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Jane Doe Book Club Mystery #2
Reading Between the Crimes
Perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Kate Carlisle, the members of the Jane Doe Book Club are on the case as Kate Young's peachy-keen Georgia-set mystery series comes back for seconds.
What better time than Halloween to dig into a bracing discussion of a diabolical murder mystery? And what better choice for the Jane Doe Book Club than Agatha Christie's Crooked House? Lyla Moody and her friends are soon embroiled in debate over whether the heroine's actions are particularly believable. But not long after the meeting, sleepy Sweet Mountain, Georgia, is rocked by a murder that uncannily echoes the novel in question.
When Lyla and her grandmother arrive at the charity event that Lyla's mother is hosting, they barely have time to hang up their fall jackets before they stumble upon a body in the library. Leonard Richardson, it seems, was robbed and then hit over the head with a brass candlestick--which throws suspicion on Harper Richardson, his young widow and a friend of the Jane Does.
Lyla and the rest of the Jane Does pool their prodigious intellects to clear Harper's name. Peculiarly, all of the clues seem to have been lifted directly from the plot of Crooked House. But as Lyla probes the pages of Christie's classic whodunnit for hints on catching the killer, she uncovers secrets from her mother's past--secrets that suggest that Lyla's own house may be crooked as well.
What better time than Halloween to dig into a bracing discussion of a diabolical murder mystery? And what better choice for the Jane Doe Book Club than Agatha Christie's Crooked House? Lyla Moody and her friends are soon embroiled in debate over whether the heroine's actions are particularly believable. But not long after the meeting, sleepy Sweet Mountain, Georgia, is rocked by a murder that uncannily echoes the novel in question.
When Lyla and her grandmother arrive at the charity event that Lyla's mother is hosting, they barely have time to hang up their fall jackets before they stumble upon a body in the library. Leonard Richardson, it seems, was robbed and then hit over the head with a brass candlestick--which throws suspicion on Harper Richardson, his young widow and a friend of the Jane Does.
Lyla and the rest of the Jane Does pool their prodigious intellects to clear Harper's name. Peculiarly, all of the clues seem to have been lifted directly from the plot of Crooked House. But as Lyla probes the pages of Christie's classic whodunnit for hints on catching the killer, she uncovers secrets from her mother's past--secrets that suggest that Lyla's own house may be crooked as well.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
35 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Kate Young
23 books1,165 followersKate Young writes Southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Georgia Writers Association. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
September 7, 2021
Book two in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series. I enjoyed the first book, On Borrowed Crime, and was happy to be able to follow up on the characters' lives.
Lyla Moody works as an assistant to her uncle who is a P.I., but the mystery in this book does not develop from one of their cases. It begins with Lyla and her grandmother discovering a dead body during a function in Lyla's parents' home. At first this seems to be by chance but, as the mystery deepens, more and more of the case seems to impact directly on Lyla and her family. Not all is as it seems especially regarding her mother and her uncle and events from the past.
There were plenty of slightly crazy people, a suspicious stranger, and more guns and tasers than normal for a cosy mystery. Altogether there were many possible suspects and not everyone was who they appeared to be. Everything became very serious towards the end and there was a very dramatic final reveal. Definitely very readable and recommended to fans of this genre.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lyla Moody works as an assistant to her uncle who is a P.I., but the mystery in this book does not develop from one of their cases. It begins with Lyla and her grandmother discovering a dead body during a function in Lyla's parents' home. At first this seems to be by chance but, as the mystery deepens, more and more of the case seems to impact directly on Lyla and her family. Not all is as it seems especially regarding her mother and her uncle and events from the past.
There were plenty of slightly crazy people, a suspicious stranger, and more guns and tasers than normal for a cosy mystery. Altogether there were many possible suspects and not everyone was who they appeared to be. Everything became very serious towards the end and there was a very dramatic final reveal. Definitely very readable and recommended to fans of this genre.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 9, 2021
When the Jane Doe Book Club had their latest meeting, the book discussion was about Agatha Christie’s "Crooked House". Lyla Moody, Melanie and the rest of the group were there, but Harper was unable to stay. She was distraught and having some trouble with her husband. Not long afterwards, at the fundraiser at Lyla’s parents house, where a large amount of the well-to-dos were in attendance, Lyla and her Gran discovered a body in the newly renovated library. From then on, life as Lyla had known it, was way off kilter.
Detective Battle seemed to be going in a different direction to Lyla, and when Harper was arrested for her husband’s murder, she and her friends were determined to prove she wasn’t the killer. As Lyla learned more about Harper’s dysfunctional family, there were some parallels directed at her own family – things she just couldn’t believe. After Lyla was injured in a violent attack, instead of turning her away, it made her focus more on what was happening. Would she find the killer and free Harper? Or would it be too late?
