Stepsisters Liv Olsen and Camry Lewis thought creating a hit true-crime podcast was hard, but it turns out re-creating a hit true-crime podcast for a second season is even harder. With the pressure from sponsors mounting and fans anxious for a second installment, Liv and Camry are ready to dive into the cold case of Brinkley Douglas.
Twenty years after Brinkley Douglas supposedly walked home from her boyfriend's house, her body was found buried at the local park. A discovery like this brings more questions than answers. It doesn't help that the court of public opinion long ago convicted Brinkley's boyfriend, Joel Zander, even if he had never officially been named a suspect by authorities.
Now, Liv and Camry are determined to find out what really happened to Brinkley. Did Joel do it? Or has he been unfairly punished for the last twenty years? What Liv and Camry do know for sure is that there is someone out there who does not want them to continue their investigation.
Will Liv and Camry survive to tell the tale for a season three?
Erin Huss is a blogger and bestselling author. She can change a diaper in fifteen seconds flat, is a master overanalyzer, has a gift for making any social situation awkward and yet, somehow, she still has friends. Erin shares hilarious property management horror stories at The Apartment Manager's Blog and her own daily horror stories at erinhuss.com. She currently resides in Southern California with her husband and five children, where she complains daily about the cost of living but will never do anything about it.
Step-sisters Liv and Camry are ready to tackle the second season of their hit podcast, Missing or Murdered? This time, they are looking at the case of some remains that were recently found in their home base of Santa Maria, California. Brinkley Douglas disappeared one night while walking home from her boyfriend’s house, and Joel Zander has always been the number one suspect in everyone’s minds. Now that her body has been found, the case is heating up again. Liv is keeping an open mind, especially since she isn’t sure Joel is guilty. But why won’t he talk to her? Can Liv figure out what happened?
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I’m thrilled to say the follow up was just as much fun. The case is compelling. I was drawn in right away, and I needed to know what was going to happen next. Fortunately, the climax wraps everything up well. The characters are great, from Liv and Camry to their friends and family. Brinkley’s family members and the suspects are real enough to draw us into the story. My issues from the first book – the romantic sub-plot and one character’s stutter – are still present, although they are minor annoyances. And I can’t leave out the fun; this book made me smile and laugh even as the tension increased. I do recommend reading the first book first, but you’ll be anxious for this one before you know it.
I wish this series had more books. I love Liv and Camry and all their podcasting associates. This murder mystery was pretty good, but not as good as season 1, um... I mean book 1. There are way too many typos and missing words in this book, though. There were at least two times when the author mixed up her own characters. Even the preview at the end of the book for another of this author's books has at least one typo. I sent a bunch of notifications and suggested edits to the publisher through the Kindle book. I wouldn't read these if they weren't free through Unlimited because I would never pay to edit someone else's work.
Up Next, Murder earns 5/5 Mysterious Phone Calls...Intriguing Drama!
Erin Huss had me hooked after book one, Microphones and Murder, and didn’t disappoint with this book two. Season two of Missing or Murdered, has podcasting step-sisters, Liv and Camry with their “podcasting posse” focusing on the near twenty-year-old unsolved murder of Brinkley Douglas whose skeletal remains have recently been uncovered. At the time of only one person was in the sights of the police and the community: the then boyfriend. With no body, there was no arrest, no closure, but nevertheless the boyfriend was essentially chastised and run out of town. Now, Liv has a niggling feeling that “something big and bad was about to go down” which seems to be very prophetic with some unwilling to participate, the boyfriend’s lawyer a cease and desist letter, a red sedan popping around, and several “Blocked ID” phone calls have no one on the other end...creepy. It despite the cut and dry appearance, delving further reveals some “niggling” doubts that Liv has a hard time discounting.
Season Two’s a Hit! Erin Huss’s well-developed drama starts with chapters referred to as “Episodes” and clever titles. The first-person narrative from Liv’s perspective, follows the search for a killer with plenty of maybes...is it him or him? Her? What about them? Along with the various avenues to explore, inconsistencies, personal peril, and a “Wow!” ending, I was entertained by the facets of the cold case, ins and outs of producing a podcast (even if inside a closet), and character connections with newly formed friendships and a sister-like dynamic that is very realistic. Erin’s writing style is engaging with a descriptive language narrative along with how Liv uses description for her podcast and various dialogue styles from depicting Austin’s stutter and pointing out when Liv and Oliver are signing due to his hearing disability. I love this series, and am eager for more...season three?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Up Next, Murder is book 2 in the Podcasting Sisters Mysteries from Erin Huss, and Season 2 of Missing or Murdered had just as many twists and turns as season 1! After reading book one, I immediately pre-ordered this one. I literally squealed with delight when it was delivered to my Kindle! Fans of cozy mysteries and true crime podcasts should get their hands on these books as soon as possible! I love this quirky cast of characters - so well defined that the tag isn't necessary to know who is speaking a lot of the time. Book two takes place five months after the conclusion of the first season of the Missing or Murdered podcast and focuses on the disappearance of Brinkley Douglas almost 20 years ago. Her body was found during the research phase of the first book. For years, ex-boyfriend Joel was convicted by the court of public opinion of the disappearance. Is he really to blame?
Erin Huss has never been off yet in any of her series/stories, with no exception here. She has a deft hand and great turn of phrase, developing her characters with so much depth and humanity, then adding in the perfect measure of 'who done it ' to challenge even the best armchair Sherlock. This story is also a great example of building one's family beyond blood and making that bond thicker than water. Maybe even thicker than the ranch dressing served with the deep fried zucchini? Always look forward to the next time I meet up with my literary friends from the great mind of Ms Huss.
The podcast team is investigating the 20-year old murder of Brinkley, who was unearthed in book 1. Liv and Camry give their best to make another engaging podcast to not disappoint their fans. And they definitely succeed. The life of a podcaster is really dangerous and speedily things come to light with the two girls digging around and placing them in the spotlight of a killer. The plot has a good pace, some twists and turns and I love the little personal dramas waived into the story. Waiting for book 3 now, what's next?
Another fantastic mystery solved by oh two favorite podcasters! Liv and Camry definitely have their work cut out for them. Liv is such a crack up! I tend to laugh so much reading about her!
I really enjoy how this series seems to deal with social issues that are faced by people everyday. This deals with how the media can affect a person entire life in a negative way if they are not reporting ALL the facts and how the general public can be fairly gullible. I really loved reading this book!
Erin Huss is one of my favirites. This new series about the cold-case justice podcasters is such a great concept. AND what a bunch of twists and turns..WOWEEE! Erin, please hurry along with the next ones. I will be going through withdrawls.