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Tallie Graver Mystery #2
Grounds for Remorse
A “down-to-earth heroine” juggles working at her family’s funeral home and digging for clues to the murder of her best friend’s ex ( Kirkus Reviews ).
Best friends Tallie Graver and Gina Laudermilch both seem to spend a lot of time around urns. For Tallie, they’re part and parcel of the family business, Graver’s Funeral Home. Even though she’s traded ashes for dusting with her own cleaning business, she still works part-time for her folks and lives above the funeral parlor. But for Gina, they’re the vessels that contain her heavenly brew at her coffee shop, Bean There, Done That. And both women are learning that owning a business can make finding time for romance challenging.
But when Gina’s new beau turns out to have a wife, who barges into the coffee shop to take him home, she can’t contain her bitterness and loudly threatens to poison his cup or boil him in a vat of coffee. So when Mr. Wrong turns up dead at the bottom of a staircase inside Gina’s locked home, she finds herself at the top of the police’s suspect list. Tallie needs to sweep in to save her friend. But she’ll need to watch her step, or she may go from being a funeral home employee to becoming their next client . . .
“An amusing new series with an engaging, spirited sleuth.” — Library Journal
Best friends Tallie Graver and Gina Laudermilch both seem to spend a lot of time around urns. For Tallie, they’re part and parcel of the family business, Graver’s Funeral Home. Even though she’s traded ashes for dusting with her own cleaning business, she still works part-time for her folks and lives above the funeral parlor. But for Gina, they’re the vessels that contain her heavenly brew at her coffee shop, Bean There, Done That. And both women are learning that owning a business can make finding time for romance challenging.
But when Gina’s new beau turns out to have a wife, who barges into the coffee shop to take him home, she can’t contain her bitterness and loudly threatens to poison his cup or boil him in a vat of coffee. So when Mr. Wrong turns up dead at the bottom of a staircase inside Gina’s locked home, she finds herself at the top of the police’s suspect list. Tallie needs to sweep in to save her friend. But she’ll need to watch her step, or she may go from being a funeral home employee to becoming their next client . . .
“An amusing new series with an engaging, spirited sleuth.” — Library Journal
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 29, 2018
56 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 28, 2018
Grounds for Remorse by Misty Simon is the second book of the cozy A Tallie Graver Mystery series. Tallie is a divorcee who is living in an apartment above her families business of a funeral parlor working part time for the family and trying to get her own cleaning business up and running.
Tallie’s best friend, Gina, runs a coffee shop across the street from Graver’s Funeral Home. Gina was about to head out on a date with a man that she thought just might be the one after numerous attempts at online dating when a woman walks into the shop claiming to be his wife.
After Gina runs them off threatening bodily harm to the lying excuse for a man Tallie is of course there for her friend helping to lock up after she’s cried out. The next thing Tallie knows however is the police at her friend’s and Gina being taken into custody when her date ends up dead at the bottom of her stairs.
Grounds for Remorse is another solid addition to this series that is good for a few laughs, a little romance and an interesting mystery to be solved. Tallie has a unique way of getting close to get answers to her questions not only by being behind the scenes at the funeral but also cleaning her clients homes. With Tallie again digging up suspects and suspicion the story was another fun one to follow and I’ll definitely look forward to book three of the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Tallie’s best friend, Gina, runs a coffee shop across the street from Graver’s Funeral Home. Gina was about to head out on a date with a man that she thought just might be the one after numerous attempts at online dating when a woman walks into the shop claiming to be his wife.
After Gina runs them off threatening bodily harm to the lying excuse for a man Tallie is of course there for her friend helping to lock up after she’s cried out. The next thing Tallie knows however is the police at her friend’s and Gina being taken into custody when her date ends up dead at the bottom of her stairs.
Grounds for Remorse is another solid addition to this series that is good for a few laughs, a little romance and an interesting mystery to be solved. Tallie has a unique way of getting close to get answers to her questions not only by being behind the scenes at the funeral but also cleaning her clients homes. With Tallie again digging up suspects and suspicion the story was another fun one to follow and I’ll definitely look forward to book three of the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 28, 2018
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Grounds for Remorse is the second book in the Tallie Graver mystery series. Overall, I really liked this one. I read it in one sitting and found myself to be entranced in the story. I think the author is getting better and better as the series progresses as well because I did like it better then the first one. Will I be continuing the series based off this one? Yes, I will. I am really excited for the next one which will be releasing in September.
For those who are interested in the series but haven't read the first book, its about an amateur sleuth who works as both a cleaning lady and a funeral parlor assistant. This is initially what caught my attention when it comes to the books as I haven't read anything like it before. In this installment, Tallie is trying to clear her best friends name when she is accused of murdering the slime ball she was dating- he was also married an dating quite a few other women at the time. Romance continues from the previous story as well, so if you like a bit of it added into your cozies then you won't be disappointed here.
With that, this is another good installment of the series and I look forward to getting to know Tallie better in the coming books. I would definitely recommend it to those who have read the first book in the series and for those who are looking for a quick and easy cozy to read. Just remember, this is the second book and the first one must be read first.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Grounds for Remorse is the second book in the Tallie Graver mystery series. Overall, I really liked this one. I read it in one sitting and found myself to be entranced in the story. I think the author is getting better and better as the series progresses as well because I did like it better then the first one. Will I be continuing the series based off this one? Yes, I will. I am really excited for the next one which will be releasing in September.
For those who are interested in the series but haven't read the first book, its about an amateur sleuth who works as both a cleaning lady and a funeral parlor assistant. This is initially what caught my attention when it comes to the books as I haven't read anything like it before. In this installment, Tallie is trying to clear her best friends name when she is accused of murdering the slime ball she was dating- he was also married an dating quite a few other women at the time. Romance continues from the previous story as well, so if you like a bit of it added into your cozies then you won't be disappointed here.
With that, this is another good installment of the series and I look forward to getting to know Tallie better in the coming books. I would definitely recommend it to those who have read the first book in the series and for those who are looking for a quick and easy cozy to read. Just remember, this is the second book and the first one must be read first.