Set in Sweet Mountain, Georgia, Reading Between the Crimes is the 2nd in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series by Kate Young, and I really enjoyed it. Fast paced with plenty of full-on action, and some real crazy people hanging around Sweet Mountain, I didn’t figure the 'who' until the reveal. A brilliant conclusion wound up an excellent cosy mystery which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Battle seemed to be going in a different direction to Lyla, and when Harper was arrested for her husband’s murder, she and her friends were determined to prove she wasn’t the killer. As Lyla learned more about Harper’s dysfunctional family, there were some parallels directed at her own family – things she just couldn’t believe. After Lyla was injured in a violent attack, instead of turning her away, it made her focus more on what was happening. Would she find the killer and free Harper? Or would it be too late?
Set in Sweet Mountain, Georgia, Reading Between the Crimes is the 2nd in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series by Kate Young, and I really enjoyed it. Fast paced with plenty of full-on action, and some real crazy people hanging around Sweet Mountain, I didn’t figure the 'who' until the reveal. A brilliant conclusion wound up an excellent cosy mystery which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2021
Reading Between the Crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series.
I haven't read book one, but was easily able to understand the characters and setting. The plot moves along at a nice pace with some entertaining surprises! I like the setting, the characters and the plot. I loved the idea of a book club banding together to solve a real murder mystery. Fun! A very enjoyable cozy!
This is the first book by Kate Young that I've read. I'm definitely backtracking to read the first book in this series, On Borrowed Crime.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I haven't read book one, but was easily able to understand the characters and setting. The plot moves along at a nice pace with some entertaining surprises! I like the setting, the characters and the plot. I loved the idea of a book club banding together to solve a real murder mystery. Fun! A very enjoyable cozy!
This is the first book by Kate Young that I've read. I'm definitely backtracking to read the first book in this series, On Borrowed Crime.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
September 4, 2021
Reading Between the Crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery. I have read the first book in the series but I can surely say that anyone who hasn't will not find it difficult to follow. Besides the Jane Doe Book Club run by the main protagonist and true crime enthusiast Lyla Moody and her friends, her job working in her uncle's private investigating firm and her tackling the cold Jane Doe cases , there is not much to connect with the previous book--it even took me a moment to recall the plot of the first book. A couple of years have passed between the two books and Lyla even has a new boyfriend. There is yet again a murder and this time it takes place in Lyla's parents home during a fundraising event hosted by her mother. The victim is the husband of Harper Richardson who is a newish, albeit temporary member of the Jane Doe Book Club and the suspicion falls on her. Lyla and the remaining book club members set out to prove Harper's innocence but doing so threatens to bring forth to light a secret about Lyla's mother and uncle's true origins... a secret that can be very damaging for the whole Moody family.
Since Lyla is also investigating the Jane Doe cold cases, it would be nice if the author makes a few of those cases the main focus (or connect them in some way) in future plotlines instead of just a vague reference to them. Overall, I liked this book as well and let's see what the author has in store for the series.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Kate Young for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
Since Lyla is also investigating the Jane Doe cold cases, it would be nice if the author makes a few of those cases the main focus (or connect them in some way) in future plotlines instead of just a vague reference to them. Overall, I liked this book as well and let's see what the author has in store for the series.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Kate Young for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
November 5, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. It held up well as a standalone. It was well written and well paced. The plot was interesting and kept me guessing. I actually thought that this story was darker than I am used to in my cozy mysteries (not a complaint, just an observation). The characters were likable overall, and the ending was satisfactory. That said, I felt like the ending was a little rushed and it left us with some loose ends. Overall though, I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for the next book in this series.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. It held up well as a standalone. It was well written and well paced. The plot was interesting and kept me guessing. I actually thought that this story was darker than I am used to in my cozy mysteries (not a complaint, just an observation). The characters were likable overall, and the ending was satisfactory. That said, I felt like the ending was a little rushed and it left us with some loose ends. Overall though, I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for the next book in this series.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 31, 2021
This one didn't exactly hold my attention like the first one. I got bored and kept putting it down. The ending was wrapped up nicely so there's that. I would still read more of this series in the future. I just hope they're better!
May 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was great with all the twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The characters were well suited for the story. I wish that there was more interaction and romance between Lyla and Brad as he was in the outskirts of the story. The ending was not what I expected with Charles and the family and his interest in Kyla. I am looking forward the the 3rd in the series in the next chapter of the Jane Doe Book Club.
Thanking you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Thanking you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
May 26, 2021
This book was so intriguing from the start. Lyla gets pulled into solve the case for Harper who works at the library. First, Harper enlists Lyla to search for her aunt and then Harper's husband dies in Lyla's parents library at a party. Backed with Amelia and Mel, Lyla wants to help clear Harper's name from the murder. It so happens that their book club pick, The Crooked House, is somewhat replicating itself in their life as well.
And there is the case of Harper's mom, who is bent on helping Harper and Lyla does not know what the reason is until the end. The mystery is tied with Lyla's mom and Calvin's past but I still couldn't figure out the whodunit in any way. There were so many twists in the end with a great deal of explanation, which made this book really interesting. And I must add, the romance between Brad and Lyla is so good, although I wish to see more of Brad in the future books.
My thanks to Netgalley for an opportunity to read and review this book.
