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Murder, She Wrote #47
A Date with Murder
Jessica Fletcher investigates a friend's murder and a dangerous dating service in the latest entry in this USA Today bestselling series...Jessica Fletcher takes up the case of her good friend Barbara "Babs" Wirth after Babs' husband Hal suffers a fatal heart attack that Jessica has reason to believe was actually murder. At the heart of her suspicions lies a sinister dating site Hal had used while he and Babs were having marital issues, a site that may be complicit in somehow swindling him out of millions. Jessica's investigation reveals that Hal was far from the only victim and when his former business partner is also killed, a deadly pattern emerges. Jessica teams up with a brilliant young computer hacker to follow the trail but as she gets closer to the truth, two near misses force her to realize that she may very well be the next victim. The stakes have never been this high as Jessica finds herself being stalked by the killer she is trying to catch. She must now set the perfect trap to avoid her very own date with murder.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
159 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
114 books1,056 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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June 15, 2018
Murder, She Wrote: A Date with Murder by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain, and Jon Land is a 2018 Berkley books publication.
In this 47th installment, Jessica is invited to the big Labor Day celebration party hosted by her close friend ‘Babs’ and her husband, Hal. But, before the day is over, Babs would become a widow. If that weren’t bad enough, it seems that Hal was swindled out of his fortune, leaving Babs in financial straits. As Jessica begins trying to figure out who was behind Hal’s reversal of fortune, she takes a hard look at the role technology plays in our everyday lives and the dangerous criminal elements anyone can fall prey to online.
I was so sorry to hear of Donald Bain’s passing. He was the man behind “Jessica Fletcher” for many years, and did a fantastic job with the “Murder, She Wrote” series once he got situated. I was relieved, however, to learn that Jon Land had taken over the series and evidently it will continue. There has been a longer wait time in between books, which in this case is understandable, but I was about to go through withdrawals symptoms. I couldn’t wait to dive into this new chapter in the series and was eager to see how JL whose usual forte is writing thrillers, would approach it.
Many readers have the capacity to take new ownership of a series in stride. However, there can be a bit of an adjustment period for some diehard fans. I’ve had both experiences over the years, as some writers can seamlessly take over without so much as a blip, while others struggle to understand the characters and dynamics that made it so popular in the first place, which can so radically change the atmosphere and tone of the series that long- time fans will drop it- although, it can also lead to a broader audience, depending on the situation. In this case, I was very confident in the author and quite optimistic about the way the series would be handled, but I must say, I did struggle with a few notable differences.
For one thing, I felt as though this story felt darker and had a harder edge than I was accustomed to. I can’t remember Jessica and Mort’s dialogue having such a biting undertone. It was so bad, I wasn’t sure if they were giving each other a hard time, or if there was real animosity there. It felt pretty hostile to me.
A few words and phrases that are more fitting to regular mysteries, than cozies, cropped up here and there, as well. I also noticed some repetition as Jessica lamented drawing innocent bystanders into the investigation, possibly putting them in danger. She repeated her regrets on this front on several occasions. The tone was borderline preachy when it came to examing the many ways technology blurs lines. This is a very thought provoking topic, however, and the story does make one think, but it was almost too heavy handed.
That being said, I loved Harry McGraw’s guest appearance. What an unexpected pleasure that was!! The mystery elements are very well done. I was guessing all the way to very end and never once suspected who the murderer was!! I was also happy the story was set in Cabot Cove, despite Mort’s snide ( or satirical?) remarks about how the murder rate had spiked, thanks to Jessica. I love the community of Cabot Cove and enjoy touching base with the familiar characters. The installments that follow Jessica on her many travels are wonderful, as well, but, I always love the stories set in Cabot Cove more.
Despite some misgivings about Land’s sly digs, which may have bordered on sarcasm or disdain for the genre or series, or maybe he was just poking a little fun, I really just couldn't tell, I’m still holding out hope that Land will find a balance here, or if not, he’ll pass it on to someone who understands the cozy genre a little better and will give the series the respect it deserves.
2.5 stars
In this 47th installment, Jessica is invited to the big Labor Day celebration party hosted by her close friend ‘Babs’ and her husband, Hal. But, before the day is over, Babs would become a widow. If that weren’t bad enough, it seems that Hal was swindled out of his fortune, leaving Babs in financial straits. As Jessica begins trying to figure out who was behind Hal’s reversal of fortune, she takes a hard look at the role technology plays in our everyday lives and the dangerous criminal elements anyone can fall prey to online.
I was so sorry to hear of Donald Bain’s passing. He was the man behind “Jessica Fletcher” for many years, and did a fantastic job with the “Murder, She Wrote” series once he got situated. I was relieved, however, to learn that Jon Land had taken over the series and evidently it will continue. There has been a longer wait time in between books, which in this case is understandable, but I was about to go through withdrawals symptoms. I couldn’t wait to dive into this new chapter in the series and was eager to see how JL whose usual forte is writing thrillers, would approach it.
Many readers have the capacity to take new ownership of a series in stride. However, there can be a bit of an adjustment period for some diehard fans. I’ve had both experiences over the years, as some writers can seamlessly take over without so much as a blip, while others struggle to understand the characters and dynamics that made it so popular in the first place, which can so radically change the atmosphere and tone of the series that long- time fans will drop it- although, it can also lead to a broader audience, depending on the situation. In this case, I was very confident in the author and quite optimistic about the way the series would be handled, but I must say, I did struggle with a few notable differences.
