The Bad Break

Riley Ellison Mystery #2

by Jill Orr

Riley Ellison has taken a great leap of faith by giving up her comfortable job at the Tuttle Corner Library for the exciting world of print journalism. Except that so far it hasn't been very exciting. All that changes when Riley's former co-worker Tabitha finds her soon-to-be father-in-law dead on the floor of his office, and Riley is asked to write his obituary. And when they discover Tabitha's fiancé's knife sticking out of his father's chest, Riley finds herself with a murder investigation to cover as well.

With Holman out on leave and mounting pressure from her boss, the mayor, and a bridezilla facing the possibility of a conjugal-visit honeymoon, Riley is desperate to prove she can handle the increasing demands of her new job. Despite warnings from her new boyfriend Jay, Riley blurs the line between reporter and investigator. Will Riley's rookie mistakes lead to more than just her byline ending up on the obituary page?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Cozy, Adult Fiction, Comedy

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

Jill Orr is the author of HOW NOT TO BE OLD (EVEN IF YOU ARE), which hit #1 on the Amazon Bestseller list in the categories of Internet & Social Media humor, Aging Parents, and Cultural, Ethnic & Regional humor in its first week after publication. She also writes the Riley Ellison mystery series, which has been called “delightfully comic” and “highly amusing” by Publishers Weekly. Orr’s work has garnered praise from industry professionals and readers alike and books have earned a Silver Falchion nomination, a starred review and “Best Book of the Week” from Library Journal, and a Midwest Connections pick.

A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Jill lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband and two teenage children.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

Riley Ellison has left her job at the library for a job as a journalist. She's stuck with the less than glamorous gigs, like writing obituaries. It turns out one of the dead guys was a murder victim!

Riley investigates, but doesn't know what she is doing, and gets in a lot of trouble. Fairly decent cozy.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Orr is my absolute favorite humorous mystery writer! It's hard to do humor well, and she nails it. Perfect for mystery readers who prefer the lighter side, with plenty of laughs, romance, and sunshine. If you loved The Good Byline, you will not want to miss The Bad Break!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure that I ever would have picked up these series except for the fact that the author is local. But I'm glad I discovered them. They're funny, witty, and contain decent mysteries. Jill Orr's updated take on the "cozy" mystery is fantastic fun and I'm excited that not only is there another book in the series already out, but that a new one is coming out next year so I have 2 books to look forward to diving into.

[Elizabeth Perrillo-Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book it drew me in had to finish it in one sitting. Quirky Cast that keeps you guessing.

[Devon Ellis-cromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read and a lovely author! It is a must to have on your list!

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an early release copy of The Bad Break, and was thrilled to continue following the adventures of Riley Ellison!!
Riley has quit her comfortable job at the library to pursue journalism full time, yet hasn't exactly been given riveting assignments. Soon Riley discovers another murder in Tuttle Corner, which some people in town would like solved ASAP to avoid bad publicity for their little town (whether or not the correct person is convicted appears to be a minor detail). Riley finds herself immersed in pursuing the story and investigating the crime.
The twists and turns continue thru the entire story, and the second Riley mystery had me laughing out loud much like the first.
Another installment to keep you guessing and keep you smiling! Riley is a delight, and her online millennial "coach" is another hit (much like Regina H in the first book). These books are so much fun - I hope they keep coming!

[Sue Hieber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this new trend of many, many lady sleuths. All are following in the deeply indented footsteps of the trendsetter, ms. Marple, Nancy drew,Nora Charles, and more. If Agathe Christie were alive today, she would fit right in to this new genre, cozy mysteries. This particular book has a newsgirl,who wants to be known as a journalist/investigative reporter, but when she tries looking into a crime, her boss assigns her an obituary to write. She ends up,(of course), being nearly killed, everybody wants her to back off, but because she is a reporter, she goes to paper's morgue and finds the clue needed to clear all this confusion away. Nice cozy mystery. Thanks to goodreads giveaways where I won this book.I had never before read miss Orr's work. I will read more in the future.

[Cathy Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun mystery with "girl sleuth" Riley Ellison. This is the second book in the series and it was just as enjoyable as the first -- and with enough left unresolved to have my excited for the next book. A quick, fun read.

[Kidlitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A DRC was provided to me by Edelweiss for a fair and honest review.

The mystery cozy that trowels on the regional charm (schtick) while introducing the reader to a series of local personalities (offensive stereotypes) whilst the gutsy amateur heroine (hapless ninny) solves the puzzle (yawn) with her hidden sleauthing talents (sheer dumb luck) makes me cringe. This series is shaping up to do the exact opposite. Yes, it is set in the South but Tuttle Corner, Virginia, is a real small town with all sorts of people who do the things we all do, but most of whom do not speak in cliched drawling y'alls while fishin' and chewin' tobacco. They are repulsed and titlllated by the murders in their town as anyone might be. Riley Ellison, in her second appearance as the obit-writing, sleuth solving protagonist, is just as charmingly open to both the trial and error of tackling crime, and trying to work on improving herself. After the hilarity of trying online dating, Riley trys a self-improvement app and the results are both funny and surprisingly successful (we all need a Personal Success Concierge, even if we're not all millenials.) The mystery of who killed Dr. Davenport unfolds believably, with Riley alternating helping and hindering the discovery of the villain. Riley really has a struggle balancing her sweet polite Southern girl side with the budding truth seeking risk taking journalist she aspires to become. Orr is onto a good streak with this character and her town, and I hope she keeps batting them out.

[Hasanthi Navaratne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book of Riley Ellison series, which will be released on the 3rd of April. Received this as an eARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story was amazing and i was totally into it. I could not put it down even just for a bit. I was desperately in need to know what will happen next. Normally I am not person who loves to read Mystery books. But I totally fell in love with this story.
The main reason behind that is Riley, the main character of the story whom we can simply call as the heroine.
I am planning to read the 1st book of the series too. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, who loves reading Mystery.
Foe the full review, visit my blog www.hasanthisbookworld.wordpress.com

[Jeff Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Riley Ellison Mystery series is even better than the first, as it pulls the reader further and further into the drama that continues to unfold in Tuttle Corner. It's a witty, humorous, and more than once laugh-out-loud story that continued to surprise me and keep me guessing the whole way through. The only disappointment is that the third book in the series isn't out for quite some time! A must read, especially if you enjoyed the first one!

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable overall. While Riley has investigative instincts, I found her lack of journalistic instincts frustrating. But, I'll most likely continue the series bc they are fun reads.

[Hannah McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely fantastic and hilarious installment of the Riley Ellison series. Jill Orr writes with such humor, it's impossible not to fall in love with her characters!

[Emily Linacre · Rating 4 out of 5]

another cute little cozy mystery in this series! love the small town setting and believably quirky characters.

[Claire Schiopota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the last one, but now I’m attached the characters and it’s an easy read, only two more to go so why not

[Debbie West · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too "millennial" in romance, but mystery was fairly goid

The mystery angle of the murders was goid, several suspects, good ending in mystery only. The romance part was just plain stupid. Since I won't write spoiler, I'll just say it could have been much better & ended much better. And the whole online free trial friend thing was really dumb! I guess you have to,be a "millennial", which in itself is a dumb term, plus I kept wondering why a smart person like a newspaper reporter would sink herself to the level of "self fullfilment" online in the first place?!! She isn't portrayed as someone desperate enough to need the online support of "any stranger who can quote the stars will do". There seemed to be no point in these "encouraging' emails. Not to mention that, since I'm not age 20-30, I had no idea who the "self fulfillment concierge" was even talking about most of the time. I believe in happy endings & this didn't emd happily, as far as I'm concerned. I think the author should stick to the mystery next time, & either find Riley the man of her dreams (which she had, then threw away) or leave the romance part completely out of the story.

[Yuckamashe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in this cute and fun series. I really like the lightness of these books. It's a cute town with people you like and root for. A lot of these cozy mysteries have lead characters that are annoying and or frustrating. I really like the lead character Riley. She is smarter and less of a mess than a lot of other lead females.