And there is the case of Harper's mom, who is bent on helping Harper and Lyla does not know what the reason is until the end. The mystery is tied with Lyla's mom and Calvin's past but I still couldn't figure out the whodunit in any way. There were so many twists in the end with a great deal of explanation, which made this book really interesting. And I must add, the romance between Brad and Lyla is so good, although I wish to see more of Brad in the future books.
My thanks to Netgalley for an opportunity to read and review this book.
April 14, 2022
Oh my! This series is really getting good. I really liked the first book, but this book is outstanding! The main character really grabbed me. She is an intelligent, naturally curious woman making her way in her uncle's PI business while being surrounded by men who feel they have to protect the "little woman" who they don't take seriously. While not all the men in the book fit that category, her immediate family and once beau definitely do. This book ramps things up and drags her family into the midst of a potential scandal and someone seems to be out to tear her family to shreds. Lyla and pals dig in quick and start making headway that is once again ignored by all the powers that be. Excellent plotting with multiple suspects and the author does a great job of leading you towards one suspect just to toss a twist at you and have you following another! I absolutely can not wait to read the next book in this series! It's quickly becoming one of my favorites!
September 14, 2021
READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series by Kate Young. While it can be read as a standalone, this newest release builds on groundwork laid in the first book with a couple mysterious threads. Plus, the author’s expertise at character development becomes evident from one book to the next. The protagonist, Lyla Moody, is a private investigator-in-training, working for her uncle. This gives the storyline an edgier, suspenseful feeling, yet remains within the cozy genre. One of the mysterious threads involves Lyla’s uncle and her mother who are secretive about their childhood and past. Ms. Young writes an enthralling tale that peels back the layers of their secrecy and weaves it into the current day murder that occurred at her mother’s home. As the story and the suspense unfolded, I found myself glued to the pages with every twist and turn. Assisting Lyla in her quest for finding the truth are her close friends from the Jane Doe Book Club. This adds another dimension of interest in that the author uses the book club’s selection, Agatha Christie’s Crooked House, in creating parallels to her current case. It makes me want to go back and reread the classic while I wait on pins and needles for the next installment in this riveting series!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2021
Wow, I was absolutely gobsmacked while I was reading this book.
The plot is really unbelievable, and I did not expect the reveal to be so good.
Lyla Moody is a fun character, and her Jane Doe book club sounds fascinating.
Kate Young has spun a wicked tale in Reading Between the Crimes. Be sure to add this book to your TBR pile.
The plot is really unbelievable, and I did not expect the reveal to be so good.
Lyla Moody is a fun character, and her Jane Doe book club sounds fascinating.
Kate Young has spun a wicked tale in Reading Between the Crimes. Be sure to add this book to your TBR pile.
September 28, 2021
Wow! Just Wow! Those words pretty much sum up how I felt after reading this book!
I was fortunate enough to be able to read and review the first book in this series. I am happy to say that the author has added even more interest to her second book in this series! There's lots of action to be enjoyed by readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
I was fortunate enough to be able to read and review the first book in this series. I am happy to say that the author has added even more interest to her second book in this series! There's lots of action to be enjoyed by readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
September 28, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
The Jane Doe Book Club is reading Crooked House by Agatha Christie. The group discussion focused on whether the heroine's actions were believable. Soon thereafter, Lyla Moody and her grandmother find a dead body at a charity event hosted by Lyla's mother. Eerily, the murder has similarities to that very mystery. A brass candlestick to the head appears to have killed Leonard Richardson and his pockets have been emptied. His widow, Harper is the police's prime suspect but Lyla and the other members of the reading group believe her to be innocent. They work together to piece together the clues while referring to the Christie mystery for anything that will help pin down the real killer. Lyla's investigation uncovers some secrets that personally affect her life too.
_____
Ms. Young has created dynamic characters for this series and in this installment we delve deeper into Lyla's mother's and uncle's past and it is quite intriguing. While the Jane Does want to help their friend, Harper, Lyla's mother takes a special interest as well.
The murder mystery was fully entangled with every subplot along with the parallels to Christie's Crooked House. I found the story gripping and layered. The victim's family was an eclectic dysfunctional group, each stranger than the next and all suspects. Secrets and lies abound with twist after twist and a powerful turn that kept my eyes glued to the pages. I was so taken aback by the ending. The author brought everything together with an expert hand.
I have not read Crooked House. From what I had read others say about the book I thought I should read it before reading this one. But the synopsis kept calling me. I loved the first book, On Borrowed Crime so last week I decided to start reading. I found Ms. Young did a wonderful job filling in everything readers like me needed to know and I was able to enjoy Reading Between the Crimes fully. My apologies to her. I still have Crooked House on my To-Be-Read shelf so I will read it someday but I am so glad I didn't wait any longer to read Ms. Young's book.