For one thing, I felt as though this story felt darker and had a harder edge than I was accustomed to. I can’t remember Jessica and Mort’s dialogue having such a biting undertone. It was so bad, I wasn’t sure if they were giving each other a hard time, or if there was real animosity there. It felt pretty hostile to me.
A few words and phrases that are more fitting to regular mysteries, than cozies, cropped up here and there, as well. I also noticed some repetition as Jessica lamented drawing innocent bystanders into the investigation, possibly putting them in danger. She repeated her regrets on this front on several occasions. The tone was borderline preachy when it came to examing the many ways technology blurs lines. This is a very thought provoking topic, however, and the story does make one think, but it was almost too heavy handed.
That being said, I loved Harry McGraw’s guest appearance. What an unexpected pleasure that was!! The mystery elements are very well done. I was guessing all the way to very end and never once suspected who the murderer was!! I was also happy the story was set in Cabot Cove, despite Mort’s snide ( or satirical?) remarks about how the murder rate had spiked, thanks to Jessica. I love the community of Cabot Cove and enjoy touching base with the familiar characters. The installments that follow Jessica on her many travels are wonderful, as well, but, I always love the stories set in Cabot Cove more.
Despite some misgivings about Land’s sly digs, which may have bordered on sarcasm or disdain for the genre or series, or maybe he was just poking a little fun, I really just couldn't tell, I’m still holding out hope that Land will find a balance here, or if not, he’ll pass it on to someone who understands the cozy genre a little better and will give the series the respect it deserves.
2.5 stars
January 11, 2020
WTF even was this book. This is not the Murder She Wrote I know and love. I think Jon Land needs to have a look at the canon - the show and the other 46 books that Donald Bain wrote, because seriously, WTF. Start with "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes," "The Sins of Castle Cove," and "Murder in Tempo," Jon. That should give you a clue.
This reads like a wannabe potboiler. Jessica is evasive, cavaliar, sarcastic, and downright rude. She and Mort spend the entire book trading insults about Cabot Cove being the murder capital of the world, in an ugly attempt at meta. They claim that it's widely known as Murder Cove, and that the Hill House has a well-known nickname of "Hell House" because so many people are killed there.
Let me put on my surprise face to learn that Jon Land writes thrillers. That's exactly what this reads like, and it is a terrible fit into the MSW world.
The canon is the greatest murder in this book. Jessica's entire backstory is erased: when she started writing novels, why she doesn't drive, her lack of romantic liaisons since her husband's death (George Sutherland, anyone???), her ability to embrace modern tech. Seth suddenly doesn't have a clue about toxicology ("Keep the Home Fries Burning") and actually brags about his ability to get around an electronic medical record. Mort is a high-handed jackass who thinks Jessica is a TSTL moron. There was a lot of actual cursing. It was like reading a MSW fanfic set in bizarro world.
The mystery here is one of those larger-than-life conspiracies based on identity theft through dating sites, up to and including hired hitmen and FBI levels of cybercrime. It's so not the plot of a cozy mystery, much less a Cabot Cove-set MSW mystery.
I have no idea how this one got past the rights owners, and I sincerely hope that it is a one-off in its awfulness. Even if it isn't, at least we had a good run - there are 46 other books that at least attempt to capture the essence of the show.
This reads like a wannabe potboiler. Jessica is evasive, cavaliar, sarcastic, and downright rude. She and Mort spend the entire book trading insults about Cabot Cove being the murder capital of the world, in an ugly attempt at meta. They claim that it's widely known as Murder Cove, and that the Hill House has a well-known nickname of "Hell House" because so many people are killed there.
Let me put on my surprise face to learn that Jon Land writes thrillers. That's exactly what this reads like, and it is a terrible fit into the MSW world.
The canon is the greatest murder in this book. Jessica's entire backstory is erased: when she started writing novels, why she doesn't drive, her lack of romantic liaisons since her husband's death (George Sutherland, anyone???), her ability to embrace modern tech. Seth suddenly doesn't have a clue about toxicology ("Keep the Home Fries Burning") and actually brags about his ability to get around an electronic medical record. Mort is a high-handed jackass who thinks Jessica is a TSTL moron. There was a lot of actual cursing. It was like reading a MSW fanfic set in bizarro world.
The mystery here is one of those larger-than-life conspiracies based on identity theft through dating sites, up to and including hired hitmen and FBI levels of cybercrime. It's so not the plot of a cozy mystery, much less a Cabot Cove-set MSW mystery.
I have no idea how this one got past the rights owners, and I sincerely hope that it is a one-off in its awfulness. Even if it isn't, at least we had a good run - there are 46 other books that at least attempt to capture the essence of the show.
May 13, 2018
I absolutely love Murder She Wrote! I watched the show faithfully each week when it was on television in the 80s and 90s, and I have my DVR set to record reruns even now. I've probably seen every episode at least 10 times. Angela Lansbury was perfect in the part of Jessica Fletcher, a retired teacher and amateur sleuth in Cabot Cove, Maine. She toodled along on her bicycle and solved murders. It was just great television.
A Date With Murder is the first novel based on the show that I have read. I'm so glad I did -- I loved it!! As I read the story, I heard the dialogue in my head in the voice of the actors....Angela Lansbury, Tom Bosley, William Windom. I could visualize the picturesque seaside of Cabot Cove, the characters, the story as it unfolded...and even imagine Jessica's horror as she discovered her friend, Hal Wirth, motionless on the floor of his kitchen during a party at his home. It was like getting to enjoy a new episode of Murder She Wrote after all these years. Some books just make you happy in your heart...know what I mean?
