Death by Design: A DIY Diva Mystery

A DIY Diva Mystery #2

by Paula Darnell

DIY Diva Laurel McMillan rejoices when her student Jennifer's peacock pillow wins a design contest; that is, until Jennifer's husband Matt is smothered with the very same pillow. When the police confiscate her prize-winning pillow, Jennifer freaks out, and Laurel fears that Jennifer may be more upset about losing the pillow than about Matt's death. But the police arrest disgraced nurse Edna Elkins, not Jennifer. Begging Laurel to find the real killer, Edna insists she's innocent, but Laurel's not so sure, and when Laurel encounters Jennifer while walking her lovable Labrador retriever, Bear, she's left with more questions than answers. Should the crafty DIY Diva play DIY Detective or does Edna really belong in jail?

Includes recipes and pillow project instructions.

This is the second book in the DIY Diva Mystery series.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

An instructor at five colleges over the years, Paula Darnell most often taught the dreaded first-year English composition classes, but she's also been happy to teach some fun classes, such as fashion design, sewing, and jewelry making. Paula has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and a Master's degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Like Laurel, the main character in Death by Association, Paula enjoys all kinds of arts and crafts. Some of her memorable projects include making a hat and a cape to wear to Royal Ascot, sewing wedding gowns for both her daughters, exhibiting her textile and mixed-media artwork in juried art shows, and having one of her jewelry projects accepted for inclusion in Leather Jewelry, published by Lark Books. She sells some of her jewelry and hair accessories in her Etsy shop.

Paula's interest in DIY craft projects and fashion led to her writing hundreds of articles for print and online national publications.

Paula lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband Gary and their 110-pound dog Rocky, whose favorite pastime is lurking in the kitchen, hoping for a handout.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the DIY Diva Mystery, but it is easily read as a standalone book. I did not read the first in this series and had no problems following and enjoying this story. The protagonist, Laurel McMillan is teaching several classes at the community center and is encouraging her students to enter some contests. She is quite happy for Jennifer when she wins both the pillow and room makeover contests. Her happiness quickly changes to sympathy when Jennifer's husband Matt is found dead in the guest room at their home during the book-club meeting. There is no shortage of suspects as there were about a dozen people in the house when he was suffocated. When Edna, a neighborhood resident and nurse is arrested for his murder, she asks Laurel to help find the real killer so she can be freed. Laurel does not like Edna much, but she has her doubts that she is guilty so reluctantly begins to ask questions.

I enjoyed this story very much. There were a few things happening that added interest to the story. There is the murder, some issues with the finances of a non-profit charity and Wes, Laurel's boyfriend, has to rush home to Phoenix as his father has suffered a major heart attack. All these events blend smoothly into a well-written story that I really enjoyed. There were quite a few characters, but there was enough information about them that I had no problems keeping them straight. There were a lot of suspects due to the fact that Matt was not a well-liked man, and there were times I thought I had it figured out, only to find out that I was wrong. The final reveal was not a total surprise as I had begun to lean towards that suspect, but I was never positive. The final showdown was not a dangerous situation like other cozies I read, which actually made it believable. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, the mystery and the side stories quite a bit. I will definitely watch for more books in the DIY Diva Mystery series. If you enjoy a fun cozy with some good food and crafting tips, then pick up Death by Design.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder has come again to one of the residents
of the Hawkeye Haven Community.
Lauren McMillian and her chocolate Lab, Bear
live in the community. Laurel teaches crafts at
The Hawkeye Haven Community Center. She is
teaching a class on making pillows. Laurel has
encouraged one of her students to enter two
contests because of her creative ability. The
woman enters and wins both contest. Her
husband does not approve of her venture.
Book club is being held at the winning woman’s
house even though her husband is recuperating
from double knee surgery.
The husband is discovered dead smothered by
the wife’s winning pillow.
A women who was an ex-nurse is accused of the
murder as she was supposed to be watching after
him.
The woman contacts Lauren claiming her innocence.
Will Lauren be able to prove the woman innocent?
An exciting, murder mystery with suspense, thrills
and chills.
The characters are well defined, colorful, creatively
drawn up in a very well plotted mystery with an
array of viable suspects.
This is book # 2 in the DIY Diva Mysteries series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
A Highly Recommended Read!!!
I volunteered to read Death by Design . Thanks to
the Review Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is
voluntary and is my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel McMillan has been teaching her class how to make perfect pillows in her community center’s DIY class. While all of her students have made progress, she’s had a couple stand out and encourages them to participate in some local contests. Not surprisingly, Jennifer wins with her stunning beaded peacock pillow. Unfortunately, Jennifer’s husband is murdered soon afterwards, and it appears the pillow is the weapon. Can Laurel help uncover who the murderer is?