Reading Between the Crimes is a riveting story with characters who are well-developed and continue to evolve. I am very excited to read the next Jane Doe Book Club Mystery, Crime for the Books. I see it has parallels to another Agatha Christie novel but I am not going to let that hold me back again. I have learned my lesson. I hope I can find a spot on my reading calendar soon.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The Jane Doe Book Club is reading Crooked House by Agatha Christie. The group discussion focused on whether the heroine's actions were believable. Soon thereafter, Lyla Moody and her grandmother find a dead body at a charity event hosted by Lyla's mother. Eerily, the murder has similarities to that very mystery. A brass candlestick to the head appears to have killed Leonard Richardson and his pockets have been emptied. His widow, Harper is the police's prime suspect but Lyla and the other members of the reading group believe her to be innocent. They work together to piece together the clues while referring to the Christie mystery for anything that will help pin down the real killer. Lyla's investigation uncovers some secrets that personally affect her life too.
_____
Ms. Young has created dynamic characters for this series and in this installment we delve deeper into Lyla's mother's and uncle's past and it is quite intriguing. While the Jane Does want to help their friend, Harper, Lyla's mother takes a special interest as well.
The murder mystery was fully entangled with every subplot along with the parallels to Christie's Crooked House. I found the story gripping and layered. The victim's family was an eclectic dysfunctional group, each stranger than the next and all suspects. Secrets and lies abound with twist after twist and a powerful turn that kept my eyes glued to the pages. I was so taken aback by the ending. The author brought everything together with an expert hand.
I have not read Crooked House. From what I had read others say about the book I thought I should read it before reading this one. But the synopsis kept calling me. I loved the first book, On Borrowed Crime so last week I decided to start reading. I found Ms. Young did a wonderful job filling in everything readers like me needed to know and I was able to enjoy Reading Between the Crimes fully. My apologies to her. I still have Crooked House on my To-Be-Read shelf so I will read it someday but I am so glad I didn't wait any longer to read Ms. Young's book.
Reading Between the Crimes is a riveting story with characters who are well-developed and continue to evolve. I am very excited to read the next Jane Doe Book Club Mystery, Crime for the Books. I see it has parallels to another Agatha Christie novel but I am not going to let that hold me back again. I have learned my lesson. I hope I can find a spot on my reading calendar soon.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
September 9, 2021
Reading Between the Crimes is the 2nd mystery in Kate Young's Jane Doe Book Club series.
Lyla Moody is the receptionist at her uncle's PI firm in the quiet town of Sweet Mountain, Georgia. She is dating Special Agent Brad Jones as well as reading Crooked House with the rest of the Jane Does. After the monthly book club meeting which now has a dozen members, and the resulting debate where they enjoy their delicacies - pumpkin muffins with it being Autumn, as well as espresso fudge - Lyla makes her way to her parents' house. Lyla's mother is hosting an event to raise money for the children's wing at Lyla's dad's hospital. The event is well attended and Lyla and her grandmother go in search of the double chocolate truffles then make their way to the library which is being extended and leads to the patio. They are shocked to discover a dead body there.
This book had an extremely intriguing plot and I was swept along with the story from the start. Kate Young's writing is sharp and edgy and I loved her portrayal of the main character who I find to be sassy though her clan are rather weird! Reading Between the Crimes is one for those who like their cozies fresh and amusing and the ending is a doozy! I can't wait to see what's next for Lyla.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Lyla Moody is the receptionist at her uncle's PI firm in the quiet town of Sweet Mountain, Georgia. She is dating Special Agent Brad Jones as well as reading Crooked House with the rest of the Jane Does. After the monthly book club meeting which now has a dozen members, and the resulting debate where they enjoy their delicacies - pumpkin muffins with it being Autumn, as well as espresso fudge - Lyla makes her way to her parents' house. Lyla's mother is hosting an event to raise money for the children's wing at Lyla's dad's hospital. The event is well attended and Lyla and her grandmother go in search of the double chocolate truffles then make their way to the library which is being extended and leads to the patio. They are shocked to discover a dead body there.
This book had an extremely intriguing plot and I was swept along with the story from the start. Kate Young's writing is sharp and edgy and I loved her portrayal of the main character who I find to be sassy though her clan are rather weird! Reading Between the Crimes is one for those who like their cozies fresh and amusing and the ending is a doozy! I can't wait to see what's next for Lyla.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Want to read
July 26, 2021This is the second book in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. The mystery has a great pace with plenty of twists and turns to reader engaged. The characters were more well-rounded this time. The storyline was wrapped up nicely by the end of the book.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
September 14, 2021
Reading Between the Crimes by Kate Young is the 2nd A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Lyla Moody finds herself helping Harper Richardson after her husband is murdered in Moody’s home during a charity soiree. Reading Between the Crimes has a convoluted mystery. There are a handful of suspects in this strange whodunit. There is a cliché tough guy detective (Detective Battle) who does not believe Lyla’s story (of course). The reveal was action packed and filled with tension. I was left with numerous unanswered questions at the end of the book. I would have liked a better wrap-up. I like how the mystery tied into the Jane Doe Book Club’s current selection of Crooked House. I wish Lyla and the ladies had compared the current murder to the one in the book (gone into detail). Agatha Christie fans will enjoy this story. I love Lyla’s grandmother, Daisy. She is a hoot and my favorite character in the book. I would love a cozy with her as the protagonist. There is a great deal of repetition of murder related details, and I did not appreciate the foul language. From the summary of the book, I was anticipating a spooky Halloween themed cozy. There are references to the October pub crawl, but Halloween seemed to have fallen through the cracks. I was surprised by Lyla’s sleuthing skills. As a private investigator, I expected her be different than an amateur sleuth. I expected her to dig deep to uncover information especially about the victims past. I thought she would be more curious especially when it appeared there was a tie-in to her own mother. While I liked the beginning, I had trouble completing Reading Between the Crimes. Reading Between the Crimes is a literary themed cozy mystery with jovial grandmother, a Christie related crime, a remote mother, tempting treats, a determined detective, and an alarming murder.