The basics: A Cabot Cove businessman dies after having a massive coronary at his home during a luncheon. After Hal Wirth's death, it is discovered that his finances were in ruin. His memoir reveals that he was unhappy in his marriage and actually used an online dating site once trying to find happiness with someone else. When strange information pops up about the dating site, Jessica begins to investigate the service to see if the site somehow had something to do with Hal's financial ruin and subsequent death. She discovers there is a whole lot more going on at LOVEISYOURS.com than just matching people with dating partners.
I enjoyed this story. It moved along at a nice pace and there were plenty of twists and turns in the plot, plus plenty of suspects. Because this is the first Murder She Wrote book that I've read, I didn't notice any of the differences in writing that some other reviews mention. Donald Bain who wrote the earlier books in the series passed away, and this book was written by another author, Jon Land. I thought he stayed true to the characters, but I'm basing my opinion on the television show and not any prior novels in this series. I did enjoy reading a new Jessica Fletcher mystery, so I plan to go back and read the earlier books. A Date With Murder is the 47th book in the Murder She Wrote series, so I'm not sure if I will read them all....or just cherry pick a few that sound particularly interesting. But I know I will enjoy any of them! I love the television show and the characters! It's always great to re-visit Cabot Cove!
Jon Land is the author of several mystery/thriller novels including the Blaine McCracken series. I enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more of his work.
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
A Date With Murder is the first novel based on the show that I have read. I'm so glad I did -- I loved it!! As I read the story, I heard the dialogue in my head in the voice of the actors....Angela Lansbury, Tom Bosley, William Windom. I could visualize the picturesque seaside of Cabot Cove, the characters, the story as it unfolded...and even imagine Jessica's horror as she discovered her friend, Hal Wirth, motionless on the floor of his kitchen during a party at his home. It was like getting to enjoy a new episode of Murder She Wrote after all these years. Some books just make you happy in your heart...know what I mean?
The basics: A Cabot Cove businessman dies after having a massive coronary at his home during a luncheon. After Hal Wirth's death, it is discovered that his finances were in ruin. His memoir reveals that he was unhappy in his marriage and actually used an online dating site once trying to find happiness with someone else. When strange information pops up about the dating site, Jessica begins to investigate the service to see if the site somehow had something to do with Hal's financial ruin and subsequent death. She discovers there is a whole lot more going on at LOVEISYOURS.com than just matching people with dating partners.
I enjoyed this story. It moved along at a nice pace and there were plenty of twists and turns in the plot, plus plenty of suspects. Because this is the first Murder She Wrote book that I've read, I didn't notice any of the differences in writing that some other reviews mention. Donald Bain who wrote the earlier books in the series passed away, and this book was written by another author, Jon Land. I thought he stayed true to the characters, but I'm basing my opinion on the television show and not any prior novels in this series. I did enjoy reading a new Jessica Fletcher mystery, so I plan to go back and read the earlier books. A Date With Murder is the 47th book in the Murder She Wrote series, so I'm not sure if I will read them all....or just cherry pick a few that sound particularly interesting. But I know I will enjoy any of them! I love the television show and the characters! It's always great to re-visit Cabot Cove!
Jon Land is the author of several mystery/thriller novels including the Blaine McCracken series. I enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more of his work.
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
June 30, 2018
I'm also a Murder She Wrote fan and have been from the very beginning - watched every episode, read every book many times and to be honest, I'm offended that this author didn't take the time to fully acquaint himself with much of the Murder She Wrote culture before deciding to capitalize on the Murder She Wrote franchise.
Jessica, who we know to be a model of self discipline, found herself saying "I just couldn't help myself" so many times in the first third of the book that I'm surprised I even finished it.
Then there's Mort. He rarely if ever calls her Jessica, but that's ALL he called her throughout this book. So annoying.
One minute she's calling Uber when the weather is great and the next she's riding her bike in the rain even though she knew a storm was coming? Come on now.
She chides herself for speaking firmly to someone because she's never done that??? She's an absolute queen at speaking firmly and eloquently to many who've deserved it. She's a retired english teacher for goodness sake.
I can't understand why the author would disrespect her so deeply with all the flip phone/smartphone references. Ten years ago maybe, but certainly not now.
Her reference near the end about the way her past DIY projects never end well is absurd. She is one of the most self-sufficient characters I know, especially around the house.
Where is all her quiet confidence and her understated class?
And then of course is poor, wonderful Chief Inspector George Sutherland. You can leave out a lot of things but denying his existence is downright unacceptable.
Add all that to the ridiculous amount of repetition ("grouse" - really?) and I couldn't be more disappointed.
Will I read more by this author? Nope - if he won't do his homework, I won't waste my time or $$.
P.S. Oddly enough and to his credit, this author nailed Eve Simpson. Okay that doesn't sound right. What I meant was ... he portrayed the character of Eve Simpson as I understand her, to a tea.
Jessica, who we know to be a model of self discipline, found herself saying "I just couldn't help myself" so many times in the first third of the book that I'm surprised I even finished it.
Then there's Mort. He rarely if ever calls her Jessica, but that's ALL he called her throughout this book. So annoying.
One minute she's calling Uber when the weather is great and the next she's riding her bike in the rain even though she knew a storm was coming? Come on now.
She chides herself for speaking firmly to someone because she's never done that??? She's an absolute queen at speaking firmly and eloquently to many who've deserved it. She's a retired english teacher for goodness sake.
I can't understand why the author would disrespect her so deeply with all the flip phone/smartphone references. Ten years ago maybe, but certainly not now.
Her reference near the end about the way her past DIY projects never end well is absurd. She is one of the most self-sufficient characters I know, especially around the house.
