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Romance is Murder
There are two things Morgan Hart loves-her vintage motorcycle and anything with buttercream icing. What Morgan doesn't love is murder. The thirty-six-year-old former Detroit detective has just moved back to Bijoux, Michigan, the lakeside town where she grew up. Returning to take up the reins as the new police captain since her father, Able, retired, Morgan hopes for a fresh start and a welcome change from the gritty police work she did in the Big D. Morgan also hopes she'll be able to get her life back on track since her husband Ian Daniels, also a detective, was murdered on a case five years ago. Still unsolved, her husband's death continues to haunt her. She's determined to find Ian's killer, even as she embarks on her new job.Morgan has mixed feelings about being back in Bijoux and can't help but wonder if the move is the right thing for her. Her relationship with her dad is complicated. The townspeople have no qualms about telling her how to do her job every chance they get. Her childhood nemesis, Connie Graham, a reporter for the local TV news station, has the super power to show up at the worst possible time. And the owner of the local bookstore, Caleb Joseph, is far too attractive and far too nosy. At least she and her deputy, JJ Jones, bond over their mutual love of cupcakes. The quaint, old town has gone through quite a transformation since Morgan moved away. Quirky shops are opening to attract summer tourists and many of the old stores along Main Street are getting a facelift. Even the iconic pink Firefly Bed & Breakfast is changing. It's hosting a romance writer's conference with some of the biggest names in the biz. But someone else is determined to make a few more changes. Deadly changes that will leave the town reeling and will have Morgan investigating the first murder in Bijoux in 100 years.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2021
122 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Teri Barnett
28 books14 followersTeri Barnett is a bestselling author, award winning artist and commercial interior designer who brings a lifetime of learning and exploration to her writing, art, teaching, and design.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 17, 2022
I don't know if this is a true cozy mystery by my definition. Maybe more of a cozy police procedural? But it was decently enjoyable nonetheless.
Look, I love a cozy mystery that plays with the boundaries of the genre and I know the definition varies for a lot of folks. I think a lot of people would say that cozy = amateur sleuth, whereas this book is very much not that. Morgan is a police captain and uses police procedures and resources to help solve the case.
Still, I found the overall environment of the book to be pretty cozy, bringing us closer to the genre. Barnett does a great job of transporting us to the small town of Bijoux and all the characters (and problems) it faces, and I really did feel embedded into the community.
I also enjoyed how the book began with the murder, including the perpetrator's name! It was interesting to know what happened and to try and piece together the steps towards the beginning scene.
I didn't enjoy how the murder investigation was played out. In particular, I personally found the final motive for the murder to be rather juvenile, especially when compared to how grounded the rest of the book felt as we got to know Bijoux through Morgan's eyes. It's a weird contrast that took me out of the cozy a bit to be like... that's the motive? After everything?
Overall, I think it's a decent introduction to a new series but the quality of the motive dragged down my enjoyment of the book.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog.
Look, I love a cozy mystery that plays with the boundaries of the genre and I know the definition varies for a lot of folks. I think a lot of people would say that cozy = amateur sleuth, whereas this book is very much not that. Morgan is a police captain and uses police procedures and resources to help solve the case.
Still, I found the overall environment of the book to be pretty cozy, bringing us closer to the genre. Barnett does a great job of transporting us to the small town of Bijoux and all the characters (and problems) it faces, and I really did feel embedded into the community.
I also enjoyed how the book began with the murder, including the perpetrator's name! It was interesting to know what happened and to try and piece together the steps towards the beginning scene.
I didn't enjoy how the murder investigation was played out. In particular, I personally found the final motive for the murder to be rather juvenile, especially when compared to how grounded the rest of the book felt as we got to know Bijoux through Morgan's eyes. It's a weird contrast that took me out of the cozy a bit to be like... that's the motive? After everything?
Overall, I think it's a decent introduction to a new series but the quality of the motive dragged down my enjoyment of the book.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog.
January 31, 2025
This was a fun read. I always like a good murder mystery. It was unexpected to kind of learn, generally, whodunit early. That said, this was fun to get to know the characters, and I am eager to read more. Frankly, Caleb's character development confounds me. For Me, his behaviors were not consistent. Is he narcissistic? Gay? Straight? Interested in Morgan? Interested in solving the case? Closeted? BTW, that he pulled out the knife...nope. Wouldn't happen. Last, the ending felt rushed and unrealistic. The other victims were killed in secluded or hidden areas. This potential murder was right out there for all to see, and then person upon person "joined in the fray?" All in, I enjoyed this read, it was fun easy, and captured my interest. It left enough questions about other things and characters' pasts that I want to read more. And I will. My book club gets to meet the author in February, so I'm pretty excited about that!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2021
I kind of stumbled onto this book and I'm glad I gave it a read, because it was a lot of fun! I really like Morgan as the new police chief in her hometown. I think JJ her deputy might be my favorite character so far. She and JJ made a really awesome sleuthing team, and I enjoyed their banter over either JJ's girlfriend or what JJ was teasing Morgan about her possible love life with Caleb, the handsome bookstore owner. It was really a cool twist to have a female law enforcement figure with a male snoopy civilian getting into her case. There were some pretty funny moments along with a few creepy ones, but it wasn't a creepy vibe overall with the murder.
