Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 5
John J. Lamb really hits his stride with this second entry in his Bear Collector's Mystery series. Although I enjoyed the first book (The Mournful Teddy), the pacing in The False-Hearted Teddy was more consistent, so that the book held my interest the whole time.
In this book, retired homicide detective Brad Lyon and his artisan teddy bear maker wife Ashley leave their Shenandoah Valley hometown for a bear convention in Baltimore. While there, they become embroiled in a domestic dispute, the theft of intellectual property, and even a murder!
As in the first book, Lamb continues to poke fun at the cozy genre and his description of one of Ash's favorite (fictional) cozy series is laugh out loud funny. He also finds humor in the series almost unbelievable premise: that a tough retired cop could learn to enjoy a life filled with mohair bears, the sewing of bear clothes, and attending conventions filled with bear-crazed women. I also enjoy that Lamb incorporates real people from the artisan bear community into his stories.
Those who are easily offended should be warned that Lamb's writing might be considered risque for a genre whose stereotypical protagonists are spinsters who enjoy scrapbooking or baking... his characters swear (and by swearing I don't mean saying "darn!") and make sexual innuendos fairly frequently. Rate this one a PG!
In this book, retired homicide detective Brad Lyon and his artisan teddy bear maker wife Ashley leave their Shenandoah Valley hometown for a bear convention in Baltimore. While there, they become embroiled in a domestic dispute, the theft of intellectual property, and even a murder!
As in the first book, Lamb continues to poke fun at the cozy genre and his description of one of Ash's favorite (fictional) cozy series is laugh out loud funny. He also finds humor in the series almost unbelievable premise: that a tough retired cop could learn to enjoy a life filled with mohair bears, the sewing of bear clothes, and attending conventions filled with bear-crazed women. I also enjoy that Lamb incorporates real people from the artisan bear community into his stories.
Those who are easily offended should be warned that Lamb's writing might be considered risque for a genre whose stereotypical protagonists are spinsters who enjoy scrapbooking or baking... his characters swear (and by swearing I don't mean saying "darn!") and make sexual innuendos fairly frequently. Rate this one a PG!
Kristin (CozyLover) reviewed The False-Hearted Teddy (Bear Collector, Bk 2) on + 335 more book reviews
I had a hard time believing that the main character, a former police detective who was rather rough and hardened, was now pursing a career as a teddy bear maker along with his wife. The tough guy turned teddy bear lover image just didn't fly, the plot was lacking and the supporting characters were lackluster.
Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
Brad & Ashleigh continue on their murder solving cases. This book had good, fast-paced action and was extremely interesting. Couldn't put it down. Love this author. Good character development. Highly recommend.
Karen B. (Jitterbug3) reviewed The False-Hearted Teddy (Bear Collector, Bk 2) on + 198 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book and series so far...one reason is that the main character, Brad, doesn't get himself into ridiculous situations...as do many cozy sleuths...to solve the mystery. Now that may be because as a former cop he has insight that most amateurs don't but I think that is one of the main reasons I find this series different and compelling. Having said that, this one was a little "talky" for me, but overall, I enjoyed the mystery and felt it was well thought out!
Tim H. (Timbuktu126) reviewed The False-Hearted Teddy (Bear Collector, Bk 2) on + 476 more book reviews
I liked this book. The teddy bear convention was a cool setting for murder and seemed quite realistic. The mystery was good and the victim was really deserving of being murdered! I loved the ending as well. I will definitely read the next in the series, as the first two were both so good.
The one thing I did have a hard time buying was that one minute the investigating cop was trying to pin the murder on Brad and then 3 pages later she was welcoming his assistance and even letting him perform cop duties. That was a tad hard to believe. But other than that, it was good!
The one thing I did have a hard time buying was that one minute the investigating cop was trying to pin the murder on Brad and then 3 pages later she was welcoming his assistance and even letting him perform cop duties. That was a tad hard to believe. But other than that, it was good!
Kathie S. (CraftyKat) - , reviewed The False-Hearted Teddy (Bear Collector, Bk 2) on + 404 more book reviews
Such a fun series with lots of humor thrown in.
Jill R. (lionjill) -
another great teddy bear mystery. Even though I am not a teddy bear collector I enjoy the story and end up appreciate the collectors and bear-makers by the time I am finis reading Lamb's stories.
Dolores K. (lucy31k) reviewed The False-Hearted Teddy (Bear Collector, Bk 2) on + 120 more book reviews
Sit right down and enjoy this book - if you're like me it will only take a day to read it. Fast paced, full of fun, with likeable characters (aside from the bad guys, that is), and the second book in a great series - hope to enjoy more and more of them from a writer who knows what he's writing about. Loving teddy bears is just a plus with this series.