Where is all her quiet confidence and her understated class?
And then of course is poor, wonderful Chief Inspector George Sutherland. You can leave out a lot of things but denying his existence is downright unacceptable.
Add all that to the ridiculous amount of repetition ("grouse" - really?) and I couldn't be more disappointed.
Will I read more by this author? Nope - if he won't do his homework, I won't waste my time or $$.
P.S. Oddly enough and to his credit, this author nailed Eve Simpson. Okay that doesn't sound right. What I meant was ... he portrayed the character of Eve Simpson as I understand her, to a tea.
May 9, 2018
I am in the minority here.
I have read every Murder She Wrote book. Some I have enjoyed more than others but sadly a different author did make the book feel different to me. The first thing that bothered me was the use of " for God's sake", this irreverent usage hasn't been in past books and that is something I like about the series.
The second thing that bothered me is the whole Jessica dating thing. She talks about having not dated since her husband died - what about George Sutherland? He wasn't even mentioned in the platonic guys list.
I will try another book with this author but I hope it sounds more like Jessica, that the tone is closer.
As for the mystery itself - the concept was interesting.
I have read every Murder She Wrote book. Some I have enjoyed more than others but sadly a different author did make the book feel different to me. The first thing that bothered me was the use of " for God's sake", this irreverent usage hasn't been in past books and that is something I like about the series.
The second thing that bothered me is the whole Jessica dating thing. She talks about having not dated since her husband died - what about George Sutherland? He wasn't even mentioned in the platonic guys list.
I will try another book with this author but I hope it sounds more like Jessica, that the tone is closer.
As for the mystery itself - the concept was interesting.
November 27, 2018
It's quite clever the way the "writer" talks about writing this series, using Jessica to voice their thought and writing processes breaking that 3rd wall with a wink. It was fun.
May 5, 2018
I'm mixed on the book. After waiting a year and a half for the next installment in the series to come out, I had high expectations. I think Jon Land is clearly still figuring out how to write in the Jessica Fletcher character, which I understand.
In terms of the plot, I loved seeing Jessica in an edgy situation with an ending that was more climatic than in previous books. I also was glad to see Harry McGraw play a role in the story.
However, there were many times I found myself saying: "Jessica doesn't talk like that." "She wouldn't have responded that way." "She was actually quite rude there, etc."
I also didn't think her dynamic with Mort was consistent. I found him to be very demeaning of her books/writing career. Someone like me who's read all 47 books in the series and seen every episode in all 12 seasons of the television show has a good feel for character dynamics, and you can't compromise the integrity of that. I hope to see future books in the series stay a bit more true to character, while still exploring fun new concepts and adventures for J.B. Fletcher.
In terms of the plot, I loved seeing Jessica in an edgy situation with an ending that was more climatic than in previous books. I also was glad to see Harry McGraw play a role in the story.
However, there were many times I found myself saying: "Jessica doesn't talk like that." "She wouldn't have responded that way." "She was actually quite rude there, etc."
I also didn't think her dynamic with Mort was consistent. I found him to be very demeaning of her books/writing career. Someone like me who's read all 47 books in the series and seen every episode in all 12 seasons of the television show has a good feel for character dynamics, and you can't compromise the integrity of that. I hope to see future books in the series stay a bit more true to character, while still exploring fun new concepts and adventures for J.B. Fletcher.
June 5, 2018
I loved the show and have really enjoyed the books, but this one was not as good a read. Jessica’s character was quite snippy and rather mean in this book, which is out of the norm for her character in all the previous books. And the plot was too twisted and far fetched in my opinion. Something just seemed “off” to me in this book, definitely not up to the usual standards of previous books.
January 31, 2020
I don’t know if there is any mystery lover out there who does not know Jessica Fletcher. Jessica is no spring chicken, but she can keep up with the best of them. She doesn’t drive a car, but she can fly a plane, and is often seen cruising around town on her bicycle.
Jessica loved it when Babs and Hal moved into town. They were a breath of fresh air and Babs quickly became a best friend. When Hal turns up dead at his anniversary/Labor Day party, Jessica gets one of her ‘feelings’…and we know where that is going, don’t we? She has a curiosity that has to be fed and will need some help on this one.
How can a small town like Cabot Cove be such a magnet for murder? Or are the murders drawn to Jessica Fletcher? If trouble doesn’t find her, does she go to it?
Her research takes her coast to coast as she searches for the answers.
I quickly surmised that ??? is the dastardly villain, but I am still eager to follow the path of the story and see where Jessica takes me. She is such a fun character, with some interesting friends and she gives the authorities a run for their money as she tries to solve the mystery herself.
I have been reading Murder She Wrote novels for a long time now, and I still watch the Murder She Wrote reruns to this day. That makes it so easy to visualize Jessica as she tools around town solving crime.
Jon, you did a great job with your first foray into Jessica Fletcher’s world. A Date With Murder had the timeless feel of the past novels I have read in the Murder, She Wrote series. Jessica is the same sassy character who recruits her friends to help her solve the mystery, getting them in trouble and putting them in danger, all while dodging the authorities. The mystery is more than a little cozy, so I do recommend the reader not get too complaisant. You just never know what’s right around the corner.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of A Date With Murder by Jon Land.
See more at fundinmental
Jessica loved it when Babs and Hal moved into town. They were a breath of fresh air and Babs quickly became a best friend. When Hal turns up dead at his anniversary/Labor Day party, Jessica gets one of her ‘feelings’…and we know where that is going, don’t we? She has a curiosity that has to be fed and will need some help on this one.
