Love is Murder

Daytime Mystery #1

by Linda Palmer

Morgan Tyler is the head writer of Love of My Life. Her imagination is always at work, churning out the scenes that fill many a fan's daytime with drama. Then Damon Radford, the head of daytime programming, is found dead - and it's revealed that, in spite of their prickly relationship, he left Morgan a fortune. Her life is beginning to look like one of her scripts, especially when the detective assigned to the case falls for her.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Romance

341 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Basic Info

Format: Audio
Pages/Length: Around 7hrs
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Reason For Reading: Challenge

At A Glance

Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: No
Cliff Hanger: No
Triggers: n/a
Rating: 3.5 stars

Score Sheet
All out of ten

Cover: 7
Plot: 7
Characters: 7
World Building: 6
Flow: 6
Series Congruity: n/a
Writing: 6
Ending: 5

Total: 6

In Depth

Best Part: Easy read.
Worst Part: Too quick on the draw.
Thoughts Had: Decent enough for sure.

Conclusion

Continuing the Series: Yes
Recommending: Sure

Short Review: Cozy mystery right here. I sometimes like the books where the MC falls into solving a crime even thou it isn't their job, and sometimes i hate it. This one, i liked, to a point. Some twist i knew were going happen since it's modeled around a TV show, like that kid isn't really yours. The ending; Fake suicide, come one, is this a half ass creative writing prompt, no, so don't do that shit. I'll let it slide as it's book 1 but still, no. It seems that each book will be a different murder since they wrapped this up at the end. Little low on the action, and her falling for that person, and then they get in a tiff near the end, ugh. Overall, an okay book, what i would expect from book 1.

Misc.

Book Boyfriend: The cop!
Best Friend Material: Pass, for now.

Review in GIF Form:

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Fun. Fast. I adored this book. I love the idea that a daytime soap opera writer was the main characters. I was completely surprised that Harrison was the killer. Even when we got to the movie that he wrote, starring Teresa, I was just charmed that he also wrote a movie. I did not even make the connection. I did not want there to be a connection. Damon was a jerk so I was not surprised that he was the first person in the series to be killed. Serena being killed was a surprise. Nancy is an amazing supporting character as is Penny. I do not like Chet, I do not trust him. He was the only character that I had a reaction to that was opposite of what it was intended. I really like Matt and G.G., they are fun as partners and as individual characters. I like Matt and his developing relationship with Morgan. G.G. is funny and a great supporting character. I really liked this book and am looking forward to more in this series.

[Sandra Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting I hadn’t read a soap opera Hollywood cozy mystery type before. Morgan is a screen writer for a day time soap show. My mom and I used to watch these shows when I was young. The head person ends up dead and Morgan is a suspect. Now she must figure out who did it to clear her name.
The actual killer ended up not surprising me I had a few suspects. Not sure how I feel about Chet and I do enjoy Matt more. Curious to eventuallly read more in this series. Maybe learn more about Morgan.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan is a head writer for a daytime drama (they don't call them soaps). when her boss is found dead she is the prime suspect for the murder.

This was an enjoyable book. It took a minute to get into the book but once I did it was a good read. The development of the character and the connections to daytime dramas reminded me of my teenage years when I would rus home to watch Guiding Light.

I would definitely recommend this series.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soap opera writer Morgan Tyler's life begins to look like one of her scripts when her boss is found dead--and Morgan is left his fortune. Now a real-life killer is after her. And her time is running out--like sands through the hourglass.
I have to read the rest of this series. Loved it. Gripping and real. 5 stars.

[Katherine Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this. This should be a 3 and 1/2, and that partly is because I really enjoy this series. The protagonist is head writer for a soap opera, and I really like her attitude and strength. There is some fairy tale/soap opera fantasy, but also some hard hitting dialogue and situations. This is not a cozy. I look forward to reading the second.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT A GREAT COZY! Can't believe I let this one wait so long.

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book its a Daytime Drama mystery. I cant wait to read the other 4. Great for any daytime soap fan.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about a writer that works on a daytime soap opera. Her boss has been murdered and she must figure out who did it.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

[aprilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, more enjoyable than I expected

[Patti Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Held my interest.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in New York City, Morgan Tyler the head writer of a daytime drama series (soap opera) finds herself accused of murder. A network executive is found dead and she has the best motive for the murder. To her surprise, she stands to inherit a great deal of money and the victim told his mother that he and Morgan were to be married. Since the police don’t seem to be looking at anyone but her, Morgan sets out to solve the mystery of why she’s been left a fortune from someone she detested.

