Source: Audiobook Purchase, Physical Book PurchaseFormat: Audiobook
Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson
Narrator: Maia Guest
Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
Date Read: May 2013
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Mystery
More Information:Devereaux Sinclair was never happier than the day she quit her city job and bought the old-fashioned five-and-dime in her small Missouri hometown. But her happiness is short-lived when murder turns her charming store into a little shop of horrors When Joelle Ayers, the fiancee of Dev's ex-boyfriend, is found handcuffed to a hotel bed and murdered with a champagne bottle and a stiletto, a revenge-crazed cop is determined to put Dev behind bars. The cuffs and the champagne were part of a gift basket Dev had made and they have her fingerprints all over them. Now the finger of suspicion is pointing directly at Dev. Desperate to clear her name, Dev enlists the help of her two longtime pals Poppy and Boone. Luckily, the sexy new guy in town, Jake DelVecchio, decides to assist -- and it's a big plus that he happens to be a Deputy U.S. Marshal. If they don't solve this murder, Dev may soon be trading in her charming new life for a life behind bars.
Publisher: Audible, NAL
Series: A Devereaux Dime Store Mystery #1
Listened/Read for Fun (Audible/Paperback)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought When Finished: Dare I say that A Little Shop of Homicide was a steamy cozy mystery? Had a bit of a kick in the romance department *hubba hubba*
Story Thoughts: Quirky, Fun, and a little outrageous is what I would call a Little Shop of Homicide. It was a fantastic afternoon read with a who-dun-it that was a little off the beaten path. It was fun, saucy, and sassy. In fact, the romance was a little hot and heavy for a cozy mystery. That was actually a fun surprise for me since romance is my favorite genre to read. Nothing over the line but it was fun to see that element get a little more time. I was a little disappointed in how the case played out but otherwise Little Shop of Homicide was a fun and engaging read.
Character Thoughts: I am a sucker for quirky characters! Little Shop of Homicide is full of them and they shined. There might be a triangle brewing (not happy about that as I am OPPOSED TO LOVE TRIANGLES) so in the future I might not be as happy but for this entry the characters were fantastic. Dev was a great leading lady: smart, fun, and independent. She has insecurities, a back story that will make you want to hug her, and great friends. It will be fun to watch her tackle life in future installments as she also has a penchant for landing in the middle of trouble. Also, her back story needs delved into and hopefully some resolution there.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by Maia Guest/Running Time 8h 55m
The narration was fun, light, and had good pacing. It was a quick listen and the production levels were pretty good. I wasn’t a fan of the male voices but loved her version of Dev!
Final Thoughts: Fun beginning to a series that I will be continuing 🙂
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Another series still on my wishlist! There are just too many great cozy series out there. Someday … Glad you loved it.
Oh, yeah…I do remember it being steamy! Nothing wrong with that. =)
I’ve always enjoyed cozies but yay for a a bit of steam, too! Plus, you’ve got to have those quirky characters. They’re awesome.
Aww sounds fun 😀
It was 🙂 🙂 🙂
You had me at quirky characters. I love those!!
Oh and to read a cozy with steamy romance? Okay, you got this curious cat… curious! 😀
Yep there was a little more “steamy” in this than I am used to for cozies. Of course compared to romance it was tame LOL
I love quirky characters and you had my interest piqued at steamy cozy..wow. Let’s hope the triangle doesn’t develop..i get it in YA, i mean the young girl is confused etc but with a grown woman..blech! Awesome review:)
Yep! It was a like a romance/cozy combo 🙂
Me too on the freaking triangle—I just wish that story telling device would die already!
I sure hope this doesn’t stray into love triangle territory. It would be a shame to ruin a good thing. What is up with cozy mysteries resorting to love triangles. Is no genre safe from the disease?
I have NO idea but in the last 2 years there have been an upswing in the number of cozies going that love triangle route. Makes me mad because please–no 30 to 40 year old dating woman has time for two men. I am pretty sure one is even pushing it LOL
Sounds like a gas. That title is pretty funny too.
It was fun, fun, fun!
The review I am posting sometime this morning (when I get it put in) though I think you will love 🙂