How can a small town like Cabot Cove be such a magnet for murder? Or are the murders drawn to Jessica Fletcher? If trouble doesn’t find her, does she go to it?
Her research takes her coast to coast as she searches for the answers.
I quickly surmised that ??? is the dastardly villain, but I am still eager to follow the path of the story and see where Jessica takes me. She is such a fun character, with some interesting friends and she gives the authorities a run for their money as she tries to solve the mystery herself.
I have been reading Murder She Wrote novels for a long time now, and I still watch the Murder She Wrote reruns to this day. That makes it so easy to visualize Jessica as she tools around town solving crime.
Jon, you did a great job with your first foray into Jessica Fletcher’s world. A Date With Murder had the timeless feel of the past novels I have read in the Murder, She Wrote series. Jessica is the same sassy character who recruits her friends to help her solve the mystery, getting them in trouble and putting them in danger, all while dodging the authorities. The mystery is more than a little cozy, so I do recommend the reader not get too complaisant. You just never know what’s right around the corner.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of A Date With Murder by Jon Land.
See more at fundinmental
July 19, 2018
This was a big disappointment. Jessica seemed nasty and bitter a lot of the time. I didn't like all the comments about the high number of murders in Cabot Cove when so many of the books and TV episodes took place outside of Cabot Cove. Jessica's complaining about her cell phone got annoying, as did all the self-deprecating thoughts about her being nosy and prying. The biggest clue as to this current author's lack of knowledge or proper research was the failure to mention George Sutherland, the Scotland Yard Inspector with whom Jessica has spent a lot of time and shown a romantic interest.
May 1, 2018
Labor Day in Cabot Cove, Maine, means the Wirth’s annual end of summer picnic, and Jessica Fletcher is there to enjoy the time with her friends. The party ends in tragedy, however, when Hal Wirth dies of a heart attack. Something feels off to Jessica about his death, and she starts looking for answers. When she is warned off and another body turns up, Jessica knows she must be on the right track. Can she prove it?
As big a fan of the show as I am, I have never picked up one of the tie in novels until now. I’m glad I finally did because I really enjoyed this book. The Cabot Cove episodes were always my favorite, and I enjoyed reconnecting with Mort and Seth as well as Jessica. They were all in fine form, and it was comforting to be in their presence again. The mystery was complex, with several surprises that kept me turning pages. Unfortunately, I did feel that the ending was short changed, leaving one major plot point unaddressed. Still, I’m glad I picked up this book overall.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As big a fan of the show as I am, I have never picked up one of the tie in novels until now. I’m glad I finally did because I really enjoyed this book. The Cabot Cove episodes were always my favorite, and I enjoyed reconnecting with Mort and Seth as well as Jessica. They were all in fine form, and it was comforting to be in their presence again. The mystery was complex, with several surprises that kept me turning pages. Unfortunately, I did feel that the ending was short changed, leaving one major plot point unaddressed. Still, I’m glad I picked up this book overall.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 14, 2020
2 disappointments:
The banter between Jess and Mort turned repetitive and downright snarky at times, not in keeping with their relationship. Enough with the repeated murder statistics of their small town. You don't need to beat a dead horse.
Lastly, and most insulting to readers was to ignore the well documented, long standing 'more than friendship' with upstanding George Southerland. Yes, she had dated since Frank, and fans will never forget that!!!
Aside from these serious issues, the writing was slightly improved with addition of Jon Land compared to previous few books.
(2020): to be fair, the author did a spot-on fantastic job in MSW: Murder of Twelve #51. Please read my review of that book in the series.
The banter between Jess and Mort turned repetitive and downright snarky at times, not in keeping with their relationship. Enough with the repeated murder statistics of their small town. You don't need to beat a dead horse.
Lastly, and most insulting to readers was to ignore the well documented, long standing 'more than friendship' with upstanding George Southerland. Yes, she had dated since Frank, and fans will never forget that!!!
Aside from these serious issues, the writing was slightly improved with addition of Jon Land compared to previous few books.
(2020): to be fair, the author did a spot-on fantastic job in MSW: Murder of Twelve #51. Please read my review of that book in the series.
September 8, 2021
Uno dei migliori gialli con protagonista Jessica.
Un suo caro amico, Hal, muore di infarto durante una festa. Sembra tutto molto banale, ma qualcosa non torna. Il fiuto di Jessica inizia a sentir puzza di bruciato, nonostante abbia tutti contro, compreso lo sceriffo Mort Metzger. Con l'aiuto del giovane hacker Chad, la nostra Jessica riuscirà addirittura a trovare uno schema con altri delitti apparentemente non connessi tra loro e a trovare l'insospettabile colpevole.
Un suo caro amico, Hal, muore di infarto durante una festa. Sembra tutto molto banale, ma qualcosa non torna. Il fiuto di Jessica inizia a sentir puzza di bruciato, nonostante abbia tutti contro, compreso lo sceriffo Mort Metzger. Con l'aiuto del giovane hacker Chad, la nostra Jessica riuscirà addirittura a trovare uno schema con altri delitti apparentemente non connessi tra loro e a trovare l'insospettabile colpevole.
November 12, 2022
When the TV show Murder, She Wrote first starting airing I was a big fan. I watched it for a number of years but somewhere along the line I stopped watching. I know I caught the final episode but beyond that I stopped watching for a few years. And I've not really tried to watch the series again now that it airs endlessly on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel.
I've never read any of the prose novels in this series either. But given that I'm a big fan of writer Jon Land (who takes over the writing of these books with this installment), I knew I had to give it a shot.
