
Libby Klein
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
For fortysomething Poppy McAllister, taking a stroll down memory lane in Cape May, New Jersey, isn’t just awkward—it’s deadly.
Newly widowed and stuck in a middle-aged funk, Poppy has been running on cookies, infomercials, and one-sided chats with her cat for months. There’s no way on earth she’s attending her twenty-five-year class reunion—especially after receiving a very bizarre letter from Barbie, the popular cheerleader who taunted her all through high school. At least, not until Poppy’s best friend practically drags her to the event . . .
Using the dreaded homecoming as an excuse to visit her eccentric Aunt Ginny, Poppy vows to leave Cape May with pride and Spanx intact. Too bad Barbie is still the queen of mean at the reunion. And worse, that her dead body is lying right in front of Poppy’s old locker. Singled out as the killer, it’s up to Poppy to confront her past and clear her name. But between protecting her aunt from disaster and tackling a gluten-free diet, can Poppy crack the case before she’s voted “Most Likely to Die” by the murderer?
Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen! (Goodreads)
Review:
To me this was the perfect cozy mystery. I liked the characters, I liked the humor , I liked the setting and I liked the mystery. There was nothing about this book that I did not like and nothing I would change.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed the fact that Poppy is an middle-aged woman and not thirty-something like most of the cozies that I read. I also really enjoyed the fact that Poppy was not a physically fit thin woman. She is overweight and struggles with many of the same issues that a lot of us have. To me that made her seem much more real. I enjoyed getting to know Poppy’s friends and I liked the fact that they stuck together and had each other backs. And who would not love Aunt Ginny, with her quirkiness and eccentricities. And Figaro, the cat, is one of my favorite felines ever.
I thought this book was so funny and I enjoyed Poppy’s sarcastic self monologues. One of these was when Poppy thought to herself, “I would love to have two children. Instead I have two chins and a cat”. There was so much of this type of humor throughout the book and I was laughing out loud through much of the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
I think the author addressed some more serious issues in this book. High school and the need to fit in, the popular people being mean to the less popular and self image issues were some of the things that she write about. I thought that made this book even more special.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I eventually figured out the killer before it was revealed but I did make some wrong guesses first.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy that was a little different than the normal cozy. It was different in a very good way. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I think this author was a real winner on her hands.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
A Poppy McAllister Mystery, Book #1
Libby Klein
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
For fortysomething Poppy McAllister, taking a stroll down memory lane in Cape May, New Jersey, isn’t just awkward—it’s deadly.
Newly widowed and stuck in a middle-aged funk, Poppy has been running on cookies, infomercials, and one-sided chats with her cat for months. There’s no way on earth she’s attending her twenty-five-year class reunion—especially after receiving a very bizarre letter from Barbie, the popular cheerleader who taunted her all through high school. At least, not until Poppy’s best friend practically drags her to the event . . .
Using the dreaded homecoming as an excuse to visit her eccentric Aunt Ginny, Poppy vows to leave Cape May with pride and Spanx intact. Too bad Barbie is still the queen of mean at the reunion. And worse, that her dead body is lying right in front of Poppy’s old locker. Singled out as the killer, it’s up to Poppy to confront her past and clear her name. But between protecting her aunt from disaster and tackling a gluten-free diet, can Poppy crack the case before she’s voted “Most Likely to Die” by the murderer?
Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen! (Goodreads)
Review:
To me this was the perfect cozy mystery. I liked the characters, I liked the humor , I liked the setting and I liked the mystery. There was nothing about this book that I did not like and nothing I would change.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed the fact that Poppy is an middle-aged woman and not thirty-something like most of the cozies that I read. I also really enjoyed the fact that Poppy was not a physically fit thin woman. She is overweight and struggles with many of the same issues that a lot of us have. To me that made her seem much more real. I enjoyed getting to know Poppy’s friends and I liked the fact that they stuck together and had each other backs. And who would not love Aunt Ginny, with her quirkiness and eccentricities. And Figaro, the cat, is one of my favorite felines ever.
I thought this book was so funny and I enjoyed Poppy’s sarcastic self monologues. One of these was when Poppy thought to herself, “I would love to have two children. Instead I have two chins and a cat”. There was so much of this type of humor throughout the book and I was laughing out loud through much of the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
I think the author addressed some more serious issues in this book. High school and the need to fit in, the popular people being mean to the less popular and self image issues were some of the things that she write about. I thought that made this book even more special.
The mystery was well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I eventually figured out the killer before it was revealed but I did make some wrong guesses first.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy that was a little different than the normal cozy. It was different in a very good way. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I think this author was a real winner on her hands.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
January 20, 2018
CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER, the first book in the brand new Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein, is sure to be a mega-hit! From the beginning, I was drawn into the story and the life of the protagonist, Poppy McAllister. Like a favorite dessert, I wanted to gobble the book up all at once in one sitting but real life sometimes doesn’t allow that so I had to put it down frequently. However, those interludes allowed me to savor every delicious word and scene in the story, making my reading time all the more meaningful and enjoyable. Ms. Klein has created a compelling character in Poppy, who is struggling with grief caused by widowhood. Despite her loss, Poppy’s dialog and introspection is humorous and at times laugh-out-loud funny. Poppy starts out being an insecure pushover, bullied by her former mother-in-law and walked over by everyone else. Her journey back to her hometown to visit her Aunt Ginny and attend (unwillingly) her class reunion is the catalyst for Poppy’s transformation. Ms. Klein accurately captures the angst of the insecurities of high school, with the descriptions of interaction between students: the popular kids, the mean girls, the nerds, those trying to just get through without being noticed. Yet through it all, the author writes with a witty sense of humor that truly adds to the entertainment of this engaging read.