Once the idea hit me of whodunit, I stuck to it and was happy to find out I was right. The showdown was pretty odd with what seemed like a dozen people showing up while this perp was holding onto a gun, lol. I love that it was made a little ridiculous on purpose, but it still worked out, and everyone's story was told by the end of the book. What I thought was so great overall was that Morgan and her dad only had to take one look at each other and fell into a hug when she came back to town. I'm really a fan of parental good relationships and love it whenever a character can mend theirs especially with a parent. I know I'll be borrowing the next book in KU. I'm kinda eager to see how Caleb and Morgan progress and how he keeps from getting killed in the next book.
Once the idea hit me of whodunit, I stuck to it and was happy to find out I was right. The showdown was pretty odd with what seemed like a dozen people showing up while this perp was holding onto a gun, lol. I love that it was made a little ridiculous on purpose, but it still worked out, and everyone's story was told by the end of the book. What I thought was so great overall was that Morgan and her dad only had to take one look at each other and fell into a hug when she came back to town. I'm really a fan of parental good relationships and love it whenever a character can mend theirs especially with a parent. I know I'll be borrowing the next book in KU. I'm kinda eager to see how Caleb and Morgan progress and how he keeps from getting killed in the next book.
June 20, 2021
Teri Barnett’s, Romance is Murder, is a fun, upbeat murder-romance that will have you turning pages with ease. This feel-good story-what, you say? Feel-good? That’s right. This authors canny Captain Morgan is tired of seedy Detroit and is ready to return to her small-town roots of Bijoux, MI. Thinking it will all be smooth sailing and great coffee cake, Morgan Hart can’t wait to fill her dad’s shoes at the local police department and take a break. But Bijoux’s not the same sleepy lakeside area she remembers. Now it’s cute, campy and filled with tourists. As she arrives, the first murder in a hundred years takes place, and some locals are looking at her as the reason why. Romance author’s bodies are starting to pile up, but the writers retreat at the Fire Fly hotel is still on, and so is the killer. Is it her high school rival who is determined to make her look like a fool or the murderer of her late husband. Could it be the handsome book store owner who sets her off right from the start? He did invite the victims. You won’t have any problem reading to find out. With the wit and savvy of Ivanovich and DeLeon, Barnett is on the right track with this delicious and murderous series.
August 13, 2025
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, there were some recurring themes that made me uncomfortable…
1. Body/Food shaming. Any time the main character ate something, SOMEONE had to make a comment about it. This was distressing to me as someone who struggles with disordered eating and body dysmorphia. This leads to the character’s described thoughts about what she eats and what others eat, which is very uncomfortable.
2. G*psy. This word was not only used multiple times, but a character dresses in costume that is stereotyping a culture. Unsure if the author is unaware of the harm of the stereotyping, or doesn’t care about these issues.
I generally try to finish series that I read because I care about the characters and want to know what comes next. While I enjoyed the character and world building overall (big fan of Northern Michigan), I will probably not be continuing this series for my own comfort and the problematic themes.
1. Body/Food shaming. Any time the main character ate something, SOMEONE had to make a comment about it. This was distressing to me as someone who struggles with disordered eating and body dysmorphia. This leads to the character’s described thoughts about what she eats and what others eat, which is very uncomfortable.
2. G*psy. This word was not only used multiple times, but a character dresses in costume that is stereotyping a culture. Unsure if the author is unaware of the harm of the stereotyping, or doesn’t care about these issues.
I generally try to finish series that I read because I care about the characters and want to know what comes next. While I enjoyed the character and world building overall (big fan of Northern Michigan), I will probably not be continuing this series for my own comfort and the problematic themes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2022
Started out pretty good.
Went downhill. Couldn't decide if it wanted to be a murder mystery, harlequin romance (with all the sexual tension and sickly sweet banter, smoldering, huffing, sashaying, teasing, etc.), or a comedy. Anyhow, the new police captain (Morgan, haha) starts out attempting to solve the murder of a top-selling romance author. That quickly goes to heck in a hand basket when she pretty much allows in everyone who wants to assist in tracking down the killer; she should have sold tickets and made some money, since she has no control over anything that's happening with the investigation. Pretty soon the whole murder mystery devolved into the Three Stooges in Hooterville. I'm sure there are many who loved this book. I'm not one of them, so I won't be reading any more of this series.