What I've found is that the quaint Cabot Cove is experiencing a sea change to the makeup and character of the town. It is not just a old time tourist town (and murder capital of the world too) anymore.
Jessica Fletcher has changed as well. She's reluctantly moved into modern day in terms of technology. But the same traits that governed her on TV are still in force. She has an insatiable desire to find out the truth when yet another death occurs at a party she's attending.
The fact that it was a close friend of hers only increases her need for justice. But as she tries to track down the killer (against the advice of her friends of course), she sets herself on a collision course with a killer who has done this type of thing before and has no problem with adding another name to the list.
The story still falls within the "cozy" genre, but I like the flourishes that are included in this story that give it a more realistic feeling. And the killer reveal (no pun intended) is actually quite dark when you think about it.
I think it is pretty easy to see that Jon Land has got a good story on his hands with 'A Date With Murder'. It captured my interest easily enough and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
I've never read any of the prose novels in this series either. But given that I'm a big fan of writer Jon Land (who takes over the writing of these books with this installment), I knew I had to give it a shot.
What I've found is that the quaint Cabot Cove is experiencing a sea change to the makeup and character of the town. It is not just a old time tourist town (and murder capital of the world too) anymore.
Jessica Fletcher has changed as well. She's reluctantly moved into modern day in terms of technology. But the same traits that governed her on TV are still in force. She has an insatiable desire to find out the truth when yet another death occurs at a party she's attending.
The fact that it was a close friend of hers only increases her need for justice. But as she tries to track down the killer (against the advice of her friends of course), she sets herself on a collision course with a killer who has done this type of thing before and has no problem with adding another name to the list.
The story still falls within the "cozy" genre, but I like the flourishes that are included in this story that give it a more realistic feeling. And the killer reveal (no pun intended) is actually quite dark when you think about it.
I think it is pretty easy to see that Jon Land has got a good story on his hands with 'A Date With Murder'. It captured my interest easily enough and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
June 9, 2018
I enjoy this series and have been reading them since the series started. This newest book lacked something. I realize there is a new author, Jon Land, and he needs to read some of the previous books in order to learn about the characters. Jessica had a serious relationship with George Sutherland which was a key element in some of the previous books. Mr. Land apparently has no knowledge of that. Also, it got very tiring hearing Cabot Cove referred to as the "murder capital of the world" and variations. And why is not having a flip phone such an important part of the story? Many of the conversations that Jessica had with her friends seemed stilted. I could go on but that's enough. The new author needs to do his homework and learn the back stories of these characters. Otherwise, the coziness of the series will be lost.
October 11, 2022
Chi non conosce la mitica Jessica Fletcher? Autrice di gialli best sellers e detective per vocazione? Da sempre innamorata di questo genere, non potevo esimerimi da leggere alcune delle sue avventure sempre intriganti e divertenti.
Durante la cena per il compleanno del marito di una delle sue migliori amiche, lo stesso festeggiato muore. Ma Jessica nota sin da subito alcune incongruenze e non crede alla morte naturale.
Iniziando ad indagare si apre uno scenario insolito: chat di incontri online che ben presto si scopre essere una truffa ai danni di imprenditori milionari che poi vengono uccisi. E naturalmente Jessica, coadiuvata da un insolito hacker, arriverà alla soluzione rischiando anche la pelle.
Non si può resistere a queste atmosfere, alla quieta Cabot Cove, ad una delle più amate investigatrici degli ultimi tempi.
Sagace, indomita e con un fiuto inimitabile per il delitto, Jessica Fletcher conquista i suoi lettori.
Per i fan della serie tv ritroviamo lo sceriffo Mort Metzger e il medico di famiglia che tutti vorremmo avere, ovvero Seth Hazlitt.
Un giallo che intrattiene e diverte.
"Mi resi conto che avevo trattenuto il fiato ed espirai lentamente....era ragionevole pensare che aveva portato con sé la documentazione... Eppure non c'è n'era traccia".
Durante la cena per il compleanno del marito di una delle sue migliori amiche, lo stesso festeggiato muore. Ma Jessica nota sin da subito alcune incongruenze e non crede alla morte naturale.
Iniziando ad indagare si apre uno scenario insolito: chat di incontri online che ben presto si scopre essere una truffa ai danni di imprenditori milionari che poi vengono uccisi. E naturalmente Jessica, coadiuvata da un insolito hacker, arriverà alla soluzione rischiando anche la pelle.
Non si può resistere a queste atmosfere, alla quieta Cabot Cove, ad una delle più amate investigatrici degli ultimi tempi.
Sagace, indomita e con un fiuto inimitabile per il delitto, Jessica Fletcher conquista i suoi lettori.
Per i fan della serie tv ritroviamo lo sceriffo Mort Metzger e il medico di famiglia che tutti vorremmo avere, ovvero Seth Hazlitt.
Un giallo che intrattiene e diverte.
"Mi resi conto che avevo trattenuto il fiato ed espirai lentamente....era ragionevole pensare che aveva portato con sé la documentazione... Eppure non c'è n'era traccia".
July 19, 2018
This is such a hard book to rate. I love these books and I do believe Jessica can be involved in any type of murder. Whether cozy, thriller, police, magical, and horror Jessica has done it to some level on tv or in the books. Donald Bain who sadly passed away created a wonderful 46 book series that we love. Yet even he had trouble in the first couple of books getting the characters and interactions right. Additional you could see Bain tried in the last few books to step out of cozy and try something different.
