Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed The Cover Story (Branigan Powers, Bk 2) on + 157 more book reviews
In the world of cozy mysteries, Deb Richardson-Moore's Branigan Powers series is compelling and exceptional. Essential cozy elements are there â amateur investigator, small-town setting â but there's a depth and complexity that makes it feel like a blend of the cozy and traditional mystery. I would also describe it as fiction with a biblical worldview rather than what we think of as Christian fiction. Although second in series, The Cover Story stands alone.
With each book, I'm immediately pulled into the vividly-conveyed setting, which just happens to be in my home state, and I easily identify with the fictional north Georgia college town of Grambling. Key players in this story are an investigative journalist, police detective, and a homeless man â with a lot of the action focusing on college sororities. The college I attended didn't have sororities, and after reading The Cover Story, I very glad it didn't.
Suspects abound as the investigation evolves, often taking off in different directions. I gave up trying to solve the murder and just enjoyed the ride. Branigan, along with her family and friends, are appealing and easy to connect with. There's even a delightful hint of romance between Branigan and the police detective.
There's another side to the idyllic town of Grambling, and that's the homeless community. The author's passion for the homeless is contagious, and she helps us see them in a different light. Malachi, a homeless war veteran âwith deep wells of knowledge and intuition,â became a standout character when he was introduced in The Cantaloupe Thief, and is developed even more in this story. The mutual caring between Malachi, Branigan, and the family of Pastor Liam, who runs a shelter for the homeless, is a delight. But it is the premise that the homeless aren't really seen that enables him to successfully investigate. Malachi is an intriguing character and I hope he continues to grow in future books.
The Cover Story is wonderful in every way, as is the series itself â and with a chilling ending that shocked me. May we continue to see much more of Branigan Powers. âBest of the bestâ for me. Highly recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Kregel/Lion Hudson. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
With each book, I'm immediately pulled into the vividly-conveyed setting, which just happens to be in my home state, and I easily identify with the fictional north Georgia college town of Grambling. Key players in this story are an investigative journalist, police detective, and a homeless man â with a lot of the action focusing on college sororities. The college I attended didn't have sororities, and after reading The Cover Story, I very glad it didn't.
Suspects abound as the investigation evolves, often taking off in different directions. I gave up trying to solve the murder and just enjoyed the ride. Branigan, along with her family and friends, are appealing and easy to connect with. There's even a delightful hint of romance between Branigan and the police detective.
There's another side to the idyllic town of Grambling, and that's the homeless community. The author's passion for the homeless is contagious, and she helps us see them in a different light. Malachi, a homeless war veteran âwith deep wells of knowledge and intuition,â became a standout character when he was introduced in The Cantaloupe Thief, and is developed even more in this story. The mutual caring between Malachi, Branigan, and the family of Pastor Liam, who runs a shelter for the homeless, is a delight. But it is the premise that the homeless aren't really seen that enables him to successfully investigate. Malachi is an intriguing character and I hope he continues to grow in future books.
The Cover Story is wonderful in every way, as is the series itself â and with a chilling ending that shocked me. May we continue to see much more of Branigan Powers. âBest of the bestâ for me. Highly recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Kregel/Lion Hudson. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I so enjoyed Ms. Richardson-Moore's first book, The Cantaloupe Thief, that I was excited to see another in this series! Branigan Powers is a journalist for a small town newspaper. Her intelligence, eye for detail, and being able to think outside the box once again finds her being more than just a reporter and working with the police on a murder investigation.
It is the Christmas holiday and a niece and a friend are returning home from college. Suddenly a mysterious vintage hearse appears, forcing them off the road and taking the life of the other girl and injuring her niece. Clues begin to appear, leading her to the possible involvement of the local sororities. While this is a beginning Branigan quickly finds the evidence brings more questions than answers! At several points I felt if I could speak to her I would be able to direct her to the murderer, and then the story would veer off in an unexpected direction ending my theory! I love all the surprises!
I liked the homeless man Malachi Martin being included in this book also. He can hear things and go places Ms. Powers cannot, always aiding her search for answers. Yes he has issues but he had a good heart and character. As with her previous book the homeless are a part of the story. It really opens your heart and eyes to their plight and all they deal with we know nothing about.
I appreciate the book deals with crime but without the graphic detail. One disappointment did arise for me with this book. Throughout different parts of the book there were curse words. Even the pastor cursed! Since I assumed this was a Christian mystery, I was a bit shocked. The author is a talented, entertaining writer that does not need to rely on this type of language to enhance or story. Without this the book would have been perfect!
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
It is the Christmas holiday and a niece and a friend are returning home from college. Suddenly a mysterious vintage hearse appears, forcing them off the road and taking the life of the other girl and injuring her niece. Clues begin to appear, leading her to the possible involvement of the local sororities. While this is a beginning Branigan quickly finds the evidence brings more questions than answers! At several points I felt if I could speak to her I would be able to direct her to the murderer, and then the story would veer off in an unexpected direction ending my theory! I love all the surprises!
I liked the homeless man Malachi Martin being included in this book also. He can hear things and go places Ms. Powers cannot, always aiding her search for answers. Yes he has issues but he had a good heart and character. As with her previous book the homeless are a part of the story. It really opens your heart and eyes to their plight and all they deal with we know nothing about.
I appreciate the book deals with crime but without the graphic detail. One disappointment did arise for me with this book. Throughout different parts of the book there were curse words. Even the pastor cursed! Since I assumed this was a Christian mystery, I was a bit shocked. The author is a talented, entertaining writer that does not need to rely on this type of language to enhance or story. Without this the book would have been perfect!
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