June 20, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Gina Laudermilch is head over heels about her new boyfriend, sharing with best friend, Tallie Graver, he may be the one. Then the man’s wife shows up at her coffee shop to stake her claim and take the man home. But Mr. So Wrong doesn’t back down and still tries to see Gina even though she has threatened to “boil him in a vat of coffee”, he actually shows up at her door with flowers Max gets caught in the crossfire. Then the next day Gina finds the man at the bottom of her staircase dead behind a locked door she also finds herself the prime suspect. Tallie is ready to do anything to clear her friend’s name even going toe to toe with those high on her suspect list and against the police’s warnings to leave the case to them.
I really enjoyed this 2nd installment to this series because there was always something happening and the book had an excellent flow. Tallie’s boyfriend has come for a visit and gets totally involved in everything Tallie does from going to help her clean houses, helping out at the family funeral home, to investigating the murder of Casanova Craig. He truly is a special man and they make a great couple.
Tallie’s family continues to make me laugh. All the recurring characters continue to develop in meaningful ways. Tallie’s father is very serious about his business and its image and her mother butts into Tallie’s life as any normal mother would, okay she does get a little much at times but you have to love her for it. I just wish they would give Tallie a little more leeway and let her come into her own. Hopefully, that will happen soon. A new relationship is blooming between two characters as well that I find delightful even though it was also a complete surprise.
Ms. Simon also introduces some interesting characters for this story and puts them into some unique situations. Turns out Craig is a chronic cheater that opened the door to a vast number of suspects. There were plenty of twists and turns and while I thought I had everything all figured out before the big reveal I was only partially right. There was one last twist I didn’t see coming.
Grounds For Remorse is a well-crafted mystery with characters that are becoming more engaging as the series continues. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Deceased and Desist is waiting on my To-Be-Read stack.
Gina Laudermilch is head over heels about her new boyfriend, sharing with best friend, Tallie Graver, he may be the one. Then the man’s wife shows up at her coffee shop to stake her claim and take the man home. But Mr. So Wrong doesn’t back down and still tries to see Gina even though she has threatened to “boil him in a vat of coffee”, he actually shows up at her door with flowers Max gets caught in the crossfire. Then the next day Gina finds the man at the bottom of her staircase dead behind a locked door she also finds herself the prime suspect. Tallie is ready to do anything to clear her friend’s name even going toe to toe with those high on her suspect list and against the police’s warnings to leave the case to them.
I really enjoyed this 2nd installment to this series because there was always something happening and the book had an excellent flow. Tallie’s boyfriend has come for a visit and gets totally involved in everything Tallie does from going to help her clean houses, helping out at the family funeral home, to investigating the murder of Casanova Craig. He truly is a special man and they make a great couple.
Tallie’s family continues to make me laugh. All the recurring characters continue to develop in meaningful ways. Tallie’s father is very serious about his business and its image and her mother butts into Tallie’s life as any normal mother would, okay she does get a little much at times but you have to love her for it. I just wish they would give Tallie a little more leeway and let her come into her own. Hopefully, that will happen soon. A new relationship is blooming between two characters as well that I find delightful even though it was also a complete surprise.
Ms. Simon also introduces some interesting characters for this story and puts them into some unique situations. Turns out Craig is a chronic cheater that opened the door to a vast number of suspects. There were plenty of twists and turns and while I thought I had everything all figured out before the big reveal I was only partially right. There was one last twist I didn’t see coming.
Grounds For Remorse is a well-crafted mystery with characters that are becoming more engaging as the series continues. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Deceased and Desist is waiting on my To-Be-Read stack.
May 14, 2018
Synopsis:
No more cheating . . .
Best friends Tallie Graver and Gina Laudermilch both seem to spend a lot of time around urns. For Tallie, they're part and parcel of the family business, Graver's Funeral Home. Even though she's traded ashes for dusting with her own cleaning business, she still works part-time for her folks and lives above the funeral parlor. For Gina, they're the vessels that contain her heavenly brew at her coffee shop, Bean There, Done That. And both women are learning that owning a business can make finding time for romance challenging.
But when Gina's new beau turns out to have a wife, who barges into the coffee shop to take him home, she can't contain her bitterness and loudly threatens to poison his cup or boil him in vat of coffee. So when Mr. Wrong turns up dead at the bottom of a staircase inside Gina's locked home, she finds herself at the top of the police's suspect list. Tallie needs to sweep in to save her friend. But she'll need to watch her step, or she may go from being a funeral home employee to becoming their next client . . .(Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really liked the friendship between Tallie and Gina, you can tell that they are besties. When Gina is a suspect in the murder of a guy she was dating, Tallie will do anything to clear Gina’s name. If I ever get accused of murder, I want Tallie in my corner!!!!!!
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. Throw in some red herrings and twists and turns and you have a mystery that is not easy to solve.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. This is the second book in this series, and the second one that I have read, and I enjoyed them both.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
No more cheating . . .
Best friends Tallie Graver and Gina Laudermilch both seem to spend a lot of time around urns. For Tallie, they're part and parcel of the family business, Graver's Funeral Home. Even though she's traded ashes for dusting with her own cleaning business, she still works part-time for her folks and lives above the funeral parlor. For Gina, they're the vessels that contain her heavenly brew at her coffee shop, Bean There, Done That. And both women are learning that owning a business can make finding time for romance challenging.
But when Gina's new beau turns out to have a wife, who barges into the coffee shop to take him home, she can't contain her bitterness and loudly threatens to poison his cup or boil him in vat of coffee. So when Mr. Wrong turns up dead at the bottom of a staircase inside Gina's locked home, she finds herself at the top of the police's suspect list. Tallie needs to sweep in to save her friend. But she'll need to watch her step, or she may go from being a funeral home employee to becoming their next client . . .(Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really liked the friendship between Tallie and Gina, you can tell that they are besties. When Gina is a suspect in the murder of a guy she was dating, Tallie will do anything to clear Gina’s name. If I ever get accused of murder, I want Tallie in my corner!!!!!!
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. Throw in some red herrings and twists and turns and you have a mystery that is not easy to solve.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. This is the second book in this series, and the second one that I have read, and I enjoyed them both.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
May 10, 2018
Another great addition to this series! Tallie is settling into her life in her hometown cleaning homes and living over her parents funeral home. Her best friend Gina thinks she has found the perfect man, but when his wife shows up at the coffeeshop things turn sour. It becomes even more rotten when he is found dead at the bottom of Gina's stairs the next morning.