Of course amazing characters need a terrific plot and Ms. Klein delivers. The pace is steady and the murder mystery well thought out. Almost the entire student body attending the class reunion are suspects, Poppy included, when one of the mean girls from their class is murdered during the party. The author also weaves in another layer of mystery surrounding Poppy’s Aunt Ginny and why she’s being harassed by social services. It brings to light the tragic situations surrounding senior citizens and how often they are targeted for defrauding. As I read, I had to cheer for Aunt Ginny and her spunky, free spirit. She is a delightful sidekick for Poppy. The various threads of plot, suspects, and subplots are all nicely wrapped up in an exciting, suspenseful conclusion. I am counting down the days until the next installment in this terrific new series!
In the book Aunt Ginny sets Poppy up with a holistic doctor who convinces her to go gluten-free and try to give the Paleo diet a try. As difficult as it is for Poppy to adhere to the diet, she does find great relief from several physical discomforts when she eats within the guidelines. In researching the author for this post, I found that she suffers from an autoimmune disease and as such eats a gluten-free diet. I discovered several years ago that I must also follow a strict gluten-free diet so I was very happy to find that Ms. Klein provides several delicious gluten-free recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Of course amazing characters need a terrific plot and Ms. Klein delivers. The pace is steady and the murder mystery well thought out. Almost the entire student body attending the class reunion are suspects, Poppy included, when one of the mean girls from their class is murdered during the party. The author also weaves in another layer of mystery surrounding Poppy’s Aunt Ginny and why she’s being harassed by social services. It brings to light the tragic situations surrounding senior citizens and how often they are targeted for defrauding. As I read, I had to cheer for Aunt Ginny and her spunky, free spirit. She is a delightful sidekick for Poppy. The various threads of plot, suspects, and subplots are all nicely wrapped up in an exciting, suspenseful conclusion. I am counting down the days until the next installment in this terrific new series!
In the book Aunt Ginny sets Poppy up with a holistic doctor who convinces her to go gluten-free and try to give the Paleo diet a try. As difficult as it is for Poppy to adhere to the diet, she does find great relief from several physical discomforts when she eats within the guidelines. In researching the author for this post, I found that she suffers from an autoimmune disease and as such eats a gluten-free diet. I discovered several years ago that I must also follow a strict gluten-free diet so I was very happy to find that Ms. Klein provides several delicious gluten-free recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2018
A new series and what a trip down memory lane....high school reunions, graduating in the 1980's and the fashion of that time, and humor galore made this a very enjoyable book.
Poppy is a woman I can identify with - plus size, loves to cook and eat but has a heart of gold when it comes to friends and family (even if they are a bit nuts). I was enthralled with Poppy's back story and how she arrived to that point in her life. There were happy and sad moments in that regard, but it made Poppy a stronger character. I especially liked when she decided to take charge of her life and not let everyone walk all over her good nature.
The mystery was very well written and the killer popped into my head, not for any clues that were blatantly left behind in the story....maybe because this character was the only one left that fit? It was quite the surprise and as with all cozies, Poppy puts herself into danger many times but manages to come out unscathed.
And what would this book be without a love triangle. There is Tim, Poppy's high school sweetheart, and Gia, the owner of a local coffee shop that encourages Poppy's love of baking and providing gluten free items for him to sell. It could be a tough choice on who to choose so it will be fun to see how this plays out in future books.
Poppy is a woman I can identify with - plus size, loves to cook and eat but has a heart of gold when it comes to friends and family (even if they are a bit nuts). I was enthralled with Poppy's back story and how she arrived to that point in her life. There were happy and sad moments in that regard, but it made Poppy a stronger character. I especially liked when she decided to take charge of her life and not let everyone walk all over her good nature.
The mystery was very well written and the killer popped into my head, not for any clues that were blatantly left behind in the story....maybe because this character was the only one left that fit? It was quite the surprise and as with all cozies, Poppy puts herself into danger many times but manages to come out unscathed.
And what would this book be without a love triangle. There is Tim, Poppy's high school sweetheart, and Gia, the owner of a local coffee shop that encourages Poppy's love of baking and providing gluten free items for him to sell. It could be a tough choice on who to choose so it will be fun to see how this plays out in future books.
January 17, 2018
Class Reunions Are Murder by Libby Klein was an entertaining introduction into this new cozy series.
Poppy McAllister is an older heroine with several issues going on in her life. She has been depressed due to her husband's death and her treatment by her bully mother-in-law. Aunt Ginny is a fabulous supporting character and I loved getting to know her. Poppy's best friend, Sawyer, is also a likable character that I enjoyed getting to know. I found the retrospective of high school episodes of bullying by the "mean girls" was turned on it's head at the end of the book. The mystery itself was complex as there were so many suspects who had motives. I cheered for Poppy as she began to take her life back and find the real killer. The plot was smoothly paced, there were plenty of twists, interesting information about making healthy choices for a better life and the reveal was intense.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Poppy McAllister is an older heroine with several issues going on in her life. She has been depressed due to her husband's death and her treatment by her bully mother-in-law. Aunt Ginny is a fabulous supporting character and I loved getting to know her. Poppy's best friend, Sawyer, is also a likable character that I enjoyed getting to know. I found the retrospective of high school episodes of bullying by the "mean girls" was turned on it's head at the end of the book. The mystery itself was complex as there were so many suspects who had motives. I cheered for Poppy as she began to take her life back and find the real killer. The plot was smoothly paced, there were plenty of twists, interesting information about making healthy choices for a better life and the reveal was intense.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
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