May 15, 2021
Reading Between the Crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series and frankly, I enjoyed this book much more than I did the first one in the series. This one had a great pace and the storyline moved along keeping me turning pages. I also thought the character of Lyla Moody was written with more depth and maturity this time around, allowing me to connect with her as a reader and care more about her story and her family. This book has a mix of things happening between the pages. There is murder, lies, secrets, and family dynamics at play throughout the story. There were a few things that surprised me. As I said, I enjoyed Lyla more in this book than the first. She is surrounded by a close group of friends, along with the revolving members of the Jane Doe Book Club. Finally, there is Lyla's family. I especially her Gran, who provides a bit of needed humor after the heavy family revelations in this book. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics in this book. There are long-held family secrets, which once revealed will allow the Moody's to heal and grow.
The mystery was multi-layered and kept me on my toes. Secrets and lies abound and Lyla is not quite sure who she can trust as she tries to help a member of the book club, who is accused of murdering her husband. Lyla encounters danger and intrigue, but she is a strong character and logical in the ways she puts the clues together. I was surprised with the ending, but the author did a great job wrapping up all of the various threads to this story.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Ms. Young has in store for these characters in future installments.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The mystery was multi-layered and kept me on my toes. Secrets and lies abound and Lyla is not quite sure who she can trust as she tries to help a member of the book club, who is accused of murdering her husband. Lyla encounters danger and intrigue, but she is a strong character and logical in the ways she puts the clues together. I was surprised with the ending, but the author did a great job wrapping up all of the various threads to this story.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Ms. Young has in store for these characters in future installments.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 3, 2021
I was intrigued by this book from the beginning because it actually starts with a charity function at which Lyla discovers a dead body. Lyla is a private investigator with her Uncle Charlie’s firm in Sweet Mountain, Georgia, and she loves nothing more than a good mystery. In this latest book in the Jane Doe series, Lyla and her group of friends who enjoy mysteries (the real ones and the ones in the books they discuss in their Jane Doe group), are hard-pressed to discover what is really happening under the surface of the murder mystery itself. I love a good puzzle and this book surely fit the bill! With plenty of red herrings and lots of suspects, I was completely blown away by the unexpected ending. Loved it! The characters are well-developed and even though there are plenty of them, I felt as though I knew each one well enough to keep guessing and eliminating suspects as I followed the well-developed plot and clues. This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. I really look forward to more in this cozy mystery series. This one surely had an edge to it that was a pleasant surprise, so I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
did-not-finish
April 28, 2021DNF at 45%. I love a good book themed murder mystery, but I'm so struggling to get into this one. The main character is boring and kitschy and the other characters aren't making up for it so far. Unheard of for me to stop reading a mystery but I was too bored to continue.
March 21, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
This series reminds me a bit of Susan M. Boyer’s Liz Talbot series – set in the South, young women who are private investigators, families living nearby and mothers concerned about propriety and appearance. I really like Liz from Boyer’s series, though, and haven’t quite made up my mind about Lyla in these books. I’m not quite sure what the problem is, but maybe it will work itself out as the series continues.
The mystery in this book is a good one, with a murder taking place very early in the story. There were plenty of suspects on my list, and as clues were uncovered, the position of the names on that list kept shifting. Eventually, a clear ‘winner’ began to emerge in my mind, but I was only partially right, even though the motive was pretty obvious.
I will continue this series, just not right away, because I’d like to learn which book the Jane Does will read next.
This series reminds me a bit of Susan M. Boyer’s Liz Talbot series – set in the South, young women who are private investigators, families living nearby and mothers concerned about propriety and appearance. I really like Liz from Boyer’s series, though, and haven’t quite made up my mind about Lyla in these books. I’m not quite sure what the problem is, but maybe it will work itself out as the series continues.
The mystery in this book is a good one, with a murder taking place very early in the story. There were plenty of suspects on my list, and as clues were uncovered, the position of the names on that list kept shifting. Eventually, a clear ‘winner’ began to emerge in my mind, but I was only partially right, even though the motive was pretty obvious.
I will continue this series, just not right away, because I’d like to learn which book the Jane Does will read next.
August 26, 2021
“Reading Between the Crimes” by Kate Young this is the 2nd instalment in the "A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery" series. OMG! I really enjoyed this story and think I liked even better than book one! This has become one of my favourite series!