With lots of red herrings in this one it keeps you guessing as to who did the snake in.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
With lots of red herrings in this one it keeps you guessing as to who did the snake in.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
April 23, 2018
I enjoyed the first book in his series so when the second book was available from Netgalley I decided to give it a read. Unfortunately, I found this second book to be a bit disappointing in terms of the characters. I thought Tallie was flat and Gina was more whiny than I remembered from the first book. Even Max and Tallie's relationship felt off. I thought the mystery was solid, with plenty of suspects, twists and turns. For me, it was the mystery that saved the book. I was surprised by the outcome and the identity of the culprits. I'm not sure if I will continue with this series.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to be by the publisher through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to be by the publisher through Netgalley.
May 3, 2019
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 recorded.
This was an ok read. It should have been quick and easy but due to outside influences it took me 11 days to read this. I do blame that very slightly on the book because I did have trouble staying interested in the story. (The majority of the issue was me personally -. I freely admit that). I thought that nothing of much significance ever really happened. The main character just blindly walks into solving a mystery that wasn't even difficult to figure out. So -- certainly not as interesting as the first book. Also, the author still chose the backdrop of the story to take place primarily at the coffee shop the best friend owns. I think that's such a missed opportunity. It's boring -- been used lots of times in cozy mysteries. The main character lives above a funeral home her family runs. Why is the author not pushing that angle? At this point I'm not sure I'll continue with this series. I do still for the most part like the characters so we'll see. Unfortunately, I do know I will not go out of my way to seek out installment three.
3*(3.5*)/4.01*
This was an ok read. It should have been quick and easy but due to outside influences it took me 11 days to read this. I do blame that very slightly on the book because I did have trouble staying interested in the story. (The majority of the issue was me personally -. I freely admit that). I thought that nothing of much significance ever really happened. The main character just blindly walks into solving a mystery that wasn't even difficult to figure out. So -- certainly not as interesting as the first book. Also, the author still chose the backdrop of the story to take place primarily at the coffee shop the best friend owns. I think that's such a missed opportunity. It's boring -- been used lots of times in cozy mysteries. The main character lives above a funeral home her family runs. Why is the author not pushing that angle? At this point I'm not sure I'll continue with this series. I do still for the most part like the characters so we'll see. Unfortunately, I do know I will not go out of my way to seek out installment three.
3*(3.5*)/4.01*
April 23, 2018
Tallie Graver is suspicious. Her best friend, Gina, has a new boyfriend and Tallie has her concerns – which turn out to be well-founded when the guy’s wife shows up to ruin the date. Gina’s night goes from bad to worse when the cheater is found dead at the bottom of her stairs with no alibi. Tallie’s boyfriend is visiting from DC, but her best friend comes first in this equation, so the couple sets out together to try to solve this mystery together as a soap opera plays out in real life at the funeral.
I really enjoy this series by Misty Simon. This is the second in the series (the third will be Deceased and Desist, so put it on your reading lists now). Tallie is a hoot and I love her interactions with her friends and family. The first half of the book was perfect, but after that there were a few sections where I just wanted to get to the point so I had to knock a star off. I was partially right on the killer but had no idea why they did it, so it’s fun to keep guessing. Another enjoyable read.
I really enjoy this series by Misty Simon. This is the second in the series (the third will be Deceased and Desist, so put it on your reading lists now). Tallie is a hoot and I love her interactions with her friends and family. The first half of the book was perfect, but after that there were a few sections where I just wanted to get to the point so I had to knock a star off. I was partially right on the killer but had no idea why they did it, so it’s fun to keep guessing. Another enjoyable read.
June 1, 2018
Grounds for Remorse by Misty Simon is the 2nd book in A Tallie Graver Mystery series, and another fun book. Tallulah, Tallie, Graver returned home to the family business the Garver Funeral Home, but she also cleans houses since her divorce left her broke. When she finds a dead body and weird things start happening around her, she is determined to get to the bottom. I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, I recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 16, 2020
Grounds for Remorse by Misty Simon is the second book in the Tallie Graver Mystery series and I LOVED it !!
Tallie Gravers is a very busy woman. She is trying to rebuild her life after her marriage fell apart. She is also trying to rebuild friendships that she damaged while she was a snob in her married life. She is living on the thrid floor of the family business, Graver's Funeral Home, working for the family business part time as well as running her own cleaning business. She is cleaning houses for the rich people that she thought were friends during her marriage. And she has reconnected with Max, a childhood friend of her brother and they are taking it to the next level.
Max lives 3 hours away currently but in Grounds for Remorse he is back in town for a 10 day vacation. Max and Tallie are looking forward to spending time together. Unfortunately when Gina, Tallie's best friend ends up in trouble, they drop everything to help her. Gina had been seeing Craig who is a guy that she thought was amazing....until his wife storms into the cafe and practically drags him out !! Early the next morning when Gina is heading downstairs to open up the cafe, she stumbles across Craig's body. Things do not look good for Gina seeing as the staircase that he is found in is locked and only she could have let him in. She was also overheard by everyone in the cafe threatening what she would do to him if she saw him again and it wasn't pretty !!!
Tallie and Max put their alone time aside to help prove Gina's innocence. Unfortunately doing that may be impossible when they find out Craig had 2 wives, numerous girlfriends and possibly one of them is pregnant.
Readers cannot help but fall in love with everything about this series. You cannot help but love the relationship and tension between Tallie and Chief of Police James Burton. The family dynamic, business and relationships will tug on your heartstrings....especially the growing relationship between Tallie and Max. The way that Tallie puts herself out there and in the middle of the investigations and how she helps solves the murders will keep you turning the pages and looking forward to the next installment in this series. I know I cannot wait to open up Deceased and Desist to see what trouble Tallie gets into......
Tallie Gravers is a very busy woman. She is trying to rebuild her life after her marriage fell apart. She is also trying to rebuild friendships that she damaged while she was a snob in her married life. She is living on the thrid floor of the family business, Graver's Funeral Home, working for the family business part time as well as running her own cleaning business. She is cleaning houses for the rich people that she thought were friends during her marriage. And she has reconnected with Max, a childhood friend of her brother and they are taking it to the next level.
Max lives 3 hours away currently but in Grounds for Remorse he is back in town for a 10 day vacation. Max and Tallie are looking forward to spending time together. Unfortunately when Gina, Tallie's best friend ends up in trouble, they drop everything to help her. Gina had been seeing Craig who is a guy that she thought was amazing....until his wife storms into the cafe and practically drags him out !! Early the next morning when Gina is heading downstairs to open up the cafe, she stumbles across Craig's body. Things do not look good for Gina seeing as the staircase that he is found in is locked and only she could have let him in. She was also overheard by everyone in the cafe threatening what she would do to him if she saw him again and it wasn't pretty !!!