[Wellington · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Synopsis: Riley Ellison has taken a great leap of faith by giving up her comfortable job at the Tuttle Corner Library for the exciting world of print journalism. All that changes when Riley's former co-worker Tabitha finds her soon-to-be father-in-law dead on the floor of his office, and Riley is asked to write his obituary. And when they discover Tabitha's fiancé's knife sticking out of his father's chest, Riley finds herself with a murder investigation to cover as well. With Holman out on leave and mounting pressure from her boss, the mayor, and a bridezilla facing the possibility of a conjugal-visit honeymoon, Riley is desperate to prove she can handle the increasing demands of her new job. Despite warnings from her new boyfriend Jay, Riley blurs the line between reporter and investigator. Will Riley's rookie mistakes lead to more than just her byline ending up on the obituary page?

Review: This story feels complete than the first one in this series did. Riley is still young and definitely makes mistakes, but she grows a lot in this book. She learns a lot about herself and makes new friends and learns things about old one. The writing and pacing are sold. Can't wait for the next one.

[Gina Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this new series (new to me), featuring the millennial librarian (sort of) turned reporter/obituary writer Riley Ellison, who has carved a niche in her hometown of Tuttle Corner, Virginia as attracting crimes and murders. Riley is smart and intuitive, but also shows a reckless streak as she defies newspaper ethics, best judgment etc. as she investigates the murder of a respected cardiologist who also has a shady side with the women of Tuttle Corner. Along the way, Riley must handle her challenging personal life: her "frenemy" and bridezilla Tabitha, a burgeoning friendship with Ridley (a Swedish goddess who is also pregnant with the child of Riley's former fiancee), and Jay...the attractive DEA agent who in the last two books, is never as upfront as he wants to be. Jill Orr adds much humor to this second book by sharpening the gaps between the millennial-Generation X-Baby Boomers, and the added aside of Riley's resigned reliance on her personal "concierges" Jenna and Regina brings more comic relief. A fun, quick read.

[Roy Murry · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BAD BREAK
Jill Orr

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Mystery, whodunits, is the genre I read the most. Riley Ellison's is not in my top five list, but I give five stars for the beginning of a new series.

The Protagonist's character Riley is a well-thought-out one, and Ms. Orr has room to age her into the mystery genre. She is young with a keen mind but lacks the maturity of a seasoned report, her role.

The plot falls into place not because of Riley but because of the small-town murder that surrounds her character. Only incidents bring about a particular ending solving the crimes.

That said. I did love the Riley character and the supporting group that edges her on and probes her youthfulness. She is learning the ropes and learns fast even though sometimes physically.

Bad Break was enjoyable and funny at times. I recommend it if you care to start with book one of this mystery series. I may: I read this in two sittings. Ms. Orr has three novels out now.

[Marsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know whether to give it 2 or 3 stars, but I guess I'm feeling generous, or something. I hated the overall attitude, and I hated the main character's general actions and REactions. And I really disliked the online, "advisor?" That was just another example of Riley's lack of character! On the other hand, I like the separation of the murder and the rest of the conspiracy, so there WAS that. I read read this book, instead of listening to it, and I broke my rule about not spending time fighting with my eyes and "hands on my Kindle" when I didn't really care for the book. But I'm a sucker, and when I get pulled into a story it's hard for me to abandon it. But I don't know, I think my generosity has died :-(. Separating the murder from the conspiracy was good in one way, but it really brought the book to an unsatisfying end. And next time, I'm not likely to keep reading reading a book that I find so annoying. Sorry.

[Lisa Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Orr writes with a fresh voice, one uniquely clever and gently sardonic without overreaching. Both her Riley Ellison books thus far, The Good Byline and The Bad Break, deliver a brilliantly witty read delicious to consume. The intrigue of mystery pulls the reader deeper into the story, but it is the lovable, flawed heroine who brings the series its heart. In Riley, I see my best girlfriends and myself. A complex character, she is both confident and insecure, overzealous, but with the best of intentions, and uncannily smart, except when it comes to her own affairs. These characteristics exemplify, by far, Riley’s best quality; she is authentic.