I found myself engrossed in the story and wanting to read in one sitting. It was suspenseful, and had me on the edge of my seat. It was still a cozy but had elements of a thriller/suspense novel that you don’t normally find in cozies, but with that said it had just the right mixture of everything.
I totally love the Jane Doe Book Club and I wish I could have a club like that here at home. I liked how Lyla, Mel and Amelia have each other’s backs and I love the budding relationship with Brad and Lyla.
This go around we are more focused on Harper and the murder of her husband as well as the secrets Lylas mum has been keeping. The mystery was interesting, well plotted, and full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I am so looking forward to seeing more in this series as well as in Kate’s other series the “Marygene Brown Mysteries”
I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found myself engrossed in the story and wanting to read in one sitting. It was suspenseful, and had me on the edge of my seat. It was still a cozy but had elements of a thriller/suspense novel that you don’t normally find in cozies, but with that said it had just the right mixture of everything.
I totally love the Jane Doe Book Club and I wish I could have a club like that here at home. I liked how Lyla, Mel and Amelia have each other’s backs and I love the budding relationship with Brad and Lyla.
This go around we are more focused on Harper and the murder of her husband as well as the secrets Lylas mum has been keeping. The mystery was interesting, well plotted, and full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I am so looking forward to seeing more in this series as well as in Kate’s other series the “Marygene Brown Mysteries”
I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
May 22, 2022
Reading Between the Crimes follows Lyla and her friends from the Jane Doe Book Club. They are discussing the Agatha Cristie novel, Crooked House. After a club meeting, Lyla takes her grandmother home and that is where the two of them discover a body. Now, this is where the book starts to get interesting. Lyla and her friends try to uncover the truth and also try to clear the name of the accused.
I found this book easy to read and very entertaining. Even though this is the second book in the series you don't have to read book one to know what is going on. Kate Young does an awesome job filling in so you are not wondering what is going on. I am looking forward to reading book 3.
I found this book easy to read and very entertaining. Even though this is the second book in the series you don't have to read book one to know what is going on. Kate Young does an awesome job filling in so you are not wondering what is going on. I am looking forward to reading book 3.
April 25, 2021
I wanted to like this book.
I always like the premise of so-called "cozy mysteries" but I haven't found any series yet that has just wowed me. This book seemed like it could fit the bill, so I was incredibly disappointed when I hit about 50% and realized it just wasn't what I expected.
Firstly, the description of the book doesn't match up to the plot of the book.
"What better time than Halloween to dig into a bracing discussion of a diabolical murder mystery?"
Halloween played zero role in this book. In fact, the events were entirely season agnostic, so while I went in expecting a bit of a spooky sleuthing romp, that is not the ambience I got at all.
"And what better choice for the Jane Doe Book Club than Agatha Christie's Crooked House? Lyla Moody and her friends are soon embroiled in debate over whether the heroine's actions are particularly believable. But not long after the meeting, sleepy Sweet Mountain, Georgia, is rocked by a murder that uncannily echoes the novel in question."
The conversation did *occasionally* reference back to Crooked House, but the book club barely played a role. I am not familiar with the Christie book, and could have benefited from more information about the plot of that book and discussion about how eerie the similarities are. Even having the characters get deep into comparing real life to the book and then questioning themselves to make them seem unreliable would have been more interesting than what I actually got-- snippets from the first formal book club and light conversation from a second "core group" meeting.
"Lyla and the rest of the Jane Does pool their prodigious intellects to clear Harper's name."
They really don't. They have a few gossip sessions with bland dialogue, but Lyla, the professional PI, is perhaps one of the least curious, least effective investigators I could imagine. The fact that Hammond gave away a location and a family name that hinted at her family history and she had 1) no interest in looking into it and 2) zero realization that there was a connection, disappointed me. I am told that Lyla is great at her job, but I am not SHOWN it.
"Peculiarly, all of the clues seem to have been lifted directly from the plot of Crooked House."
Again, I am told that this is the case, but I am not shown this.
"But as Lyla probes the pages of Christie's classic whodunnit for hints on catching the killer, she uncovers secrets from her mother's past--secrets that suggest that Lyla's own house may be crooked as well."
This doesn't happen! I would have loved her to reference the book for inspiration for solving the mystery but this never happens. All of this supposed wealth of knowledge from the group of mystery-loving Jane Does is never proven, never utilized.
I didn't think Lyla was a compelling character. I didn't even find her particularly likeable, which is fine, but I also didn't care about her one whit.
The "mystery" is solved through a series of Lyla falling into evidence, the whole book builds up to the reveal of the murderer and it's all wrapped up in one final WILD scene at her childhood home. Nothing is really resolved, we don't wrap up the weirdness of the Richardson family, or find out why or how Harper and LJ got wrapped up in a cult to the point they accept abuse from Charles. I left with a lot of questions and not enough answers, and not in the fun way.