Tallie and Max put their alone time aside to help prove Gina's innocence. Unfortunately doing that may be impossible when they find out Craig had 2 wives, numerous girlfriends and possibly one of them is pregnant.
Readers cannot help but fall in love with everything about this series. You cannot help but love the relationship and tension between Tallie and Chief of Police James Burton. The family dynamic, business and relationships will tug on your heartstrings....especially the growing relationship between Tallie and Max. The way that Tallie puts herself out there and in the middle of the investigations and how she helps solves the murders will keep you turning the pages and looking forward to the next installment in this series. I know I cannot wait to open up Deceased and Desist to see what trouble Tallie gets into......
May 9, 2018
Grounds for Remorse by Misty Simon is a deadly chase for a woman sleuth, Tallie. Tallie's best friend is dating a man that seems too good to be true. Just when they should be heading out for a date, a wife comes in cursing at Tallie's bff. Gina swore to kill her latest if he does not stay away from her. Turns out that a lot of people overheard. Next thing they know, he ends up dead in Gina's place. From there Gina is a top suspect. But Tallie knows her friend did not do it. That left questions of who did it and why he or she would frame Gina.
Tallie is a strong woman dependent woman who left her previous ex. Both she and her friend Gina start dating again. Only Gina's date seems to be more than what he appears to be. Tallie is dating a decent man, Max. Max is easy to love. He is perfect for Tallie. Max is a complete gentleman around Tallie and makes her happy. Tallie works for her family's funeral home yet she has a thing for solving a crime and getting into deadly situations. The police, like Burton do not want to see Tallie in a long time. She's always getting herself into trouble. Her boyfriend, Max, agrees. This made me laugh.
Tallie wants everyone she cares about to be happy and safe. Yet it appears all she gets is yelled at for placing herself into danger. She swears she won't get involved again...but usually, when that is said, it seems trouble will always find Tallie no matter what she says. I can already feel it brewing.
Gorunds for Remorse was fun, addictive, and charming. It had enough suspense to keep me guessing. The characters were quirky and realistic. I felt like I was there and could see these things happening for real. Trouble, mischief, and death can be found inside this book. I was thoroughly entertained. The promise of another book featuring Tallie, Gina, and Max is exciting. I cannot wait to read the next grand adventure. Misty Simon has caught my full attention and will be keeping it glued for her next book in this, A Tallie Graver Mystery, series.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Tallie is a strong woman dependent woman who left her previous ex. Both she and her friend Gina start dating again. Only Gina's date seems to be more than what he appears to be. Tallie is dating a decent man, Max. Max is easy to love. He is perfect for Tallie. Max is a complete gentleman around Tallie and makes her happy. Tallie works for her family's funeral home yet she has a thing for solving a crime and getting into deadly situations. The police, like Burton do not want to see Tallie in a long time. She's always getting herself into trouble. Her boyfriend, Max, agrees. This made me laugh.
Tallie wants everyone she cares about to be happy and safe. Yet it appears all she gets is yelled at for placing herself into danger. She swears she won't get involved again...but usually, when that is said, it seems trouble will always find Tallie no matter what she says. I can already feel it brewing.
Gorunds for Remorse was fun, addictive, and charming. It had enough suspense to keep me guessing. The characters were quirky and realistic. I felt like I was there and could see these things happening for real. Trouble, mischief, and death can be found inside this book. I was thoroughly entertained. The promise of another book featuring Tallie, Gina, and Max is exciting. I cannot wait to read the next grand adventure. Misty Simon has caught my full attention and will be keeping it glued for her next book in this, A Tallie Graver Mystery, series.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 5, 2018
We all need a friend like Tallie Graver. She's like a pitbull to solve the mystery...this time she needs to clear her friend Gina of a murder rap. Gina met who she thought was Mr Right and he obviously was not...someone else thought the same thing and he ended up dead at the foot of her stairs in her coffee shop. Now Tallie must butt heads and do the opposite of what law enforcement wants her to do which is to keep her nose out of his crime scene. But Katie can't rest until she and her merry band of reluctant helpers (boyfriend, brother, uncle) discover what really happened to Casanova Craig. I received this story in exchange for my honest thoughts.
April 23, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. When I read the first book, what got me was the unique setting. This second installment is just as unique and fun as the first. The characters are fun and relatable, the story line was actually not too far off from what could very well be someones reality. Overall, a fun read and a great mystery.
June 14, 2018
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
A little bit of a slow start, but once it picked up it did not slow down. There were a couple of parts that bordered on risqué for a cozy. The mystery was interesting, although I felt it could have had the motive explained a little better.
A little bit of a slow start, but once it picked up it did not slow down. There were a couple of parts that bordered on risqué for a cozy. The mystery was interesting, although I felt it could have had the motive explained a little better.
December 9, 2024
Tallie Graver is up to eyeballs in mystery this time with to many suspects and one very dead cheater. However, she is determined to help her best friend get cleared of the murder. Even when she knows it will aggravate the chief of police.
May 6, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this book was a fun and entertaining cozy mystery.
It is the 2nd in the series and I was lucky enough to have read the 1st book in the series.
The author’s writing and character development have improved a lot since the 1st book.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I thought this book was a fun and entertaining cozy mystery.
It is the 2nd in the series and I was lucky enough to have read the 1st book in the series.
The author’s writing and character development have improved a lot since the 1st book.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
August 8, 2019
Tallie Graver lives above her family's funeral home and works there part-time while also running her own cleaning service. Today though, she's helping at her friend Gina's coffee shop across the street while Gina is getting ready to go on a date. Tallie knows that Gina's new boyfriend Craig Johnson is attractive enough and attentive enough, but she still feels there's something "off" about him. Gina's mother Shirley feels the same way, but neither are mentioning it.
Gina seems all happy smiles when she talks with Craig, but that happiness is short-lived. A woman comes in screaming and attacks Gina for seeing her husband - who happens to be Craig. Gina, who had no idea, starts screaming herself and making threats toward Craig. After he leaves with his wife, Gina is rightfully incensed.
Tallie's boyfriend Max is also visiting from D.C., which is three hours away. They have ten whole days together, and Tallie's happy as a clam. But that doesn't last long when she tells him to meet her at Gina's, and he does - after he's had a vase of flowers thrown at him and slugged in the jaw. It turns out Craig just isn't going to give up, regardless of Gina never wanting to see him again.
But she does...at the bottom of her stairwell, dead. And while Tallie is told in no uncertain terms to leave it alone, she's not going to, especially when Gina is suspect number one, and the widow is determined to see her jailed. Now Tallie's out to find a killer, but it's not easy when it turns out Craig had more than one secret...so which one got him killed and by whom?
First, I have to say this (and get the negative stuff out of the way): I'll never understand why women go after the 'other woman' instead of their cheating husbands. He's the one who's married. He's the one who disrespected his wife and his vows. But yet they attack the girlfriend without even finding out if she knew he was married. Why aren't they blaming their rotten husbands? Just sayin'
There were also a couple errors in the book such as using the word 'collaborate' instead of 'corroborate' - collaborate means to work with, while corroborate means to verify. Any good editor should have known to correct these before it went to print. However, I didn't allow it to spoil my enjoyment at all, since I knew what was meant. (Spellcheck wouldn't work since they're both words, but an editor should have known better).
I also get that Gina's in trouble, but Tallie hasn't seen Max in three weeks, and she pretty much foists him off on anyone so that she can try to find a killer. Max is a pretty nice guy and understands Tallie's need to help Gina, but he winds up spending practically his entire vacation working and Tallie never even brings it up or makes it up to him. She doesn't even think that 'hey, Max is on vacation so why am I making him work instead of enjoying it?' and Max's response is he's still spending time with Tallie, so it's okay. No, it's not. He'll need a vacation when he goes back home to get over this one.
But I did like the fact that Burton isn't the 'evil nemesis' he was in the first book. He's beginning to allow Tallie a little more room, and she, in turn, is keeping him in the loop with what information she uncovers. (I really, really, hate the 'evil nemesis' that seems prevalent in a lot of books - it detracts from the story and adds absolutely nothing). We see a lot of transformation in the story from several different characters, and it opens things up to new beginnings, which will be interesting in future books.
While there isn't a lot of intrigue, there is an interesting plot, and I enjoyed following Tallie from person to person, gleaning what information she can. Every encounter she has she thinks about what she can ask that person to help prove Gina innocent. Tallie has a devious mind. It's rather fun to watch her go about it.
When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, it's a motive as old as time, but the story was done well, and while it started out slow I stuck with it and it became more absorbing as I read. I'm glad I didn't stop reading, because the ending was worth it and I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
Gina seems all happy smiles when she talks with Craig, but that happiness is short-lived. A woman comes in screaming and attacks Gina for seeing her husband - who happens to be Craig. Gina, who had no idea, starts screaming herself and making threats toward Craig. After he leaves with his wife, Gina is rightfully incensed.
Tallie's boyfriend Max is also visiting from D.C., which is three hours away. They have ten whole days together, and Tallie's happy as a clam. But that doesn't last long when she tells him to meet her at Gina's, and he does - after he's had a vase of flowers thrown at him and slugged in the jaw. It turns out Craig just isn't going to give up, regardless of Gina never wanting to see him again.
But she does...at the bottom of her stairwell, dead. And while Tallie is told in no uncertain terms to leave it alone, she's not going to, especially when Gina is suspect number one, and the widow is determined to see her jailed. Now Tallie's out to find a killer, but it's not easy when it turns out Craig had more than one secret...so which one got him killed and by whom?
First, I have to say this (and get the negative stuff out of the way): I'll never understand why women go after the 'other woman' instead of their cheating husbands. He's the one who's married. He's the one who disrespected his wife and his vows. But yet they attack the girlfriend without even finding out if she knew he was married. Why aren't they blaming their rotten husbands? Just sayin'
There were also a couple errors in the book such as using the word 'collaborate' instead of 'corroborate' - collaborate means to work with, while corroborate means to verify. Any good editor should have known to correct these before it went to print. However, I didn't allow it to spoil my enjoyment at all, since I knew what was meant. (Spellcheck wouldn't work since they're both words, but an editor should have known better).
I also get that Gina's in trouble, but Tallie hasn't seen Max in three weeks, and she pretty much foists him off on anyone so that she can try to find a killer. Max is a pretty nice guy and understands Tallie's need to help Gina, but he winds up spending practically his entire vacation working and Tallie never even brings it up or makes it up to him. She doesn't even think that 'hey, Max is on vacation so why am I making him work instead of enjoying it?' and Max's response is he's still spending time with Tallie, so it's okay. No, it's not. He'll need a vacation when he goes back home to get over this one.
But I did like the fact that Burton isn't the 'evil nemesis' he was in the first book. He's beginning to allow Tallie a little more room, and she, in turn, is keeping him in the loop with what information she uncovers. (I really, really, hate the 'evil nemesis' that seems prevalent in a lot of books - it detracts from the story and adds absolutely nothing). We see a lot of transformation in the story from several different characters, and it opens things up to new beginnings, which will be interesting in future books.
While there isn't a lot of intrigue, there is an interesting plot, and I enjoyed following Tallie from person to person, gleaning what information she can. Every encounter she has she thinks about what she can ask that person to help prove Gina innocent. Tallie has a devious mind. It's rather fun to watch her go about it.
When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, it's a motive as old as time, but the story was done well, and while it started out slow I stuck with it and it became more absorbing as I read. I'm glad I didn't stop reading, because the ending was worth it and I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
August 13, 2018
Grounds for Remorse by Misty Simon
Book #2: Tallie Graver Mystery Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Tallie Graver’s best friend, Gina is about as unlucky in love as they come! She thought she had met and dated every loser in the tri-county area, but this latest guy is a special kind of loser! When his wife bursts into Gina’s coffee shop and makes a scene, Gina is certain she’s seen it all. Unfortunately, she hasn’t seen it all and what she sees next will land her in jail and in need of her best friend, Tallie.
In a small town with a limited police force, and with her best friend as the primary suspect, Tallie sees it as her duty to solve the crime at hand. To the sheriff’s continued aggravation and displeasure 😊 It doesn’t Tallie more than a hot minute to figure out the deceased was a rat bastard with at least two wives, a horde of girlfriends, and about as much business sense as a goose. He wasn’t a good person and Tallie isn’t about to let his run of awful continue by seeing Gina in jail for his murder.