What I had trouble with was that you can tell Jon Land has research to do. Characters like George and the car service she frequently used are no mentioned. All of the sudden Jessica is using modern apps like Uber yet keeps acting like she hates technology. Seth and Mort’s jobs and abilities have changed. Jessica isn’t Jessica as we know and love. Her interactions aren’t the same.
The mystery was not a standard MSW. Like I said earlier Jessica can do anything but this plot was a bit too much with a simple answer that was too easy. It was clear this person was involved yet Jessica missed easy signs that I don’t think she would have missed..
I was going to give this 3 stars but the ending was so bad that I knocked it down a star. I’ll try another book or two but really is it so hard to find a cozy mystery author who knows and loves the series? Who can give the reads what they want, and add a new spin that’s acceptable? I think it could be done.
What I had trouble with was that you can tell Jon Land has research to do. Characters like George and the car service she frequently used are no mentioned. All of the sudden Jessica is using modern apps like Uber yet keeps acting like she hates technology. Seth and Mort’s jobs and abilities have changed. Jessica isn’t Jessica as we know and love. Her interactions aren’t the same.
The mystery was not a standard MSW. Like I said earlier Jessica can do anything but this plot was a bit too much with a simple answer that was too easy. It was clear this person was involved yet Jessica missed easy signs that I don’t think she would have missed..
I was going to give this 3 stars but the ending was so bad that I knocked it down a star. I’ll try another book or two but really is it so hard to find a cozy mystery author who knows and loves the series? Who can give the reads what they want, and add a new spin that’s acceptable? I think it could be done.
June 30, 2018
Why oh why can’t these writers and editors watch the frigging show? Or read the previous books in this series? It’s kind of embarrassing. For instance, Jessica only began writing books after Frank died—as a lark, so, no, her output didn’t double or triple after his death; and she has dated since becoming a widow—that date has appeared or been mentioned in a ton of Bain’s stories.
Still hits that mindless cosy mystery button as the show, though.
Still hits that mindless cosy mystery button as the show, though.
October 4, 2018
This whole book is weird and off and awful but I'm chalking it up to growing pains with a new ghost writer. These books are my guilty pleasure so I'll definitley be checking out the next one and hoping to see some improvements. I'm sure it must be hard to step into another writer's shoes, especially one that was beloved by Murder, She Wrote fans.
May 10, 2018
I love these books but I have no idea why the authors opted to ignore Jessica's relationship with Chief Inspector George Sutherland. He could've easily been part of the narrative.
March 28, 2019
Not my favorite Murder She Wrote. With a different author and narrator, the story seemed to lose some essential piece of Jessica.
June 22, 2018
A Date with Murder, with Jessica Fletcher isn't about the wholesome and winsome murder/mystery writer / detective from Cabot Cove who writes and solves mysteries and helps people. First, there's Cabot Cove. Cabot Cove used to be pictured as a pristine and idyllic haven/refuge, where with the sun, sea, and good food, people can rest, read, write, and be innocent. That Cabot Cove in this book is replaced with Mort and Jessica calling it Murder Capital of the world; like Cabot Cove is a downtown city. Even Jessica wonders where the old innocent and pristine Cabot Cove went. Second, the conversation between Mort and Jessica; biting, hard. Third, the conversations between Jessica and the doctor, Seth. Very tense, hard. Finally, there's Jessica's dating. the old jessica character would never have allowed herself to be used as a pawn on a cyber dating site. In short, from Cabot Cove being an idyllic, even bucolic setting, this book shows it as one with murder, mayhem and all sorts of big city problems.
November 27, 2021
Non ho apprezzato questa Cabot Cove moderna
May 29, 2020
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I originally gave this book a 3-star rating, but, upon further reflection, reduced it to 2.5 stars.
It started out kind of like the familiar Murder, She Wrote books that I love with Jessica trying to help out a good friend whose husband died very suddenly and unexpectedly. But, as the story progressed, it morphed into the darker, thriller-like read that "Manuscript for Murder" ended up being and which I disliked very much.
Again, Jessica changed from the smart, classy, lady-like person she always had been in the previous books to a virtual stranger who withheld information from her good friend, Mort, encouraged and involved other people in illegal activities, and intentionally placed herself in grave danger. Definitely not the Jessica I'm used to.
She and Mort have always had a lot of respect and liking for each other, but, this time around, their interactions bordered on rude, insulting and bitter. The warmth and humour they had always displayed before was sadly missing. Mort did not even affectionately call her Mrs. F as he usually did in the previous books.
And, what is with Jessica being so out-of-touch and down on technology? She is a well-traveled, sophisticated and intelligent woman who has visited many regions of the world. It's not like she is a country bumpkin living in a small, backwoods hamlet with little or no access to technology. The number of times she lamented the loss of her old flip phone became very annoying after awhile. I can understand her lack of knowledge about the Dark Web and hacking, but not some of the more basic aspects. After all, she supposedly does a lot of research for her books, so she should have at least a rudimentary knowledge of technology and the Internet.
I just wish Mr. Land had done a bit more research himself on the Murder, She Wrote world before taking over the series. That way, he would have known about Jessica's long-standing relationship with the charming George Sutherland. I can understand in a way that the new author wants to put his own personal touch and spin on the books, but he seems to be taking Jessica and the Cabot Cove gang in an entirely different and, in my opinion, very disappointing direction. I have two more books in the series, which I hope I will enjoy better than these last two. If not, I may have to abandon my favourite cozy mystery series after so many years of living and loving Jessica Fletcher's world. :-(
I originally gave this book a 3-star rating, but, upon further reflection, reduced it to 2.5 stars.