Jill’s books are a treat to be savored in a window nook with a glass of wine. I look forward with not-so-guilty pleasure to more of Riley’s adventures.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I make fun of them, I do sometimes crave cozy mysteries. Jill Orr's Riley Ellison Mysteries is a good series because they a light, funny, and are not quite the cliché cozy mystery story. My big complaint is there are one two many millennial jokes that I cringed at. I love that the protagonist is a twenty-something woman who in navigating her career and love life all while solving murders, but the fact that there are so many attempts to either relate to or make fun of millennials with dumb jokes just slows down the story. I really like Riley's character and I would actually relate to her a whole lot if every other chapter didn't end with, "But what do I know, I'm just a millennial whomp whomp." sort of scene. Still, I really did enjoy this and the first book in the series. I will probably read the third one when I need something easy and fun.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story and mystery

I read the first book in this series, The Good Byline, a while back, but it was easy to pick up the characters in the second book, The Bad Break. I still find Riley's ambivalence about her ex, Ryan, to be annoying, but the murder plot she gets to report on for the local paper is pretty good. I was almost to the reveal before I figured it out. The writing is competent and the book is well edited. You can read the plot summary online so I won't bother to repeat it here. There are some distracting side plots of a personal nature and I guess I want to think that men wouldn't totally lose their minds in the presence of a beautiful woman, so that keeps me from giving this book 5 stars. We'll see where this side plot goes in the next book. All in all, a pleasant read but I still like the Jamie Quinn series better.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that I discovered this series by Jill Orr. A few things in Riley Ellison's life have changed recently. She has deactivated her click.com account and she has changed jobs. She is now working at Tuttle Times, the small weekly newspaper in her town. When her mentor, Holman, is away investigating illegal toxic waste dumping in the ocean, Riley is given the opportunity to strike out on her own. When her library frenemy, Tabitha, finds her father-in-law-to be, dead days before her wedding, Riley is ready for sleuthing action. In this book, the relationships with the important people in Riley's life are tested. I again liked the parts of the book that update Riley's online dating profile. The author does a good job of using humor and her descriptions of people and events makes this second book in the series a fun read.

[Sadie VanderKodde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good mystery that keeps me guessing . . . and laughing. Very often the two don't go hand in hand. But Orr does a great job with both, keeping it fun and light without losing the suspense that is necessary for a good mystery. The cast of characters in this town - from Butter to Ryan and Ridley to the mayor's awful nephew, some are pretty one dimensional, but make the story so much fun. I will so I was disappointed on the romance side of things. Jay's presence was missed in this book. He was such a sidelined character and then he chooses his job over Riley? Not cool. I'm hoping Flick's lead in D.C. will send Riley up there to reconnect with Jay, but her re-application to Click.com doesn't bode well.

[Gail M. Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad break for the bad guys

Riley is an aspiring journalist that has to start at the which it bottom and work her way up. A story drops info her lap and she discovers things about people she doesn't know what to think about. From the murder then the attempted murder of the son of the deceased, this story leads Riley a readers in a wild whodunit that is sure to surprise the reader in the end. The only reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 is the random email to her personal romance concierge which I felt bad no real significance with the story and I found it irritating. Otherwise a very good book.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Dr. Davenport? Well, in the small town of Tuttle Corner, you can now count on Riley to investigate. This is a delightful cozy series (now that there are two books!) featuring an amateur detective who, while really kind of bumbling, does have a sincere streak a mile long. Riley is now working as a journalist but she's on the bottom rung of the ladder, writing obits. How appropriate. She's got a love interest, an on-line coach (how 2018), and a very good sense of humor. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC of this light, amusing but never twee, novel.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic followup to The Good Byline. Full of humor, suspense, and smart twists, Orr has successfully continued Riley's story. One of the strengths in Orr's writing is the ability to engage the reader whether or not the reader has read the first book in the series. There is a good balance of detail to review what's happened for a new reader without retelling the entire first book. The characters are well developed set the tone. This is a fun and enjoyable book, well written, and with plenty of twists.

[Ida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun romp through murder and mayhem with Millenial former library clerk now journalist Riley Ellison, who has great intentions about getting her life together. This time the victim is the would-have-been father-in-law of Riley's best frenemy Tabitha, who is determined the wedding shall go on no matter what.

The plot is done well, but the characters really made the story for me. Most of the central cast from Tuttle Corner returns for this book, and we meet some new folks, too. Riley's parents sure are adorbs.