As with her first case, Tallie finds herself swimming in questions and suspects. When the murder victim is a rat bastard, there a lot of people who wouldn’t mind seeing him dead. What’s more, with every new bit of evidence Tallie finds the proverbial finger pointing more strongly at Gina. With nothing left to do but dig deeper, Tallie amps up her nosiness and drags her boyfriend, Max along for the ride. Tallie isn’t afraid to ask the hard and/or awkward questions and she certainly isn’t afraid of stirring the pot. Where the police have to follow procedure, Tallie has only her instincts to follow and she will follow those instincts right on into Hell if it means saving Gina.
The Bottom Line: Grounds for Remorse is all kinds of messy from page one! Gina is in big trouble, the sheriff is none too pleased with Tallie’s involvement, and Max the boyfriend is along for the ride. Once again, Tallie just wades into the mess and at every turn she is in another bind or more trouble with the sheriff. In truth, it is Tallie’s interactions with the sheriff that really put this read over the top for me. This relationship is perhaps the funniest and most contentious which makes for a far more enjoyable experience. As with all true cozy mysteries, the plot isn’t too complicated, the big bad isn’t all that surprising, but you just don’t care because the read is so fun. Tallie is a hot mess, boyfriend Max is adorable, the sheriff is at the end of his rope, and read is worth it from start to finish. As this is only the second book in the series, there isn’t a ton of growth in the characters and their lives, but I have a sneaking suspicion big changes are coming in the very near future. 😊
Book #2: Tallie Graver Mystery Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Tallie Graver’s best friend, Gina is about as unlucky in love as they come! She thought she had met and dated every loser in the tri-county area, but this latest guy is a special kind of loser! When his wife bursts into Gina’s coffee shop and makes a scene, Gina is certain she’s seen it all. Unfortunately, she hasn’t seen it all and what she sees next will land her in jail and in need of her best friend, Tallie.
In a small town with a limited police force, and with her best friend as the primary suspect, Tallie sees it as her duty to solve the crime at hand. To the sheriff’s continued aggravation and displeasure 😊 It doesn’t Tallie more than a hot minute to figure out the deceased was a rat bastard with at least two wives, a horde of girlfriends, and about as much business sense as a goose. He wasn’t a good person and Tallie isn’t about to let his run of awful continue by seeing Gina in jail for his murder.
As with her first case, Tallie finds herself swimming in questions and suspects. When the murder victim is a rat bastard, there a lot of people who wouldn’t mind seeing him dead. What’s more, with every new bit of evidence Tallie finds the proverbial finger pointing more strongly at Gina. With nothing left to do but dig deeper, Tallie amps up her nosiness and drags her boyfriend, Max along for the ride. Tallie isn’t afraid to ask the hard and/or awkward questions and she certainly isn’t afraid of stirring the pot. Where the police have to follow procedure, Tallie has only her instincts to follow and she will follow those instincts right on into Hell if it means saving Gina.
The Bottom Line: Grounds for Remorse is all kinds of messy from page one! Gina is in big trouble, the sheriff is none too pleased with Tallie’s involvement, and Max the boyfriend is along for the ride. Once again, Tallie just wades into the mess and at every turn she is in another bind or more trouble with the sheriff. In truth, it is Tallie’s interactions with the sheriff that really put this read over the top for me. This relationship is perhaps the funniest and most contentious which makes for a far more enjoyable experience. As with all true cozy mysteries, the plot isn’t too complicated, the big bad isn’t all that surprising, but you just don’t care because the read is so fun. Tallie is a hot mess, boyfriend Max is adorable, the sheriff is at the end of his rope, and read is worth it from start to finish. As this is only the second book in the series, there isn’t a ton of growth in the characters and their lives, but I have a sneaking suspicion big changes are coming in the very near future. 😊
June 9, 2018
Princess Fuzzypants here: Tallie Graver, who lives above her family’s funeral home, was once part of the snobby class. She tries hard to become the decent person she was before she had wealth but it is a hard road back. Often she is her own worst enemy as she gets involved in murder cases but this one is very personal.
Her best friend Gina thought she found Mr. Right. Not only was he Mr. Wrong, he is married, a serial lothario and a reprehensible sod. Perhaps, had he not been found dead at the bottom of Gina’s stairs, she might not have been the prime suspect. It certainly didn’t help that when she discovered his true story, she threatened to kill him in all sorts of graphic ways in front of a shop full of witnesses. The grieving widow, who just happens to want to buy Gina’s business which is not for sale, was the one to “out” him and reveal her presence.
Things are looking grim for Gina and the widow is happily making things even worse, that is until, on the day of his service, the deceased’s heretofore unknown first wife swoops in to pull a similar stunt in front of a crowd of stunned witnesses. If things were not confused before, it is utter chaos afterwards.. Now the fun really begins.
Tallie, who has felt like Rodney Dangerfield with her parents and the law finding fault whatever she does, plods on, winning at least some grudging respect from one unexpected quarter. It is a good mystery with twists upon twists. I did suspect the villains although the reason behind the murder were surprising. I like that.
I am becoming more invested in the series so I am going to give it four and a half purrs and two paws up.
Her best friend Gina thought she found Mr. Right. Not only was he Mr. Wrong, he is married, a serial lothario and a reprehensible sod. Perhaps, had he not been found dead at the bottom of Gina’s stairs, she might not have been the prime suspect. It certainly didn’t help that when she discovered his true story, she threatened to kill him in all sorts of graphic ways in front of a shop full of witnesses. The grieving widow, who just happens to want to buy Gina’s business which is not for sale, was the one to “out” him and reveal her presence.
Things are looking grim for Gina and the widow is happily making things even worse, that is until, on the day of his service, the deceased’s heretofore unknown first wife swoops in to pull a similar stunt in front of a crowd of stunned witnesses. If things were not confused before, it is utter chaos afterwards.. Now the fun really begins.
Tallie, who has felt like Rodney Dangerfield with her parents and the law finding fault whatever she does, plods on, winning at least some grudging respect from one unexpected quarter. It is a good mystery with twists upon twists. I did suspect the villains although the reason behind the murder were surprising. I like that.
I am becoming more invested in the series so I am going to give it four and a half purrs and two paws up.
June 6, 2018
This is the second in the Tallie Graver Mystery series and can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed the first in series and this book .
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy. My opinions are my own.