This is the first in the series of four books. It’s always great to find a new series you enjoy. I just wish there were more Morgan Tyler Books.

There are two writers known as Linda Palmer so don’t get confused if you’re looking for more of this author’s books. The second writer is Linda V. Palmer and her photo is shown on Good Reads as the author of this series. Both writers have websites if you need help with who wrote what.

Linda Palmer also wrote another mystery series under the pen name Melinda Wells. That series is called Della Cooks. Della has a cooking program on TV. This series is on my “to read” list.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series, I wish there were more than four books.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

09/22/05 #166
TITLE/AUTHOR: LOVE IS MURDER by Linda Palmer
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Mystery, 2004, 275 pgs
COMMENTS: 1st in the daytime drama mystery series.
Morgan Tyler is a writer for Love of My Life. The
executive producer and an actress are injured in
a hit and run in NYC. While recovering at home
Damon, the producer is thrown from his balcony and
murdered. He was not very well liked and Morgan
is one of the suspects. Great start to a series, inside
background info on TV series writing, fun NYC scenes
and engaging characters.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cozy mystery genre is one that I have gained a lot of respect for in the last year. While at a quick glance, it is fluff, there is so much more. I really liked this Daytime Mystery Series. The main character, Morgan Tyler, is not a flake, which I really liked. She is an intelligent, real woman. While many of the characters around her are flaky she is the real deal. A great balance of suspense and fun.

[Marinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this cozy mystery. Looking forward to reading the second book. I especially liked the descriptions added about working as the head writer for the story world soap Love if My Life. I also liked how Palmer included real life soap details alongside her story world details. Very entertaining. Very satisfying. Thought that the murderer got off a bit easy in the end, but it could fit with details given the reader about actions that occurred off page.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a giddy romp through the world of daytime drama, via a murder mystery. Morgan is head writer for a daytime drama whose employees keep getting bumped off. Morgan, who has become a recluse since her widowhood (at the age of 25) suddenly finds herself pursued by a homicide detective, AND a crime novelist, AND the murderer.

While the reader of this audiobook can be a bit cloying at times, and the story a bit predictable, it was still great fun.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a lot of things I didn't like about this book. I almost gave up on it very early on. I think others might enjoy the story, I just couldn't relate to it. The big shocker at the end I predicted very early on, there were still some surprises though. The main character, only 30, seemed much older throughout the book.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I did not think I would, it started slow, but then I began to enjoy the characters as they developed. I did know the murderer before the book was finished, but it was reasonable. I am onto the next in the series, though I know there are only four in the series, I am hoping they are all as enjoyable. A fun, non-stressful read. Perfect for a cozy read.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A daytime executive is murdered. During the reading of the will, Morgan finds she is the recipient of a great deal of money, and she didn't even like Damen! The will stipulates that if she lives for 6 months after his death, she will receive the money. But it seems that Morgan is the prime suspect so she decides to find the real killer.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I would like this, but a very good read. Run details about how soap operas are written a produced, likable heroin, good paced and interesting plot. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright and breezy romantic mystery in a daytime drama (i.e., soap opera) setting. Likable characters, unlikable victim, and a not totally unexpected twist at the end. Interesting info about the workings of soaps. Great reader (audiobook).

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be Linda Palmer when I grow up. She has taken from her own past to create a mystery series in which a former wildlife photographer turned soap opera writer uses knowledge accrued while doing research for the soap to solve the murder of her boss. Great fun!

[Lanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an enjoyable light read. I was disappointed that I'd guessed the culprit early on, but then I read a lot of mysteries! A plus for this book is that it's available free as an audiobook through Kentucky Libraries Unbound!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book on audio. It is fun so far.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the world of daytime soaps - actually, surprisingly enjoyable!!

[T White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am listening in the car as I travel across Texas--It is easy to keep up with and some laugh out loud moments.

[Jill]

I'm a little confused why I'm only finding out about this series now. I love mysteries & soap operas!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the cast of characters even though the plot was pretty predictable. Listened to the audio book while walking.