The only character I came away really caring about was the grandmother. I'd read a mystery from her perspective. It would at least be lighthearted (what I thought I was getting from the description) and more compelling.
I am giving this book 2 stars because it started strong and has a lot of potential, so I don't think it would be fair to give it 1. But for me, this book fell completely flat.
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I always like the premise of so-called "cozy mysteries" but I haven't found any series yet that has just wowed me. This book seemed like it could fit the bill, so I was incredibly disappointed when I hit about 50% and realized it just wasn't what I expected.
Firstly, the description of the book doesn't match up to the plot of the book.
"What better time than Halloween to dig into a bracing discussion of a diabolical murder mystery?"
Halloween played zero role in this book. In fact, the events were entirely season agnostic, so while I went in expecting a bit of a spooky sleuthing romp, that is not the ambience I got at all.
"And what better choice for the Jane Doe Book Club than Agatha Christie's Crooked House? Lyla Moody and her friends are soon embroiled in debate over whether the heroine's actions are particularly believable. But not long after the meeting, sleepy Sweet Mountain, Georgia, is rocked by a murder that uncannily echoes the novel in question."
The conversation did *occasionally* reference back to Crooked House, but the book club barely played a role. I am not familiar with the Christie book, and could have benefited from more information about the plot of that book and discussion about how eerie the similarities are. Even having the characters get deep into comparing real life to the book and then questioning themselves to make them seem unreliable would have been more interesting than what I actually got-- snippets from the first formal book club and light conversation from a second "core group" meeting.
"Lyla and the rest of the Jane Does pool their prodigious intellects to clear Harper's name."
They really don't. They have a few gossip sessions with bland dialogue, but Lyla, the professional PI, is perhaps one of the least curious, least effective investigators I could imagine. The fact that Hammond gave away a location and a family name that hinted at her family history and she had 1) no interest in looking into it and 2) zero realization that there was a connection, disappointed me. I am told that Lyla is great at her job, but I am not SHOWN it.
"Peculiarly, all of the clues seem to have been lifted directly from the plot of Crooked House."
Again, I am told that this is the case, but I am not shown this.
"But as Lyla probes the pages of Christie's classic whodunnit for hints on catching the killer, she uncovers secrets from her mother's past--secrets that suggest that Lyla's own house may be crooked as well."
This doesn't happen! I would have loved her to reference the book for inspiration for solving the mystery but this never happens. All of this supposed wealth of knowledge from the group of mystery-loving Jane Does is never proven, never utilized.
I didn't think Lyla was a compelling character. I didn't even find her particularly likeable, which is fine, but I also didn't care about her one whit.
The "mystery" is solved through a series of Lyla falling into evidence, the whole book builds up to the reveal of the murderer and it's all wrapped up in one final WILD scene at her childhood home. Nothing is really resolved, we don't wrap up the weirdness of the Richardson family, or find out why or how Harper and LJ got wrapped up in a cult to the point they accept abuse from Charles. I left with a lot of questions and not enough answers, and not in the fun way.
The only character I came away really caring about was the grandmother. I'd read a mystery from her perspective. It would at least be lighthearted (what I thought I was getting from the description) and more compelling.
I am giving this book 2 stars because it started strong and has a lot of potential, so I don't think it would be fair to give it 1. But for me, this book fell completely flat.
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 8, 2021
Wow! I’m so blown away with my love for this series! I didn’t think I could love it anymore than I did until I read this! Lyla has become one of my favorite characters by far. After stumbling upon a body at a charity event that her mom is hosting Lyla knows this one is different than her other cases especially when it hits home. Lyla has grown in many ways since we last saw her and seems to be doing quite well. This latest mystery becomes very personal and Lyla will risk everything to solve it. I thoroughly enjoyed this edgy cozy and loved the shocking ending! Great character development and storyline I’m hoping to read many more books in this series as this is my favorite book in it now! I highly recommend this book to all lovers of mystery and suspense as well as cozy mystery reads ! Loved it!
September 8, 2021
READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES, the second Jane Doe Book Club Mystery by Kate Young, has everything readers desire in a cozy mystery…a great small town setting, interesting characters, a touch of romance, and murderous peril.
I am so glad to have found this series. Somehow I missed reading the first Jane Doe book, but I had no trouble jumping right into this tale. Young provides enough background info and context to quickly catch readers up. There is much more than a murder within these pages. Family secrets, revelations, and dynamics are vitally important. Really, the entire book is about relationships, friends and family alike, and the lengths people will go to protect or destroy each other.
I enjoy all of the characters, especially protagonist Lyla and her grandmother. Lyla is intelligent, curious, and methodical in her approach to sleuthing. Gran is a hoot and provides most of the story’s comic relief. Young keeps readers guessing throughout, and I was quite surprised by how it all played out. The story and its resolution provide lots of opportunity for character growth, and I look forward to seeing where they go from here. The pace of the book is brisk, and there is building tension throughout.
I really liked READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES and impatiently await the next installment. Highly recommended to any reader looking for a “meatier” cozy mystery.