This is a fun mystery series. Our protagonist is Tallie Graver who is living in an apartment above her families funeral parlor working part time for the family and trying to get her own cleaning business going. Her goal is to be a independent business owner and not work for her family.
Tallie’s best friend, Gina, runs a coffee shop across the street from Graver’s Funeral Home. Gina was about to head out on a date with a man that she thought just might be the one when a woman walks into the shop claiming to be his wife. After Gina runs them off threatening harm to the lying excuse for a man Tallie is of course there for good friend to console her. When the lying cheating husband ends up dead at the bottom of her stairs that night Tallie is taken into custody by the police. Tallie is on the case, sure her friend is innocent and determined to find the right suspect.
Grounds for Remorse is very humorous, has a bit of a romance and a well crafted mystery to be solved. Tallie has a talent for finding suspects and clues. The charcters all add to the story and I look forward to book three of the series with more fun . This was a enjoyable read that I read in one sitting. I highly recommend this cozy series.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy. My opinions are my own.
This is a fun mystery series. Our protagonist is Tallie Graver who is living in an apartment above her families funeral parlor working part time for the family and trying to get her own cleaning business going. Her goal is to be a independent business owner and not work for her family.
Tallie’s best friend, Gina, runs a coffee shop across the street from Graver’s Funeral Home. Gina was about to head out on a date with a man that she thought just might be the one when a woman walks into the shop claiming to be his wife. After Gina runs them off threatening harm to the lying excuse for a man Tallie is of course there for good friend to console her. When the lying cheating husband ends up dead at the bottom of her stairs that night Tallie is taken into custody by the police. Tallie is on the case, sure her friend is innocent and determined to find the right suspect.
Grounds for Remorse is very humorous, has a bit of a romance and a well crafted mystery to be solved. Tallie has a talent for finding suspects and clues. The charcters all add to the story and I look forward to book three of the series with more fun . This was a enjoyable read that I read in one sitting. I highly recommend this cozy series.
September 18, 2018
Gina Laudermilch and Tallie Graver are good friends but they are learning that having your own business makes getting close to someone a bit hard. Gina has been having a tough time dating and thinks she has found the one until his wife comes into her coffee shop to take him home. Of course Gina is pissed and threatens him on the way out. But then his body is discovered in her house and Gina is the prime suspect. It’s going to be up to Talli to clear her friend’s name.
Talli is back and has her hands full. I loved Gina and felt for her when she discovered her new guy already had a wife. Thank Goodness Talli is there to help solve this mystery. Of course there are more than one suspects and you will tromp through a great mystery trying to figure out who and why Mr. Perfect ended up Mr. Dead.
I love this series. It’s so easy to get into and it keeps you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns. Talli is a wonderful, strong character that clearly cares for Gina. I love how she finds out clues as she cleans.
This is a great series and I recommend checking it out if you live cozy mysteries. I see that there is a third book and I can’t wait to read more of Talli’s adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Talli is back and has her hands full. I loved Gina and felt for her when she discovered her new guy already had a wife. Thank Goodness Talli is there to help solve this mystery. Of course there are more than one suspects and you will tromp through a great mystery trying to figure out who and why Mr. Perfect ended up Mr. Dead.
I love this series. It’s so easy to get into and it keeps you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns. Talli is a wonderful, strong character that clearly cares for Gina. I love how she finds out clues as she cleans.
This is a great series and I recommend checking it out if you live cozy mysteries. I see that there is a third book and I can’t wait to read more of Talli’s adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
April 18, 2019
Misty needs to chat with her editor or proofreader. Why, you may ask? Well, Misty does not like to use the word "who" and would rather use "whom" even when "who" would be correct. Additionally, in a couple of places she correctly rearranged the words in a sentence to avoid ending it with a preposition, but then turned around and added the preposition at the end of the sentence (one with "at" and another with "to"). Just don't understand why she would have done this. Then, something that spell check would not have noticed but readers would was the use of the word collaborate when the context of the sentence needed the word corroborate.
Sorry readers, but I find these things detracting, on the other hand, I found this Tillie Graver book to be better than "Cremains of the Day." Oh, and yes, in this one there is indeed reference to the fact that her family's funeral home has a cremation unit included.
No need for me to give any summary of the book or comment on the plot or characters as enough other folks have done so. If you want a fast, fast read of a cozy mystery, you can pick up this one. The last goodreads average I saw of this novel was 4.01. My rating of three may cause the .01 to disappear.
Sorry readers, but I find these things detracting, on the other hand, I found this Tillie Graver book to be better than "Cremains of the Day." Oh, and yes, in this one there is indeed reference to the fact that her family's funeral home has a cremation unit included.
No need for me to give any summary of the book or comment on the plot or characters as enough other folks have done so. If you want a fast, fast read of a cozy mystery, you can pick up this one. The last goodreads average I saw of this novel was 4.01. My rating of three may cause the .01 to disappear.
May 29, 2018
This is the second in the Tallie Graver series. Tallie is divorced and living above her parents funeral home. She has her own home cleaning business and works part time at the family business. Her best friend is Gina who runs the coffee shop Bean There, Done That (love that name) and has just learned via the wife that the guy she has been dating is married. She runs them both out of the shop and does the normal threatening for the cheating low life. The next day he turns up dead and Gina is at the top of the suspect list. Tallie of course is there to help her out and work to solve who killed her friends cheating ex. Only problem the next day he is found dead in at the bottom of Gina’s stairs. Tallie has to find the real killer to save her friend. Like the first mystery this was a faced paced read which I love. Tallie is real and the story moves along and you figure out the killer when Tallie does with a lot of twists and turns along the way. Looking forward to the next installment.
August 4, 2019
This book is a perfect beach read. It's light, it's fun, and it moves along at a brisk pace. Tallie Graver juggles several balls at once--dropping one or two on occasion--keeping the reader running right along with her.
Tallie's friend Gina has a new boyfriend. He's every woman's dream. More than one woman, because the boyfriend's wife storms into the coffee shop and breaks up their date in a YouTube-worthy scene. Of course the two-timer ends up dead, and Gina is a prime suspect. Tallie's not about to let Gina rot in jail, so she goes to work.
Tallie's not afraid to butt in where she may not be wanted, and the consequences are funny or cringeworthy or sometimes frightening. Her attempts at quality time with her boyfriend in between searching for the murderer are like a miniature screwball comedy.