It started out kind of like the familiar Murder, She Wrote books that I love with Jessica trying to help out a good friend whose husband died very suddenly and unexpectedly. But, as the story progressed, it morphed into the darker, thriller-like read that "Manuscript for Murder" ended up being and which I disliked very much.
Again, Jessica changed from the smart, classy, lady-like person she always had been in the previous books to a virtual stranger who withheld information from her good friend, Mort, encouraged and involved other people in illegal activities, and intentionally placed herself in grave danger. Definitely not the Jessica I'm used to.
She and Mort have always had a lot of respect and liking for each other, but, this time around, their interactions bordered on rude, insulting and bitter. The warmth and humour they had always displayed before was sadly missing. Mort did not even affectionately call her Mrs. F as he usually did in the previous books.
And, what is with Jessica being so out-of-touch and down on technology? She is a well-traveled, sophisticated and intelligent woman who has visited many regions of the world. It's not like she is a country bumpkin living in a small, backwoods hamlet with little or no access to technology. The number of times she lamented the loss of her old flip phone became very annoying after awhile. I can understand her lack of knowledge about the Dark Web and hacking, but not some of the more basic aspects. After all, she supposedly does a lot of research for her books, so she should have at least a rudimentary knowledge of technology and the Internet.
I just wish Mr. Land had done a bit more research himself on the Murder, She Wrote world before taking over the series. That way, he would have known about Jessica's long-standing relationship with the charming George Sutherland. I can understand in a way that the new author wants to put his own personal touch and spin on the books, but he seems to be taking Jessica and the Cabot Cove gang in an entirely different and, in my opinion, very disappointing direction. I have two more books in the series, which I hope I will enjoy better than these last two. If not, I may have to abandon my favourite cozy mystery series after so many years of living and loving Jessica Fletcher's world. :-(
October 14, 2019
This book was a major disappointment. If the new writer had changed the names of Jessica, Seth and Mort, I wouldn’t have imagined this was actually a Murder She Wrote book. His entirely different character portrayals made the book so unlike the original series. Bring bank the characters we have all grown to love over the years. I think I own every book since Donald Baines originally started the series. The new author doesn’t bring excitement to the new series that the old one did, nor the loyalty. The book gives the impression that Jon Land never read the original books therefore he doesn’t know of which he writes! Unless he is deliberately trying to make Jessica more modern to which I give a thumbs down. 👎
July 18, 2018
Jessica e la tecnologia. Un unico piccolo appunto: si ribadisce più volte che Jessica non ha più avuto appuntamenti galanti dopo la morte del marito Frank. E l'affascinante ispettore inglese George Sutherland? Mi sorge il dubbio che il co-autore che ha aiutato Donald Bain a scrivere questo libro non sia ben documentato.
January 1, 2019
so many other reviewers already covered all of the issues with this book. The discrepancies are throughout and the characters are all out of character to say the least. Don't bother with it. Spoiler alert, I foolishly bought the next book in the series at the same time and it gets worse.
October 16, 2019
I love this series of books and have read them all up to this one. This one did feel different from the ones written by the late Donald Bain. Jon Land did make one glaring mistake---he wrote that Jessica had not dated since Frank's death when in fact several previous books mentioned her relationship with George Sutherland. This story is also feels different from previous ones with the emphasis on the internet and how people's data can be stolen. I thought the story was well written with the exception of a couple of story mistakes Jon Land made as previously mentioned. In this one, Jessica is at her friend Babs Wirth's Labor Day party when Babs's husband, Hal, dies with an apparent heart attack but later changed to murder. Jessica finds out that someone stole all of Hal's money leaving her friend and her daughter broke. She goes on a quest to find Hal's murderer and uncovers a wide spread scam connected to a dating site.
October 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this mystery. It drew me in and held my attention to the very end! I've watched the tv series many times, it airs on one of the retro channels and I've enjoyed the tv series, but I think the book is better. At least this book was. The book has more suspense in it. There were a few surprises and the plot was good. I enjoyed getting to know the characters who live, work, and play in Cabot Cove. Babs and her daughter Alyssa though grieving, showed strength and a desire and determination to discover what happened to Hal. Alyssa, even when she heard negative things about her dad, she held it together, helping in any way she could. Chad, Alyssa's boyfriend, is incredibly intelligent was very helpful in his attempts to solve the puzzle. He loved Alyssa very much.
There were several things about Jessica I didn't know. Most of us know, Jessica Fletcher is a widow. Her deceased husband was an Air Force Captain and a war hero! I didn't know that. Jessica doesn't have a driver's license. She doesn't know how to drive. But, she does have a pilot's license. I thought that was interesting. I recommend this book and hope to read more in the future. 4.5 stars!
There were several things about Jessica I didn't know. Most of us know, Jessica Fletcher is a widow. Her deceased husband was an Air Force Captain and a war hero! I didn't know that. Jessica doesn't have a driver's license. She doesn't know how to drive. But, she does have a pilot's license. I thought that was interesting. I recommend this book and hope to read more in the future. 4.5 stars!
May 2, 2019
As a fan of the show I liked this book. Seth, Mort, and Eve from good old Cabot Cove appear in the book. Even her old friend Harry comes in to help. In this one Jessica is trying to find out who killed her friend Bab's (Yep a grown woman has that name.) husband. The problem is people aren't who they say they are, and suspects keep being murdered. There aren't a lot of clues to point you to whodunit. In fact you have to pay attention to the beginning of the book to even remember who it is. But besides that, I would say anyone would enjoy it. Fan of the show or not. It will defin6have you thinking a whole lot more about whether the internet sometimes is all that grand.
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