What a fun cozy mystery! Paula Darnell pulls the reader in quickly, introducing us both to the community and many of the characters. I love the idea of a homeowners’ association having crafting classes that members of the community can enjoy. The mystery itself is clever, with several red herrings thrown into the mix to keep the reader guessing.

DEATH BY DESIGN is the second book in the DIY Diva Mystery series but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book, but it’s on my stack to read as Paula Darnell writes an intriguing and entertaining cozy mystery. I love the crafting aspect, especially considering the students’ pillow projects vary from the very intricate work of Jennifer’s pillow to the more practical ones finished by Bud. I look forward to reading future books in the series!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in Paula Darnell's series, Death by Design, is an engaging cozy mystery that was a lot of fun to read.
Laurel McMillan is a successful DIY Diva. She helps out with Food For Families, has a great relationship with her detective boyfriend and enjoys hanging out with her friends and their book club. When a couple of decorating contests come around she encourages those in her pillow class to enter, but especially Jennifer. So, of course, she's thrilled with Jennifer wins both. Too bad Jennifer's husband isn't as supportive. But that's not the only thing that he's not supportive of. His son has made a less than palatable choice in a future wife and his father makes himself very clear on that when they show up late to the FFF gala. When Matt, Jennifer's husband, is recovering from double knee replacement surgery someone takes advantage and ends his life. Now the question aries...who did it and why? Laurel is quick to learn that more than a couple of people held a grudge against him, but who is the real culprit in the matter? Another mystery is quick to be laid on the table at the reading of Matt's final will, and the surprises just keep coming.
This is the first book that I have read by Paula Darnell and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the mysteries that she weaves in this book. The relationships between the characters is engaging and I appreciated how true to life they were throughout. The author literally had me frowning at certain interactions between them and eyeing more than a couple suspiciously. I love figuring out who the culprit is before the end of the story and with a few clues I was able to do exactly that. I liked the red herrings the author throws in there because she does a fantastic job pointing out that more than one person had a motive and opportunity.
There isn't much that I don't like about this book. Jennifer shocked me more than a couple of times when it came to her behavior towards Laurel. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to see Laurel more in the role of being the DIY teacher. I wanted to read more of that, but I still found the story enjoyable.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. There are some twists, surprises, and a well-done "aha!" moment. The story is engaging, fun, and I love the pet interactions as well. Bear brings just the right amount of humor to the story with his antics. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and will probably go back and read her first book as well. If you enjoy a nice cozy mystery then this is a good pick.

[Kara Marks]

This is the second book in the series, but works well as a stand-alone. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I wasn’t lost at all. I enjoyed it so much that I have the first book on my wishlist and will eagerly wait for future books in the series. I love the main character, Laurel, but the book is full of well-rounded characters, both pleasant and not. Iowa in winter was the setting, and it was almost a character in itself, as the weather was routinely addressed in descriptive terms. The murder was interesting and the solving of the case fun. I highly recommend this book. I was provided a free copy of this book, but I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. These opinions are my own.