Went downhill. Couldn't decide if it wanted to be a murder mystery, harlequin romance (with all the sexual tension and sickly sweet banter, smoldering, huffing, sashaying, teasing, etc.), or a comedy. Anyhow, the new police captain (Morgan, haha) starts out attempting to solve the murder of a top-selling romance author. That quickly goes to heck in a hand basket when she pretty much allows in everyone who wants to assist in tracking down the killer; she should have sold tickets and made some money, since she has no control over anything that's happening with the investigation. Pretty soon the whole murder mystery devolved into the Three Stooges in Hooterville. I'm sure there are many who loved this book. I'm not one of them, so I won't be reading any more of this series.
September 12, 2020
This page turner was hard to put down until I consumed the last page! I loved the way the characters were slowly unveiled allowing us to get to know them as the storyline developed. Living in a small town myself I could imagine some of the conversations and situations the locals and strangers found themselves. And I found myself guessing who dunnit, to the very end. My only complaint-I have to wait for the next one in this series!!
March 13, 2024
It’s hard to make a book about murder a nice, fun, light read but somehow this book does it.
The characters are genuinely fun and likeable. It’s not personally my favorite genre, so I won’t be continuing the series, but it hits the spot if you’re looking for a cozy mystery.
0/5 🌶️
Literally there’s not even a kiss. I bet there’s a romance that blossoms between Caleb and Morgan, but it probably takes 5 books for them to hold hands.
The characters are genuinely fun and likeable. It’s not personally my favorite genre, so I won’t be continuing the series, but it hits the spot if you’re looking for a cozy mystery.
0/5 🌶️
Literally there’s not even a kiss. I bet there’s a romance that blossoms between Caleb and Morgan, but it probably takes 5 books for them to hold hands.
December 29, 2022
Not what I had expected
One of the things that catches my eye when looking for a new author to read is the cover of the book. Based on this cover, I honestly didn't expect such a great story with vivid characters and a story so well written. As the saying goes, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'.....alone!
One of the things that catches my eye when looking for a new author to read is the cover of the book. Based on this cover, I honestly didn't expect such a great story with vivid characters and a story so well written. As the saying goes, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'.....alone!
January 24, 2024
fu quick read
Characters were interesting and believable. Heroine behaved sensibly and didn’t go off half cocked, blindly muddling ahead like some authors do to their female lead characters, making you shake your head at their repeated stupidity. She’s smart, strong and level headed and integrates well with leading male characters. I enjoyed this read.
Characters were interesting and believable. Heroine behaved sensibly and didn’t go off half cocked, blindly muddling ahead like some authors do to their female lead characters, making you shake your head at their repeated stupidity. She’s smart, strong and level headed and integrates well with leading male characters. I enjoyed this read.
June 2, 2022
Romance is Murder
Too much of anything is just that. It is also boring and makes skip reading a sure thing. Back off on the sexual innuendo, please. Also, lose some of the romance and snark.
Too much of anything is just that. It is also boring and makes skip reading a sure thing. Back off on the sexual innuendo, please. Also, lose some of the romance and snark.
January 8, 2024
Meta-maniacal
From the first sentence, Romance is Murder captured my attention, not letting go until the final guffaw. Teri Barnett created intriguing characters with a fun and compelling backstory. Looking forward to future books!
From the first sentence, Romance is Murder captured my attention, not letting go until the final guffaw. Teri Barnett created intriguing characters with a fun and compelling backstory. Looking forward to future books!
June 4, 2022
Excellent new series
Fast paced book. Could not put it down. This book is a must read for any person who enjoys cosy mysteries.
Fast paced book. Could not put it down. This book is a must read for any person who enjoys cosy mysteries.
dnf
December 31, 2023DNF at 51% for terrible police work. You can kind of get away with hand waving the procedural stuff when your MC is an amateur detective, but not if you make your MC a cop IMHO.
January 15, 2024
Cute good story
January 28, 2025
love a good romance, I mean mystery.
I’m not sure if it was more romance or mystery. But I am sure I loved it. I can’t wait to read more in the series.
I’m not sure if it was more romance or mystery. But I am sure I loved it. I can’t wait to read more in the series.
February 4, 2019
Teri Barnett did it again with this one! Romance is Murder is quite entertaining and easy to read. The mystery held until the end. I loved the description of the little Lake Michigan town, as I frequent that region myself in the summers. And I had to make a coffee cake after reading it! No cupcakes for me though! Looking forward to reading more in this series!!
January 22, 2024
This book had just the right amount of romance, quirky characters and murder. I guessed the culprit early on but that didn’t detract from the story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews