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A Snapshot of NYC Mystery #1
Photo Finished
With biting wit, a young lens, and satisfying sleuthing, the first in Christin Brecher’s brand new "A Snapshot of NYC" cozy mystery series introduces aspiring photographer Liv Spyer as she juggles rent on her postage stamp-sized Manhattan apartment; works part-time at her grandparents' key shop; dates a guy who just might be FBI; posts for her thousands of Instagram fans; and solves the odd murder.
While some people escape into books or music, Liv escapes through her camera’s lens, which inspires her to jump into things she might otherwise have no business tackling—like moving to New York City. Hustling to make her dreams come true as a portrait photographer, she runs a pocket-sized studio below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone and a key shop. She's down to the end of her savings as the holidays approach, but everything changes in a flash when elite events photographer, Regina Montague, invites Liv to shoot with her at New York City’s most exclusive socialite event of the year—the Holiday Debutante Ball.
Liv jumps at the opportunity, convinced that a job with Regina will launch her career. But when her fabulous new gig ends with the murder of billionaire Charlie Archibald, and Regina framed for murder, her dream job may never develop. Now, between cracking the world of high society—and the attentions of a handsome stranger—Liv must hustle once again to expose the true killer... before she gets cropped from the picture.
While some people escape into books or music, Liv escapes through her camera’s lens, which inspires her to jump into things she might otherwise have no business tackling—like moving to New York City. Hustling to make her dreams come true as a portrait photographer, she runs a pocket-sized studio below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone and a key shop. She's down to the end of her savings as the holidays approach, but everything changes in a flash when elite events photographer, Regina Montague, invites Liv to shoot with her at New York City’s most exclusive socialite event of the year—the Holiday Debutante Ball.
Liv jumps at the opportunity, convinced that a job with Regina will launch her career. But when her fabulous new gig ends with the murder of billionaire Charlie Archibald, and Regina framed for murder, her dream job may never develop. Now, between cracking the world of high society—and the attentions of a handsome stranger—Liv must hustle once again to expose the true killer... before she gets cropped from the picture.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
58 people are currently reading
4300 people want to read
About the author
Christin Brecher
8 books365 followersVisit Christin's website at www.christinbrecher.com to learn more about the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series, and to sign up for the newsletter!
Christin Brecher was born and raised in New York City, where her family and many childhood friends still reside. As such, she feels she is as much of a small-town girl as any. The idea to write the Nantucket Candle Maker series sprang from her life-long connection to the small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Spending summers there as a child, Christin read from her family's library of mystery novels; after which she began to imagine stories inspired by the island's whaling heyday, its notoriously foggy nights, and during long bike rides to the beach. After many years in marketing for the publishing industry, followed by years raising her children, Murder's No Votive Confidence is Christin's debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
November 29, 2023
I still can't remember how I came across the A Snapshot of NYC Mystery series, but you can bet your bottom dollar I am now thrilled I did! I was going to buy both books, but figured I would wait for once and try them first. Now that I have read and adored Photo Finished, I will definitely need all the books in this series on my shelf! Christin Brecher has my kind humor, and there were so many scenarios that I found incredibly entertaining and funny throughout the entire story. Liv is a brave and smart female lead for this series, and I loved not only the mystery itself but the photography aspect as well! She was great at investigating on the sly all in the name of taking photos and I was here for it.
On top of the writing and the storyline itself, listening to the audiobook made Photo Finished especially fun for me, and Kimberly Austin as the narrator was a brilliant choice. I haven't listened to anything else she has narrated (except book 2), though a search of Libro.fm only produced 31 results in total as it is. I hope I get to hear her as Liv for all the books in this series, of which I really hope there are many. There is a little bit of romance, but it's not steamy and has all the sweetness (with hilarity) of a Hallmark movie. There are some surprises as we go, and I didn't see any of them coming including the killer! If you love cozy mysteries and Hallmark as much as I do, then I would definitely recommend listening to or reading this and you won't be disappointed.
On top of the writing and the storyline itself, listening to the audiobook made Photo Finished especially fun for me, and Kimberly Austin as the narrator was a brilliant choice. I haven't listened to anything else she has narrated (except book 2), though a search of Libro.fm only produced 31 results in total as it is. I hope I get to hear her as Liv for all the books in this series, of which I really hope there are many. There is a little bit of romance, but it's not steamy and has all the sweetness (with hilarity) of a Hallmark movie. There are some surprises as we go, and I didn't see any of them coming including the killer! If you love cozy mysteries and Hallmark as much as I do, then I would definitely recommend listening to or reading this and you won't be disappointed.
November 10, 2022
So much fun! I love this new cozy mystery series and look forward to many more capers with Liv and Harry!
August 30, 2023
I love Cozy Mysteries and Book One of Christin Brecher’s new series is a fun-filled and suspenseful charmer.
After a chance meeting with Regina Montague, the owner of New York’s premier photography studio, struggling photographer Liv Spyer is offered a job taking pictures at the Holiday Ball. What a break… unfortunately later that evening Regina is found standing over the bloody body of millionaire big-wig Charlie Archibald. Oh noooo! Can Liv prove Regina didn’t do it? Or did she? 🧐
I loved the New York setting. It took me a little while to warm up to Liv, but as we got to know her she grew on me. Her quest to solve the twisty whodunnit was smart and fun to follow with a big cast of possible culprits, plus a nice little side romance. If you enjoy cozy mysteries this series looks like it’s going to be a good one. Jumping into book two, Mugshots of Manhattan now!
After a chance meeting with Regina Montague, the owner of New York’s premier photography studio, struggling photographer Liv Spyer is offered a job taking pictures at the Holiday Ball. What a break… unfortunately later that evening Regina is found standing over the bloody body of millionaire big-wig Charlie Archibald. Oh noooo! Can Liv prove Regina didn’t do it? Or did she? 🧐
I loved the New York setting. It took me a little while to warm up to Liv, but as we got to know her she grew on me. Her quest to solve the twisty whodunnit was smart and fun to follow with a big cast of possible culprits, plus a nice little side romance. If you enjoy cozy mysteries this series looks like it’s going to be a good one. Jumping into book two, Mugshots of Manhattan now!
July 14, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Liv Spyer is an eager young photographer ready to find her place among New York’s vast event and portrait picture-taking world. She has a small studio/apartment below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone where they live and run their key shop. She hopes portraits for the upcoming holiday season will keep her studio afloat. Then she meets Regina Montague, the well-known events photographer. Regina offers her a job on the spot which she quickly accepts. She will be capturing moments at the exclusive New York City Holiday Debutante Ball.
Liv knows this event could change her life so she tries to get all the shots she can and be in the right places at the right times. Then she finds herself in the entirely wrong place at the entirely wrong time. She finds her new boss Regina Montague standing over the very dead body of billionaire Charlie Archibald. With Regina prominent in the lens of Detective Thorne, Liv decides to sharpen her focus on the photos she took at the ball. Can she find clues within the pictures? Will she be able to reveal the real killer? Or will she be overexposed and find that the killer has zoomed in on her as their next victim?
I enjoyed meeting Liv Spyer, her parents, and her grandparents. They are genuine people with good hearts watching out for each other every day. She also has a 4-year-old baby sister who will steal the hearts of everyone she meets. Liv is sharp and has a keen eye for detail which makes her a great photographer and a capable amateur sleuth. We meet several interesting characters throughout the story, like Harry who appeared to be a random man on the train and stuck around to play a key part in the story. We also meet his aunt with an interesting background and successful commercial photographer Regina Montague and her assistant Manjeet. All the characters evolved over the course of the story and gained a great amount of depth for the first book in a series.
I love that this series is set in New York City and not the usual cozy mystery small town. It was fun to travel up and down the streets, on the trains, and to many other big city hot spots. The photography theme is unique and entertaining too. It is clear it is Liv’s passion.
The mystery was more complicated than I originally thought it was. It had different elements to concentrate on in addition to the several suspects. I enjoyed the way Liv approached her investigation. She closely examined the photos she had taken and didn’t shy away from asking questions in an effort to follow each clue no matter how small. After several twists and turns, her focus became clearer leading up to a compelling reveal that had me giggling just a bit.
Photo Finished is an excellent start for this series. The mystery was very well-plotted and the entire story was very well-written. It is filled with engaging characters, a fair amount of humor, and just a bit of romance. A big city cozy mystery that captured my interest in a New York minute. I am excited to see where Liv Spyers’ cameras take her next.
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 Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Liv Spyer is an eager young photographer ready to find her place among New York’s vast event and portrait picture-taking world. She has a small studio/apartment below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone where they live and run their key shop. She hopes portraits for the upcoming holiday season will keep her studio afloat. Then she meets Regina Montague, the well-known events photographer. Regina offers her a job on the spot which she quickly accepts. She will be capturing moments at the exclusive New York City Holiday Debutante Ball.
Liv knows this event could change her life so she tries to get all the shots she can and be in the right places at the right times. Then she finds herself in the entirely wrong place at the entirely wrong time. She finds her new boss Regina Montague standing over the very dead body of billionaire Charlie Archibald. With Regina prominent in the lens of Detective Thorne, Liv decides to sharpen her focus on the photos she took at the ball. Can she find clues within the pictures? Will she be able to reveal the real killer? Or will she be overexposed and find that the killer has zoomed in on her as their next victim?
I enjoyed meeting Liv Spyer, her parents, and her grandparents. They are genuine people with good hearts watching out for each other every day. She also has a 4-year-old baby sister who will steal the hearts of everyone she meets. Liv is sharp and has a keen eye for detail which makes her a great photographer and a capable amateur sleuth. We meet several interesting characters throughout the story, like Harry who appeared to be a random man on the train and stuck around to play a key part in the story. We also meet his aunt with an interesting background and successful commercial photographer Regina Montague and her assistant Manjeet. All the characters evolved over the course of the story and gained a great amount of depth for the first book in a series.
I love that this series is set in New York City and not the usual cozy mystery small town. It was fun to travel up and down the streets, on the trains, and to many other big city hot spots. The photography theme is unique and entertaining too. It is clear it is Liv’s passion.
The mystery was more complicated than I originally thought it was. It had different elements to concentrate on in addition to the several suspects. I enjoyed the way Liv approached her investigation. She closely examined the photos she had taken and didn’t shy away from asking questions in an effort to follow each clue no matter how small. After several twists and turns, her focus became clearer leading up to a compelling reveal that had me giggling just a bit.
Photo Finished is an excellent start for this series. The mystery was very well-plotted and the entire story was very well-written. It is filled with engaging characters, a fair amount of humor, and just a bit of romance. A big city cozy mystery that captured my interest in a New York minute. I am excited to see where Liv Spyers’ cameras take her next.
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 Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
August 20, 2023
Liv Spyers is a young NYC photographer trying to break into the business. She lives and works in a small studio underneath her grandparents locksmith shop in Greenwich Village. When she gets hired at the last minute to help photograph a debutante ball (I didn’t realize those things were still “a thing”!), she thinks it’ll be her big break, but then she winds up finding a dead body! Her new employer is the first and only major suspect, so Liv gets involved to try to help clear her new boss’s name (and thereby save her own budding career).
I really enjoyed this glimpse into NYC high society as well as the whole idea of a photographer being super observant, which made a lot of sense to me. Liv is a great character and should appeal to people who like a cozy mystery but want to have a young main character. (I think Liv would be considered Gen Z, as she seems a bit too young to be classified as a Millennial.)
This should also appeal to people who want to read something seasonal - the action all takes place right before and after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I’m looking forward to further adventures featuring Liv, her new love interest, Harry, and Liv’s friends and grandparents.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this glimpse into NYC high society as well as the whole idea of a photographer being super observant, which made a lot of sense to me. Liv is a great character and should appeal to people who like a cozy mystery but want to have a young main character. (I think Liv would be considered Gen Z, as she seems a bit too young to be classified as a Millennial.)
This should also appeal to people who want to read something seasonal - the action all takes place right before and after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I’m looking forward to further adventures featuring Liv, her new love interest, Harry, and Liv’s friends and grandparents.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 11, 2022
Liv Spyers Photography specializing in portrait photography is located on the ground level of her grandparents’ brownstone in New York. It’s a definite step upward and onward for Liv after trying to get her career in gear while working at the local Starbucks in her hometown in a Jersey suburb. Liv receives a family discount on rent, works in her grandparents’ locksmith store as needed, and her grandmother delivers homemade baked goods to Liv’s door, and it is easy to go upstairs for dinner. Bliss! However, the excitement of a new gig comes to a screeching halt when the night ends in murder, and Regina Montague, the woman that gave Liv the fabulous opportunity, is in the frame to be arrested.
I loved the characters. Liv and her family are people you wish were friends you could visit in New York. Liv has her unique investigative technique of using her eyes as her secret weapon in studying faces and behavior. Liv’s friend, Maria Ricci, has just the right clothes to borrow that a girl needs for special events on very short notice. And then there’s Harry. Harry Fellowes. Oh, how wonderful the description of Harry in a tux, on the dance floor, waiting on the stoop, and more.
It’s a charming combination of cozy mystery and contemporary romance with witty dialogue. The New York setting is authentic in the description as only a born, bred, and resident New Yorker can provide, which makes the story even more endearing. I highly recommend this title as an addition to your tbr list.
I sincerely thank Christin Brecher and Kensington Cozies for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#PhotoFinished #NetGalley
I loved the characters. Liv and her family are people you wish were friends you could visit in New York. Liv has her unique investigative technique of using her eyes as her secret weapon in studying faces and behavior. Liv’s friend, Maria Ricci, has just the right clothes to borrow that a girl needs for special events on very short notice. And then there’s Harry. Harry Fellowes. Oh, how wonderful the description of Harry in a tux, on the dance floor, waiting on the stoop, and more.
It’s a charming combination of cozy mystery and contemporary romance with witty dialogue. The New York setting is authentic in the description as only a born, bred, and resident New Yorker can provide, which makes the story even more endearing. I highly recommend this title as an addition to your tbr list.
I sincerely thank Christin Brecher and Kensington Cozies for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#PhotoFinished #NetGalley
October 17, 2022
Photo Finished by Christin Brecher is the debut of A Snapshot of NYC Mysteries. Liv Spyers has just opened a photography studio in New York City under her grandparents locksmithing store. Liv gets a big break when photographer Regina Montague comes needing a key. Liv overhears Regina complaining about a photographer who quit at the last minute. Liv gets hired to take photographs at the Holiday Debutante Ball. Unfortunately, the evening ends with billionaire Charles Archibald dead and Regina the prime suspect. Liv does not believe that Regina killed Charles despite how it looked at the time. Liv uses her keen eye for detail to help her focus in on the killer. Photo Finished is a cute story. Liv Spyers is an acquired taste (she grows on you). We get to learn more about Liv as the story progresses. Also, Liv’s personality comes alive as we delve deeper into the story. I like her lively and friendly Italian family. Her grandmother is a dear. The mystery was interesting. It was complex in some ways yet simple in another. There are a number of suspects who were present at the ball. Liv actively investigates the whodunit. She asked questions, looks over her photographs, and searched for clues. I enjoyed the tension filled reveal. I like how everything tied together (the clues are there throughout the book, but the trick is to spot them). Liv had help from her new friend, Harry. There is a smidgeon of romance in the story. I am glad that the author kept it to a minimum in this first installment. We get to meet some other interesting characters that include Bernie and Manjeet. There is mild foul language (it was kept to a minimum). The author did a good job at setting the stage in Photo Finished. It will be interesting to see what Liv stumbles into next time. Photo Finished is a snappy whodunit with a lost camera case, a big break, a clothing calamity, the body of a billionaire, a fixated detective, a helpful Harry, and a photo finish.
August 16, 2025
My main gripe with this book is that so much of it felt implausible. I normally don’t mind suspending disbelief, but I feel like mysteries should make logical sense. It didn’t make sense that suspects warmed up to our amateur detective so easily, that she got away with as much as she did even when she was being shady, that several plot points turned on sheer luck, and that the ending wrapped up so quickly and profitably for Liv. Also, it didn’t seem necessary for Liv to explain so often why being a photographer gives her keen powers of observation; that seems intuitive enough.
That said, I was entertained for most of the book—for all my criticism, there was something charming and addictive about it, and I’d like to read the second in the series!
That said, I was entertained for most of the book—for all my criticism, there was something charming and addictive about it, and I’d like to read the second in the series!
August 1, 2022
Photo Finished by Christin Brecher is the first in a new cozy series. Liz Spyer is a struggling professional photographer living in a brownstone in Greenwich Village that is owned by her grandparents.
Liz seems to be an independent and intelligent young woman who uses her eye for details not only for her photography but life around which plays an important part as she struggles to solve a murder. A clever plot, some odd twists and clues, an in depth narrative of the secondary characters and New York City kept this story moving along at a smooth pace. The slightly dramatic but humorous finale made me smile as all the pieces of the puzzle came together.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Liz seems to be an independent and intelligent young woman who uses her eye for details not only for her photography but life around which plays an important part as she struggles to solve a murder. A clever plot, some odd twists and clues, an in depth narrative of the secondary characters and New York City kept this story moving along at a smooth pace. The slightly dramatic but humorous finale made me smile as all the pieces of the puzzle came together.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 17, 2024
A cute cozy mystery involving a young photographer in NYC looking for her big break. Just when she thinks she's hit the jackpot, a guest at the event she was working is discovered murdered. Can she clear the name of the woman who offered her a chance for success?
August 24, 2022
Using NYC as a setting gives the story a fresh modern feel.
Liv is a fun character with her photographer’s eye and keen observation skills along with her slight zaniness. I loved it when she would talk about taking photos - how she views things differently through a lens. The secondary characters were fully realized - her family felt authentic with a boisterous NJ vibe. Harry was adorable and I hope we see more of him in future books.
With money and revenge as motives, there’s no lack of suspects and I enjoyed Liv’s investigation that definitely had twists I wasn’t expecting. I loved the secondary mystery with the safe her grandfather was hired to open and how skillfully the author related it to murder.
This is a great introduction to a new series. It’s a fast-paced, fun read.
Liv is a fun character with her photographer’s eye and keen observation skills along with her slight zaniness. I loved it when she would talk about taking photos - how she views things differently through a lens. The secondary characters were fully realized - her family felt authentic with a boisterous NJ vibe. Harry was adorable and I hope we see more of him in future books.
With money and revenge as motives, there’s no lack of suspects and I enjoyed Liv’s investigation that definitely had twists I wasn’t expecting. I loved the secondary mystery with the safe her grandfather was hired to open and how skillfully the author related it to murder.
This is a great introduction to a new series. It’s a fast-paced, fun read.
July 31, 2022
The first in a new cozy mystery series with photographer Liv as the protagonist. Liv is struggling to make it as a photographer in nyc when she luckily scores a job at a debutante hall. however, someone at the hall ends up murdered and her boss from that night is the main suspect. Liv doesn’t believe her to be guilty and starts to investigate.
There elements of this book I liked like the photography and Liv’s family. However, I found Liv annoying at times. The romantic interest also was here but there was no will they won’t they like in a lot of cozies. I probably will read the next one in this series as often the second really builds on the first!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There elements of this book I liked like the photography and Liv’s family. However, I found Liv annoying at times. The romantic interest also was here but there was no will they won’t they like in a lot of cozies. I probably will read the next one in this series as often the second really builds on the first!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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June 27, 2022𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐧, 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞d!
The first installment in the new Snapshot of NYC Cozy Mystery series featuring Liv Spyer, a young photographer trying to make it in NYC.
📸🔍
Liv is very close to her loving and wacky family -so close that she lives in her grandparents basement studio apartment, where she has her photo studio, and occasionally helps out at the family locksmith business, as well. She just wants to get a foot in the door of the photo biz, and in the midst of her first assignment - a society debutant ball - she happens upon a murder victim, where she inadvertently and unwittingly appears to place the blame on her new boss! Eek! What’s a new NYC photographer to do? Why, solve a murder of course!
📸🔍
Brecher has crafted, in Liv, an extremely endearing character, and a cast of colorful, zany, and intriguing characters as well, including the hunky boyfriend. I really enjoyed this quick and delightful read and look forward to future episodes in the Snapshot of NYC series.
📸🔍
My gratitude to NetGalley, Christin Brecher, and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this delightful new cosy mystery, in exchange for my honest, and wholly independent opinion.
The first installment in the new Snapshot of NYC Cozy Mystery series featuring Liv Spyer, a young photographer trying to make it in NYC.
📸🔍
Liv is very close to her loving and wacky family -so close that she lives in her grandparents basement studio apartment, where she has her photo studio, and occasionally helps out at the family locksmith business, as well. She just wants to get a foot in the door of the photo biz, and in the midst of her first assignment - a society debutant ball - she happens upon a murder victim, where she inadvertently and unwittingly appears to place the blame on her new boss! Eek! What’s a new NYC photographer to do? Why, solve a murder of course!
📸🔍
Brecher has crafted, in Liv, an extremely endearing character, and a cast of colorful, zany, and intriguing characters as well, including the hunky boyfriend. I really enjoyed this quick and delightful read and look forward to future episodes in the Snapshot of NYC series.
📸🔍
My gratitude to NetGalley, Christin Brecher, and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this delightful new cosy mystery, in exchange for my honest, and wholly independent opinion.
Want to read
October 24, 2022Setting the Scene: In this new series, Photographer Liv Speyers lives in the ground floor studio of her grandparents' 4 story brownstone in New York City, where they have a locksmith/key making business. She has only to step over the threshold of her small bedroom to enter her photography studio. She has hopes, dreams, and talent. Then she has one of those worst of times best of times days when she loses her camera bag to a complete stranger on the subway and then gets an opportunity to work for one of the most prestigious photography studio in the City, and so it begins - An adventure into the world of debutantes, high finance, and murder.
What I Thought: I will start with, "I loved it." This was a perfect first in series from the characters to the setting to the story. Both Liv's photography business and her grandparents' business are unique and play key roles in the story. Her family is inviting. The characters were well developed, and you just want to sit down to a meal at Granny's table or maybe don a beautiful dress and heels for a night at a gala or both. Though very much set in the current day, this book often has the feel of a golden era mystery. The mystery was well done, with enough twists, side discoveries, and suspects to keep the reader guessing, and Liv and Harry make a good team. I very much look forward to the next in this series.
What I Thought: I will start with, "I loved it." This was a perfect first in series from the characters to the setting to the story. Both Liv's photography business and her grandparents' business are unique and play key roles in the story. Her family is inviting. The characters were well developed, and you just want to sit down to a meal at Granny's table or maybe don a beautiful dress and heels for a night at a gala or both. Though very much set in the current day, this book often has the feel of a golden era mystery. The mystery was well done, with enough twists, side discoveries, and suspects to keep the reader guessing, and Liv and Harry make a good team. I very much look forward to the next in this series.
December 31, 2022
If you have enjoyed this authors previous cozy mysteries then you will definitely want to read this one! Although this book is not set in a small town, the author does a great job creating a cozy circle of interesting characters within a well planned mystery and I was kept guessing until the very end. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 31, 2023
This was such a fun book. Liv is a great character, a talented photographer trying to get her business off the ground while also balancing working with her grandparents in their locksmith shop. There are a lot of moving parts and intertwining stories in this book and I love how Liv unravels and pieces back together so many things. The way she gets suspects to open up (the elite society is very gossipy) and how she even befriends some the people who were formerly strangers. I enjoyed how she was independent, but also worked well with Harry and their instant chemistry was fabulous. I loved how warm and loving her family was! A dramatic and daring end and I cannot wait for more.
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September 19, 2023DNF ~30% Not sure if it was the book or the audiobook narrator, but I just couldn’t get into this mystery. Nothing particularly wrong or off-putting about it, just didn’t catch my interest. Moving on.
December 2, 2022
This was great! I loved the MC, Liv. She was so fun and I loved her backstory. A photographer living in NY under her grandparents key shop gets involved in solving a murder. It was really fun and I honestly was not expecting the ending.
November 3, 2024
Love this book! Read it in one day , it was very interesting and creative. I was not sure about it at first but as I read more I got hooked.
November 9, 2022
Cute premise. Interested to see where the author takes it.
October 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Some of the side characters/suspects were a little too indistinct to the point that I got a little confused, but overall it was a great start to a series.
Plus Liv and Harry teaming up
Plus Liv and Harry teaming up
December 6, 2025
good murder mystery book. A young photographer gets involved in a murder situation.
November 11, 2022
This truly is an escapist novel. I am not yet used to these novels where a lot of the action is simply spoken and not enacted as part of the novel. But, this being a mystery where they solve a crime, I understand that they need to talk out the clues to try and solve the murder mystery. So I guess in a sense it is OK. However I do miss character development. So what happens? A young photographer, struggling to get her business started, runs into a prominent photography studio business owner after her camera and camera gear are “stolen” on the subway. They are taken by a guy who spoiler is actually trying to solve a jewel heist and after a series of events they hook up to try and solve his jewel heist and also the murder mystery witch, as it turns out, are intertwined. Great beach reading.
November 5, 2022
I have to say this book surprised me because I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. 4-4.5 stars. Liz Spyer is a photographer trying to make it in the Big Apple while working part time in her grandparents key shop. From a chance encounter on a subway to a most fortuitous job opportunity at a debutante ball, Liz becomes embroiled in the mystery of solving the murder of billionaire Charlie Archibald. Through the lens of her camera and her eyes cataloguing clues at the scene, Liz, navigates her way through the upper echelons of society where nothing is ever as it seems.
This book was fast paced, Liz was a fun, smart, character in a cleverly plotted murder mystery. There are numerous twists and turns with many suspects to leave you guessing. You also get a hint of romance, family dynamics, and so much more. There’s drama, humor, snark, emotion, and so much more.
This book was fast paced, Liz was a fun, smart, character in a cleverly plotted murder mystery. There are numerous twists and turns with many suspects to leave you guessing. You also get a hint of romance, family dynamics, and so much more. There’s drama, humor, snark, emotion, and so much more.
August 4, 2022
From F-stops to the F-train, Liv’s expert eye makes her the ultimate cozy detective in Christin Brecher’s Photo Finished. Photographer Liv Spyer and her trusty camera lens charms readers (and the NYC elite) without ever losing focus on the investigation. Expert composition and timing culminates in a portrait of a complex mystery!
May 3, 2023
Bad
Way too long, choppy writing, main character got answers from people so quickly. This was really boring and we got answers for things so quickly answers easily so it felt kind of cheap
Way too long, choppy writing, main character got answers from people so quickly. This was really boring and we got answers for things so quickly answers easily so it felt kind of cheap
March 30, 2023
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Liv Spyer is your (slightly above) average New Yorker … lives in a tiny apartment, works a relatively mindless job in her grandparents’ key shop while trying to make it as a photographer. She will also try solving a murder.
Regina Montague is the photographer to the stars in New York – coordinating a team of top-notch shutterbugs to capture the the elite, upper-class socialites at special events. She happens to be in the key shop where Liv is working, when she gets a call that one of her photographers isn’t able to make it to the Holiday Debutante Ball – the socialite event of the season. Liv quickly jumps on the opportunity, pointing out her photos hanging about the shop and offering her services (knowing that putting Regina Montague on her resume would greatly help her career).
It’s not a an easy decision for Regina, but she needs the photographers to cover the event and she decides to give Liv the chance.
The event mostly goes well, with Liv even getting the opportunity to flirt a bit with an eligible bachelor. At the end of the ball, however, billionaire Charlie Archibald is murdered and Regina is framed to be the killer.
Aside from losing the opportunity to work for the famous Montague agency with Regina in jail, Liv is convinced that Regina is not guilty and sets about to prove her innocence.
This is a cozy mystery – not typically a genre that I would seek out, but as I’ve been enjoying mysteries lately and the gimmick (there’s always a gimmick, it seems, with a mystery series) of photography appealed to me (and because it’s a first book in a series and not mid-way through), I wanted to give this a try. And while it’s not an outstanding book, it definitely has potential and worth reading.
A mystery featuring an amateur detective is generally only going to be as good as the main character (think C.J. Box’s Cassie Dewell or Joe Pickett mysteries, Craig Johnson’s Longmire, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, etc [although each of these would not be considered an amateur]) so it’s important that we find Liv to be likeable and relatable. Fortunately she is both. Note that I referred to her as a “typical” New Yorker earlier (relatable) and her personality is such that it gets her in with the elite photography organization and also in with the elite social class. A pushy, aggressive attitude wouldn’t accomplish this, but the determined, confident Liv does.
The character and the situation really are the driving forces here, and the mystery itself is just … ‘meh.’ Though I admit that I generally feel that way in cozy mysteries … cozies tend to lack the grit and excitement of a mystery to me.
I am definitely interested enough to read the next book in the series, hopefully building more on the photography aspect as well as the adventures in New York.
Looking for a good book? Photo Finished by Christin Brecher is a modern, cozy mystery set in New York’s upper social class, with a lower-middle-class, go-getting photographer as the protagonist.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Liv Spyer is your (slightly above) average New Yorker … lives in a tiny apartment, works a relatively mindless job in her grandparents’ key shop while trying to make it as a photographer. She will also try solving a murder.
Regina Montague is the photographer to the stars in New York – coordinating a team of top-notch shutterbugs to capture the the elite, upper-class socialites at special events. She happens to be in the key shop where Liv is working, when she gets a call that one of her photographers isn’t able to make it to the Holiday Debutante Ball – the socialite event of the season. Liv quickly jumps on the opportunity, pointing out her photos hanging about the shop and offering her services (knowing that putting Regina Montague on her resume would greatly help her career).
It’s not a an easy decision for Regina, but she needs the photographers to cover the event and she decides to give Liv the chance.
The event mostly goes well, with Liv even getting the opportunity to flirt a bit with an eligible bachelor. At the end of the ball, however, billionaire Charlie Archibald is murdered and Regina is framed to be the killer.
Aside from losing the opportunity to work for the famous Montague agency with Regina in jail, Liv is convinced that Regina is not guilty and sets about to prove her innocence.
This is a cozy mystery – not typically a genre that I would seek out, but as I’ve been enjoying mysteries lately and the gimmick (there’s always a gimmick, it seems, with a mystery series) of photography appealed to me (and because it’s a first book in a series and not mid-way through), I wanted to give this a try. And while it’s not an outstanding book, it definitely has potential and worth reading.
A mystery featuring an amateur detective is generally only going to be as good as the main character (think C.J. Box’s Cassie Dewell or Joe Pickett mysteries, Craig Johnson’s Longmire, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, etc [although each of these would not be considered an amateur]) so it’s important that we find Liv to be likeable and relatable. Fortunately she is both. Note that I referred to her as a “typical” New Yorker earlier (relatable) and her personality is such that it gets her in with the elite photography organization and also in with the elite social class. A pushy, aggressive attitude wouldn’t accomplish this, but the determined, confident Liv does.
The character and the situation really are the driving forces here, and the mystery itself is just … ‘meh.’ Though I admit that I generally feel that way in cozy mysteries … cozies tend to lack the grit and excitement of a mystery to me.
I am definitely interested enough to read the next book in the series, hopefully building more on the photography aspect as well as the adventures in New York.
Looking for a good book? Photo Finished by Christin Brecher is a modern, cozy mystery set in New York’s upper social class, with a lower-middle-class, go-getting photographer as the protagonist.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2023
9/1/2023 3.5 stars rounded up. Christin Brecher always elevates the cozy genre with her novels. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
9/13/2023 I've been a big fan of Christin Brecher's since her debut novel, Murder's No Votive Confidence. The series that that book kicks off upends the (culinary) cozy formula in the best possible way, and is a must-read for me. I'm not actually sure if she'll be writing any more of that series tho, as her attention now seems to be on her newer Snapshots Of NYC novels, of which Photo Finished is the first. Not that I begrudge her the change of direction, as this book is a hoot from start to finish!
PF introduces Liv Spyers, the college dropout and aspiring photographer who's set up her small studio (and apartment) in the basement of her grandparents' key shop, where she also helps out from time to time. Sending her resume out to various photography agencies has gotten her exactly zero callbacks, but no one ever succeeded in New York City by giving up at the first setback. When Regina Montague -- renowned celebrity photographer and the owner of one of the highly successful studios that passed on Liv's resume -- comes into the key shop one day and mentions needing a photographer for an imminent gig, Liv immediately recommends herself. Regina is desperate enough to give her a shot, telling her when and where to show up to photograph a society debutante's ball.
Liv is excited to snag the gig, not only for the pay but for the in that a successful night will give her with Regina's agency. There's only one small problem: her really good camera is still in the possession of a cute guy she had an unfortunately literal run-in with while on the subway earlier. Second best will have to do, but in an even weirder twist of fate, the cute guy himself is one of the (adult) guests at the ball.
Bolstered by the thought of getting her best camera back soon, Liv plunges confidently into her work, but quickly discerns discord simmering beneath the fabulous facades put up by the glamorous guests. When someone is murdered, and Regina of all people becomes prime suspect, Liv is quickly convinced that she can help figure out who really dunnit, if only out of gratitude to the woman who took a chance on her.
As far as motives for sleuthing go, that isn't a bad one, especially with the very realistic descriptions of Liv's struggles to get hired and paid. It also helps that Liv has an uncanny eye for detail, and the sort of brazenness that allows her to poke her camera into interesting situations. I didn't super love the evocation of the trust trope, mild as it was was here, but it was resolved in a satisfyingly healthy manner. Kudos too for the realistic use of the reward money at the end.
I was actually sent this book ages ago but another reviewer already had dibs on it for CriminalElement.com, so it was a pleasure to be able to read this right before the sequel, which just came out too! Watch for my review of Mugshots Of Manhattan over at CE soon.
Photo Finished by Christin Brecher was published October 25 2022 by Kensington Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
9/13/2023 I've been a big fan of Christin Brecher's since her debut novel, Murder's No Votive Confidence. The series that that book kicks off upends the (culinary) cozy formula in the best possible way, and is a must-read for me. I'm not actually sure if she'll be writing any more of that series tho, as her attention now seems to be on her newer Snapshots Of NYC novels, of which Photo Finished is the first. Not that I begrudge her the change of direction, as this book is a hoot from start to finish!
PF introduces Liv Spyers, the college dropout and aspiring photographer who's set up her small studio (and apartment) in the basement of her grandparents' key shop, where she also helps out from time to time. Sending her resume out to various photography agencies has gotten her exactly zero callbacks, but no one ever succeeded in New York City by giving up at the first setback. When Regina Montague -- renowned celebrity photographer and the owner of one of the highly successful studios that passed on Liv's resume -- comes into the key shop one day and mentions needing a photographer for an imminent gig, Liv immediately recommends herself. Regina is desperate enough to give her a shot, telling her when and where to show up to photograph a society debutante's ball.
Liv is excited to snag the gig, not only for the pay but for the in that a successful night will give her with Regina's agency. There's only one small problem: her really good camera is still in the possession of a cute guy she had an unfortunately literal run-in with while on the subway earlier. Second best will have to do, but in an even weirder twist of fate, the cute guy himself is one of the (adult) guests at the ball.
Bolstered by the thought of getting her best camera back soon, Liv plunges confidently into her work, but quickly discerns discord simmering beneath the fabulous facades put up by the glamorous guests. When someone is murdered, and Regina of all people becomes prime suspect, Liv is quickly convinced that she can help figure out who really dunnit, if only out of gratitude to the woman who took a chance on her.
As far as motives for sleuthing go, that isn't a bad one, especially with the very realistic descriptions of Liv's struggles to get hired and paid. It also helps that Liv has an uncanny eye for detail, and the sort of brazenness that allows her to poke her camera into interesting situations. I didn't super love the evocation of the trust trope, mild as it was was here, but it was resolved in a satisfyingly healthy manner. Kudos too for the realistic use of the reward money at the end.
I was actually sent this book ages ago but another reviewer already had dibs on it for CriminalElement.com, so it was a pleasure to be able to read this right before the sequel, which just came out too! Watch for my review of Mugshots Of Manhattan over at CE soon.
Photo Finished by Christin Brecher was published October 25 2022 by Kensington Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
January 20, 2023
A cozy mystery with a female sleuth? Sign me up! I'm in! This is the first book of Christin Brecher's new mystery series "A Snapshot of NYC". Our Liv Spyer, is working part-time at her grandparents key shop when the perfect business opportunity presents it self in the form of elite-event-photographer Regina Montague. She finally has a chance to break through in the photography industry and she won't mess this up. Unfortunately her camera gets stolen in the subway and Regina is certainly not impressed by the only camera Liv has handy. Regardless of this fact, she gives Liv an opportunity of a lifetime and for that she is thankful. The event is a no cellphones allowed type of thing, you'll see the pictures when we release them and that's it.... perfect opportunity for a crime isn't it? -- That is exactly what happens. A murder in the middle of the event. The murder of a very powerful and wealthy man. And who does Liv find near the body? Non other than Regina. Liv is certain that Regina did not commit the crime so powered by the pictures she took on the event and the assistance of her undercover FBI date (of course this detail was important), she began to investigate the murder in order to help clear out the name of the woman that believed in her.
As soon as I started the book, I was hooked. The story and our heroine have wit. It is entertaining, funny when it needs to be, it activates the inner sleuth we all have inside and will make you want to continue reading until you're at the very last page. There are a lot of small details that are important and that you need to pay attention. I feel like the author made an incredible job at creating this little word for us that is full of potential when it comes to future books. I am excited to see what she has in store for us and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Books and Christin Beecher for the opportunity.
As soon as I started the book, I was hooked. The story and our heroine have wit. It is entertaining, funny when it needs to be, it activates the inner sleuth we all have inside and will make you want to continue reading until you're at the very last page. There are a lot of small details that are important and that you need to pay attention. I feel like the author made an incredible job at creating this little word for us that is full of potential when it comes to future books. I am excited to see what she has in store for us and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Books and Christin Beecher for the opportunity.
September 26, 2024
Wow! What a fantastic start to a series! Author Christin Brecher’s Photo Finished! is not a traditional cozy, and I mean that in the best possible way. The high society backdrop is fresh, as is the view from the lens of our photographer-turned-amateur-sleuth. The dialogue is sharp and smart, and the story immediately engaging.
After a random encounter on the subway which results in the loss of her best camera, photographer Liv Speyer is more than annoyed. But her luck seemingly changes when she meets Regina Montague, who offers her a fill-in assignment taking photos at the upscale Holiday Debutante Ball. Liv floats from table to table, capturing the attendees, while also snapping random shots of the event itself. But when her new boss finds blue blood Charlie Archibald murdered, suspicion turns on Regina. Will Liv’s photos provide the evidence needed to vindicate Regina and catch a killer?
The people in this story are fabulous! Liv is a breath of fresh air, bold in a confident, no-nonsense way with a keen eye for detail honed from many years behind the lens. Her grandparents are endearing, and Harry is at once bemusing and charming. The mystery sparkles with clues and suspects, with enough twists and turns to keep you up all night reading (It did me!). A surprising almost-twist at the end of the story provides an unexpected thrill, and the conclusion is very satisfying.
The narration by Kimberly Austin is excellent. I really did feel immersed in the story, viewing the evidence right alongside Liv. Do I recommend Photo Finished!? Absolutely. I will be looking for an opportunity to read the second book in the series very shortly.
After a random encounter on the subway which results in the loss of her best camera, photographer Liv Speyer is more than annoyed. But her luck seemingly changes when she meets Regina Montague, who offers her a fill-in assignment taking photos at the upscale Holiday Debutante Ball. Liv floats from table to table, capturing the attendees, while also snapping random shots of the event itself. But when her new boss finds blue blood Charlie Archibald murdered, suspicion turns on Regina. Will Liv’s photos provide the evidence needed to vindicate Regina and catch a killer?
The people in this story are fabulous! Liv is a breath of fresh air, bold in a confident, no-nonsense way with a keen eye for detail honed from many years behind the lens. Her grandparents are endearing, and Harry is at once bemusing and charming. The mystery sparkles with clues and suspects, with enough twists and turns to keep you up all night reading (It did me!). A surprising almost-twist at the end of the story provides an unexpected thrill, and the conclusion is very satisfying.
The narration by Kimberly Austin is excellent. I really did feel immersed in the story, viewing the evidence right alongside Liv. Do I recommend Photo Finished!? Absolutely. I will be looking for an opportunity to read the second book in the series very shortly.
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