[Sara Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Design was a wonderful cozy mystery, it was a great follow up to the previous installment in Paula Darnell's DIY Diva series. I really like Laurel, she seems to be a genuinely very nice person and I love that she teaches craft classes while writing craft books, it's kind of my dream to do something like that some day! She's a really strong character and I am glad it looks like this series is going to continue for a while. She and Wes are a cute couple, despite how little time they get to spend together, it's hard to date a policeman, so I like that the work isn't too much of a complication for their relationship. The people in her craft classes are all different and special in their own way, with distinct names and personalities, so I don't get them mixed up at all, which can be tough for me when there are a lot of characters. The closeness of the characters, in location and their friendship lends well to gossip and information being shared, and really helps the story to keep flowing nicely! It also helps with the investigations as Laurel learns more about her neighbors and their secrets.
Laurel is teaching the class how to make pillows of various uses in their classes, and two contests are going on, one for a uniquely designed sewing project and another for interior design, she convinces a few of her students to enter and is delighted when one of her students wins both of them. The excitement Laurel and the winner, Jennifer, are feeling is stomped on my Jennifer's cruel and uncaring husband Matt's lack of care for her victory, hobbies, or even her as a person. He is horribly rude during the Food for Families fund raising event, not only in the way he treats his wife, but also in making a rude scene when Jennifer suggests Justin and his girlfriend Bunny join them at their table, calling her a stripper, making it a very awkward situation for everyone, and carrying on his behavior when Justin and Bunny arrive at the end of the event, shouting about cutting his son from his will if he dares marry a stripper. No surprise that Matt ends up dead. With how many people strongly disliked him, the potential suspect list is vast, including Edna, a grouch of a woman who who was arrested at the scene, she doesn't like Laurel unless she needs something, and she needs Laurel to prove her innocence by finding the actual killer, if she isn't the killer, after all, she didn't like Matt either, and was his care nurse at the time of death. Sounds like a pretty open and shut case, up until the reading of Matt's will, where things become even more complicated.
Will Laurel find the killer? Is the killer already caught? Will Justin and Bunny chose love over money? Did Jennifer smother her husband with the prize winning pillow? Do yourself a favor and read Death by Design to find out, but first, read Death by Association, the first book in the DIY Diva Series by Paula Darnell!

[Andra Weis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to the DIY Diva Mystery series by Paula Darnell. Death by Design takes us back to Hawkeye Haven and the lives of the residents of the guard-gated community. I must say – I found this second book in the series more entertaining than the first, though it may well have been that I am now familiar with the writing of this author.

We begin with Laurel McMillan teaching a DIY Perfect Pillows class to interested residents. What I wouldn’t give to be more creative (I think I am similar to Bud-try hard but a bit of a “craft challenged” individual). Taking the class are a couple of really talented individuals, most notably Jennifer, who is encouraged to enter a couple of local contests – which she won! Shortly thereafter, Jennifer’s husband Matt (who is convalescing at home after surgery) is murdered with the stunning beaded peacock pillow that won the design contest.

There is no shortage of suspects, as the murder happened while a book club meeting was happening in Jennifer’s house and of course Laurel is a member of the book club. Edna is the private nurse hired by Jennifer and Matt to look after Matt and is arrested for the murder. While Edna and Laurel are not close (now that is an understatement), Edna asks Laurel to find the real killer as she is innocent (doesn’t the main suspect always claim innocence?). After listening to Edna, Laurel has doubts and so is yet again in the amateur sleuthing business.

I found the varied number of possible suspects intriguing and kept me guessing until the very end (almost) – just the way I like my cozy mysteries. There are a number of sub-plots that keep it interesting. Some of the characters were definitely “character’s” and kept it interesting.
There is also a continuation of her relationship with Wes, a local detective. Nice to see she is finally moving on from the death of her husband several years prior, nice and slow.

A definite chuckle worthy moment – especially for those of us who live in a snowy climate – a little “diddy” by Bud:

“Oh, the snow, the beautiful snow. Step on the snow and down you go. Damn the beautiful snow.”