Tallie is a likeable character and her adventures are enjoyable--yes, murder can be fun! This book is just the thing when you want to relax and unwind.
Tallie's friend Gina has a new boyfriend. He's every woman's dream. More than one woman, because the boyfriend's wife storms into the coffee shop and breaks up their date in a YouTube-worthy scene. Of course the two-timer ends up dead, and Gina is a prime suspect. Tallie's not about to let Gina rot in jail, so she goes to work.
Tallie's not afraid to butt in where she may not be wanted, and the consequences are funny or cringeworthy or sometimes frightening. Her attempts at quality time with her boyfriend in between searching for the murderer are like a miniature screwball comedy.
Tallie is a likeable character and her adventures are enjoyable--yes, murder can be fun! This book is just the thing when you want to relax and unwind.
August 27, 2019
3.5 stars
This series features Tallie Graver, daughter of the family who runs the local funeral home. She helps them out occasionally, and lives in an apartment at the business but wants to have a bit of a distance (which is understandable -- her mom is the definition of interfering and her dad is heavy-handed and rude).
Tallie is in Act Two of her life, having divorced her first husband and subsequently given up the comfortable lifestyle he provided. She now cleans houses for a living and prefers the independence this gives her even if it is a step down the social ladder.
Her best friend Gina is accused of murdering a former suitor -- Gina dumped him when she discovered he was still very much married and his body is found on her property. So naturally Tallie gets involved. Her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend Max is there to help.
Likable characters, not much depth, and fairly implausible plot scenarios.
This series features Tallie Graver, daughter of the family who runs the local funeral home. She helps them out occasionally, and lives in an apartment at the business but wants to have a bit of a distance (which is understandable -- her mom is the definition of interfering and her dad is heavy-handed and rude).
Tallie is in Act Two of her life, having divorced her first husband and subsequently given up the comfortable lifestyle he provided. She now cleans houses for a living and prefers the independence this gives her even if it is a step down the social ladder.
Her best friend Gina is accused of murdering a former suitor -- Gina dumped him when she discovered he was still very much married and his body is found on her property. So naturally Tallie gets involved. Her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend Max is there to help.
Likable characters, not much depth, and fairly implausible plot scenarios.
June 1, 2018
I had not read Cremains of the Day, book #1, but had no problem reading Grounds. Perhaps if I had read the first book I may have been more invested in the characters, but I found Grounds to only be mildly engaging. It's the day after and I've already forgotten whodunnit.
I didn't find Tallie or her crew of family and friends very interesting, as a group they lacked the chemistry I usually find so appealing in cozies.
The mystery kept me guessing, Tallie was an active investigator and some of the town folk had interesting cameos so I was able to finish the book. Since I have Cremains (which I forgot about before I started Grounds), I will give it a try. Perhaps a more thorough (if there is one) introduction to the characters will add something to the series for me.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't find Tallie or her crew of family and friends very interesting, as a group they lacked the chemistry I usually find so appealing in cozies.
The mystery kept me guessing, Tallie was an active investigator and some of the town folk had interesting cameos so I was able to finish the book. Since I have Cremains (which I forgot about before I started Grounds), I will give it a try. Perhaps a more thorough (if there is one) introduction to the characters will add something to the series for me.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2018
Grounds for Remorse, the second in the Tallie Graver Mystery series by Misty Simon, was even better than the first. The author does a great job in showing how Tallie is learning to recreate herself after succumbing to the good life with her husband, now out of her life (see first book in the series). What I like about both of these books, but this one especially, are the real characters and relationships that the author skillfully portrays, along with a dash of humor. At one point Tallie says, "I've about had my fill of dead bodies." Which I thought was a hoot since she has been living in the family funeral home since her divorce.
The friends and romance are handled realistically and the latter is kept to a comfortable minimum, yet integral to the characters and the plot. The author lets the reader join Tallie and friends in discovering the solution, without any too obvious clues or red herrings. It is fun to read along with Tallie as she rediscovers herself and her friends and family, and solves a murder or two along the way. Can’t wait for the third book in the series, Deceased and Desist, due out in November.
The friends and romance are handled realistically and the latter is kept to a comfortable minimum, yet integral to the characters and the plot. The author lets the reader join Tallie and friends in discovering the solution, without any too obvious clues or red herrings. It is fun to read along with Tallie as she rediscovers herself and her friends and family, and solves a murder or two along the way. Can’t wait for the third book in the series, Deceased and Desist, due out in November.
May 19, 2018
Gina made some intemperate comments when she found out the guy she thought might be the one was still married- and then, boom, he's found dead and at her place to boot! Tallie to the rescue! Gina and Tallie are buddies, bound by their hard work and frankly their snooping around. Talk about a unique cozy setting - Tallie not only runs her own cleaning business, she help out at her family's funeral home. I liked the first book in this series, as Tallie recovered herself after her marriage broke up- and it's good to see her spreading her wings. There's a love interest in Max, some good dialogue, and an entertaining plot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. There's good twists and turns here and I'm looking forward to more.
March 28, 2018
I Loved this Book. It was as good maybe better than The first. Tallie Seems to Be coming Into her own and getting more confidence in her self. Max is good for her . An other Murder in her small home town only this time her best friend is in trouble . Tallie and Max both will work to clear her .The story is exciting and fast paced but you get to meet more people in the town and find out more of their back ground. Like why the chief of police and fire captain are not best friends. So read it and find out more.
If you did not read the fist book you do not have to this book stands on it's own.
If you did not read the fist book you do not have to this book stands on it's own.
April 27, 2018
When Tallie Graver’s best friend Gina meets what seems to be the perfect man, Tallie has some reservations about just how wonderful he is. When his wife shows up, Gina tosses his him out, but he turns up dead outside her door and Gina is the prime suspect.
Even though Tallie’s boyfriend Max is visiting for a week, clearing Gina is a top priority too. Along the way another wife and many other women pop up and it looks like people may have been lined up to kill Mr. Not So Wonderful.
This is the second book in the Tallie Graver series, but the first I have read. I’ll be reading the first book and look forward to the next book in the series too.
Even though Tallie’s boyfriend Max is visiting for a week, clearing Gina is a top priority too. Along the way another wife and many other women pop up and it looks like people may have been lined up to kill Mr. Not So Wonderful.
This is the second book in the Tallie Graver series, but the first I have read. I’ll be reading the first book and look forward to the next book in the series too.
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