I gratefully received an ARC of this title from the author and Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
I am so glad to have found this series. Somehow I missed reading the first Jane Doe book, but I had no trouble jumping right into this tale. Young provides enough background info and context to quickly catch readers up. There is much more than a murder within these pages. Family secrets, revelations, and dynamics are vitally important. Really, the entire book is about relationships, friends and family alike, and the lengths people will go to protect or destroy each other.
I enjoy all of the characters, especially protagonist Lyla and her grandmother. Lyla is intelligent, curious, and methodical in her approach to sleuthing. Gran is a hoot and provides most of the story’s comic relief. Young keeps readers guessing throughout, and I was quite surprised by how it all played out. The story and its resolution provide lots of opportunity for character growth, and I look forward to seeing where they go from here. The pace of the book is brisk, and there is building tension throughout.
I really liked READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES and impatiently await the next installment. Highly recommended to any reader looking for a “meatier” cozy mystery.
I gratefully received an ARC of this title from the author and Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
July 8, 2021
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
"When Lyla Moody and her grandmother arrive at the charity event that Lyla's mother is hosting, they barely have time to hang up their fall jackets before they stumble upon a body in the library. Leonard Richardson, it seems, was robbed and then hit over the head with a brass candlestick--which throws suspicion on Harper Richardson, his young widow and a friend of the Jane Does. Lyla and the rest of the Jane Does pool their prodigious intellects to clear Harper's name. Peculiarly, all of the clues seem to have been lifted directly from the plot of Agatha Christies Classic Crooked House."
This is the second book in the series and the first one for me to read. I found that you can easily read these books as stand alone.
I really enjoyed the book. The story line was very good, I loved the all of the twists which made me continue to guess who did it. The book really grabbed me from the start and that ending! I also loved the characters, not too many and all well written and likeable. Except for some of course, but I also loved the friendships and of course the Jane Doe Book Club. I wish we had that here! I can't wait to start the first book and I hope there will be a third one!
"When Lyla Moody and her grandmother arrive at the charity event that Lyla's mother is hosting, they barely have time to hang up their fall jackets before they stumble upon a body in the library. Leonard Richardson, it seems, was robbed and then hit over the head with a brass candlestick--which throws suspicion on Harper Richardson, his young widow and a friend of the Jane Does. Lyla and the rest of the Jane Does pool their prodigious intellects to clear Harper's name. Peculiarly, all of the clues seem to have been lifted directly from the plot of Agatha Christies Classic Crooked House."
This is the second book in the series and the first one for me to read. I found that you can easily read these books as stand alone.
I really enjoyed the book. The story line was very good, I loved the all of the twists which made me continue to guess who did it. The book really grabbed me from the start and that ending! I also loved the characters, not too many and all well written and likeable. Except for some of course, but I also loved the friendships and of course the Jane Doe Book Club. I wish we had that here! I can't wait to start the first book and I hope there will be a third one!
July 11, 2021
Firstly a huge thanks to Crooked Lane Publishers for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reading between the crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery and I regret that I didn't read the first book in the series. Reading between the crimes follows Lyla who is roped in by Harper who works at the library to help her finr in such d her aunt and then later Harper's huband is killed in Lyla's parents library. Lyla is then on a mission to clear her friend's name and get this one of their reads is manifesting in real life. This book is fast paced and filled with endearing characters such as Lyla's grandmother. If you love Hallmark Mystery movies you will enjoy this book.
Reading between the crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery and I regret that I didn't read the first book in the series. Reading between the crimes follows Lyla who is roped in by Harper who works at the library to help her finr in such d her aunt and then later Harper's huband is killed in Lyla's parents library. Lyla is then on a mission to clear her friend's name and get this one of their reads is manifesting in real life. This book is fast paced and filled with endearing characters such as Lyla's grandmother. If you love Hallmark Mystery movies you will enjoy this book.
October 13, 2021
I enjoyed the first one in this series so much that I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, I found this one very slow and it didn't hold my interest nearly as much. I loved Lyla as the strong, sensible PI-in-training, and her cast of supporting characters. The story itself took so long to get going and the real action doesn't happen until the last 5% of the book which left me struggling to get there. There are several references made to Agatha Christie and her novel, Crooked House. I'm not a fan of her work so maybe that's where the issue was. Still, I will try the next one to see if maybe this particular one just wasn't for me.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2021
A fun cozy with plenty of twists and good characters. In the “slightly” unrealistic world of cozy mysteries I can see a mystery book club deciding to investigate a murder to clear someone’s name. In fact, I can see the appeal, particularly if it is a friend and the police seemed to determined not to look beyond a suspect sitting right in front of them. This is the first in the series that I have read though it isn’t the first in the series. It is not necessary to read the first one to understand this.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
Reading Between the Crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series. As with the author's previous books this one has lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Although I had read the previous book, I feel this book can very well be read as a stand alone. I imagine we all wish that we could be a member of a book club as interesting as this one. The characters are great, and the storyline is well thought out. I most definitely recommend this book and series too those that enjoy cozy mysteries.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Publishers, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Publishers, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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