I found the story contained, so if you had not read the first book in the series, you were adequately brought up to speed with respect to the characters and how the community operates.

I look forward to the next installment in the DIY Diva Mystery series.

[Vbloemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel McMillan calls the Hawkeye Haven Community home. She teaches DIY craft classes including sewing and jewelry making at the local community center. She is also involved in a book club and a charity organization. Her life never seems to have a dull moment. Her life gets a bit more hectic when during a book club meeting at a neighbor’s house, the husband of the neighbor is murdered. One of the book club members is charged with the murder, but claims she is innocent. She asks to see Laurel. Laurel decides to go to the detention center to see what she wants. This starts her wondering if Edna, really is guilty or not. She decides it wouldn’t hurt to just do a little sleuthing. She will soon also be involved in another situation where there may have been a crime committed at the charity where she is a board member. So many things are taking place that Laurel finds herself having quite a few sleepless nights and going non-stop with everything that is going on. She will have to navigate through all the possible suspects and motives to find the truth behind the murder and the possible crime at the charity.
The characters in this story are wonderfully created. The story has enough action to keep you reading until you just can’t keep your eyes open anymore. It was a joy to read and very pleasant to follow the story. It’s the second book in A DIY Diva Mystery series but can be read without having to read the first book. Once you read it though, you will find yourself wanting to get the first and any that come out after this. I really enjoyed how it was easy to get into the story without having read the first book as well as how Paula Darnell incorporates a little of the story from the first book without giving it away. It was no problem at all getting to know the characters. It was nice to get to know them throughout the book instead of being told all about them at the beginning. Incorporating each character as the story continued made it seem like a smooth story to read. It pulls you in from the start and doesn’t overwhelm you with a bunch of details. I would highly recommend this Author and her series.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew! Book 2 lives up to the high expectations I had after book 1, with murder and mayhem in the gated community happening again! 6 out of 5 stars.

We start with one of Laurel's classes (this time she is focusing on cushions/pillows) with a small class, including one man, we then move swiftly to a fund raiser where Laurel and her police detective boyfriend, Wes, realise that not everything is hunky dory in the lives of some of the people Laurel spends her time with, luckily one person she only needs to see once a month normally, only their next book club meeting is to be held at his house (well his and his wife, she is the book club member) and he will be home, apparently though not around as he will be only just home from surgery.  Everything seems to be going well until his wife pops in to see him and finds him dead! (although she doesn't seem to comprehend this), when the police make a quick arrest the person insists they are innocent (mind you Laurel isn't so sure as they have been proven to be a liar in the past), but then they ask her to help them prove their innocence! Whilst all this is happening Wes has had to quickly head to see his parents as his father had a heart attack and so the DIY Diva Detective is working this on her own, oh and there seem to be other problems that may, or may not be related.

I will confess that I didn't guess the culprit until near the end, I first thought it was person A for most of the book, then person B took precedence and I wasn't expecting it to be person C in the end!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Design, the second installment in the DIY Diva Mystery series, centers around DIY Diva Laurel McMillan. As a teacher and author of craft books, Laurel’s main focus involves pillow projects. She also participates in activities that benefit the townspeople in Hawkeye Haven, a gated community in Iowa. After a woman is arrested for the murder of a prominent citizen, Laurel is drawn into once again employing her amateur sleuthing skills that she initially used in the introductory book of the series. The dilemma she faces is whether or not the police arrested the real culprit because there are others who also had the means, motive, and opportunity to commit the crime.

The story is well-balanced between everyday life and the solving of a mystery. I can easily get a clear picture of the surroundings in my mind with the vivid descriptions utilized by Paula Darnell. The well-developed secondary characters play essential roles in the plot. Darnell’s portrayal of the relationship between Laurel and her dog is delightful and spot-on. Laurel’s dealings in her personal life add to the overall charm of this light, fun, and entertaining mystery. At the end of the story, there are recipes and DIY Diva Pillow Projects that tie into characters in the book. They look interesting to try, and the clear and detailed instructions will make it easy to attempt them.

Darnell provides enough backstory that I never felt that I needed to read the first book in the series in order to thoroughly enjoy reading Death by Design. I liked it so much that I plan to read the first book in the series, and I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Jessi Bone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Darnell takes us to bake to Hawkeye Haven where Laurel finds herself in broiled in another murder investigation where she would rather not be because is being held for the murder. Laurel pulls out all the stops in this new DYI Diva Mystery. Her friend Jennifer husband is dead after being left in the care of a local woman whose past leaves a lot to be desired, Edna. Edna says she did not do it and is in fact asleep in the sun-room for about an hour that day. That only leaves the women in the book club and a few others who could do it. Why would anyone want Matt dead? I found Paula Darnell writing comforting and cozy and true to her genre of the cozy mystery. Her who done it leaves you wondering how well do you really know your locals, friends, and companions. Sometimes the truth is far more unsettling than the death of a fellow book club member's husband. I was expecting a little more from the hundred and eighty four-page book and found parts very chopping such as scene changes where you have to catch up instead of breaks or clues to where you go next. Yes, the scenes are important to the storyline but if you find it hard to catch up remember that it is all relevant and overall worth the extra time and energy. This is highly recommended for those who enjoy books by Miranda James or Ellery Adams. You will find it quite enjoyable.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the DIY Diva series. Laurel lives in a gated community called Hawkeye Haven. She writes DIY books and teaches some classes at the community's center. After a neighbor is killed, the accused begs her to find the real murderer. Laurel receives a bit of help from her detective/boyfriend Wes, as well as her other neighbors and friends.

The author has built a cozy world with interesting people. Laurel is like-able and her community is full of characters that range from funny and quirky to cantankerous and sleazy. Both books in the series are enjoyable, however there is a lot about the investigation only and not enough of the rest of her life. The descriptions aren't robust and commas are used way too much. I remembered that issue with the first book one page into reading the second. Once the story gets going, it's easier to ignore that and try to follow the investigation. There are plenty of clues as to who the murderer is but it's still enjoyable getting to the resolution.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic DIY Diva cozy mystery with charming characters and a well-written mystery that included interesting suspects and enough twists and turns that I couldn't put the book down. I felt an instant connection with DIY Diva Laurel McMillan who becomes a DIY detective when Edna Elkins claims she's falsely accused of the murder of Jennifer's husband Matt. I loved her dynamic with the other characters especially her boyfriend Wes who is a homicide detective with the Center City Police Department.

This is the first book I have read by Paula Darnell and even though it is the second book the the series, I had no problems reading it as a standalone. I do plan to read the first in the series an any additional installments by this talented author. I was gifted a copy of "Death By Design" and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the main character, Laurel, and especially her chocolate lab Bear. She lives in a gated community and teaches DIY classes there as well as writing DIY books. Her latest class and book are about making pillows. I like the way that the book continued from the first book in the series, but that you wouldn't feel lost if you hadn't read it. I enjoyed the secondary characters and their interactions with Laurel. It feels like a real community that you would want to live in. And I like the way that Laurel gets involved in the mystery and looks for answers. A great book with recipes and instructions for making the pillows at the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Michelle Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearing about the peacock pillow made me interested in this book since I enjoy crafting mysteries. The cover even changes color!

I liked the fact that there was an animal in the cozy, a dog named Bear. Laurel had lots of friends and activities, including a book club, so a lot went on in the book.

Reading of the will - they don't do that in real life, at least none of the lawyers I ever worked for did that. Maybe they did that in years past. That section was enjoyable. I wanted to see who got what and so did the characters in the book.

Lots of suspects. Interesting situations. Some drama in the book - the first instance was with Matt, soon to be the victim, concerning his son's girlfriend.

It was an enjoyable book that should please cozy fans.

[Meesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story. The characters were great and I was very surprised by who the killer was. I enjoyed reading this book and definitely would like to read the next installment.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series and I didn't read book 1. However, I didn't feel I was confused or missing anything. Paula Darnell quickly sketched the main characters and suspects so that I felt I had an idea of who they were when the murder happened. There were great red herrings and I wasn't sure 'who done it' until almost the end. I am excited to read book 3 and then go back to read book 1!

[Christine D Bach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Perfect story for a Sunday afternoon, mature characters who don't take crazy Roseburg use them brains instead. Definitely looking forward to the next installment.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIY Diva Laurel McMillan rejoices when her student Jennifer's peacock pillow wins a design contest; that is, until Jennifer's husband Matt is smothered with the very same pillow. When the police confiscate her prize-winning pillow, Jennifer freaks out, and Laurel fears that Jennifer may be more upset about losing the pillow than about Matt's death. But the police arrest disgraced nurse Edna Elkins, not Jennifer. Begging Laurel to find the real killer, Edna insists she's innocent, but Laurel's not so sure, and when Laurel encounters Jennifer while walking her lovable Labrador retriever, Bear, she's left with more questions than answers. Should the crafty DIY Diva play DIY Detective or does Edna really belong in jail?

Includes recipes and pillow project instructions.

This is the second book in the DIY Diva Mystery series.

This is the second book in the series but I had no problem following because she backfills the previous action nicely.
This was a fun story with great characters and a delightful storyline.
Really enjoyed the characters.
The plot is twisty and the story line keeps you guessing.
Enjoyed reading!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a second murder is committed in a gated community in Iowa, people are starting to wonder how well they really do know their neighbors and friends.
Lauren McMillian teaches DIY classes to community members also also take part in other activities, such as a book club. While at a book club meeting the totally unexpected occurs - the hostess's husband dies, or rather is murdered. Does this mean one of the friends is responsible?
With a multitude of suspects and unclear motives, it seems suspect when an arrest is made almost immediately. Is this a matter of convenience or politics?
With characters you grow to like and care about, descriptions of a winter so cold you will pull on a blanket covering even as you read in summer, and enough doubt to keep you guessing until the end, this well plotted mystery was an enjoyable escape read.
While things are wrapped up nicely, there is enough suspense about what the future may bring that I eagerly await further books in this series.

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden details

A good read. Okay I must admit that my suspicions where raised early on as the clues were really just a tad too obvious but it was a nice plot. Well thought out and well constructed. The characters though seemed just a bit less real then I expected. Not sure why but they came over as being slightly flat.
Her class is going well and she wants to encourage her students to enter some competitions. One of her students wins both but her efforts are discarded by her husband at the charity gala they all attend. When the local book club meets at her student's house and the husband is found dead. It is no surprise that the nurse in charge of his post op care is charged with murder. But did she do it. A will reading, a new will, a rumour and an attempted murder. Will they confirm who the killer is? Is the rumour true and if so what can they do about it?

[Pammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Design is a FANTASTIC cozy mystery. I absolutely loved this story. Guess what, I had no clue “who done it” until the end, totally kept me guessing, which isn’t easy to do. I typically always know who it was....not in this book. In my opinion, the author (Paula) is a heck of a writer, it’s very hard to stump me.... It is the second in the series, however, can be read as a stand alone and you won’t be lost. I recommend you read this....you will not regret and you may find another author on your favorites list. I know I did. Ok fellow readers....ENJOY And happy reading!!!! :))

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from author Paula Darnell and I loved it!

Did Jennifer smother her husband with her lovely handmade pillow or did nurse Edna kill him as the police suspect? DIY Diva Laurel McMillan is on the case as she seeks to find out the true murderer.

This was a fun story with great characters and a delightful storyline. This author has a talent for bringing her characters to life.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy

[Katie Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series but I had no problem following because she backfills the previous action nicely. The plot is twisty and the story interesting, as are all the characters. It kept my interest right up to the end. I'm going to go back and read the first book now.

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review in exchange.