Kristina A. reviewed Fiction Can Be Murder (Mystery Writer's Mystery, Bk 1) on + 1528 more book reviews
Fiction Can Be Murder by Becky Clark is the first tale in A Mystery Writer's Mystery series. Charlemagne âCharleeâ Russo is at her writer's critique group when she hears the news that Melinda Walter, Charlee's agent, was found dead. She was murdered using the method in Charlee's unpublished manuscriptâMercury Rising. Since only a handful of people have read the manuscript, Charlee is propelled to the top of the police's suspect list. Charlee is left with no choice. She must investigate Melinda's death to clear her name. With the suspect list narrowed down to her critique group, Charlee must discern who killed her agent and is trying to frame her for murder. Charlee's imagination goes into overdrive especially after she notices a SUV following her. Is she the killer's next target?
Fiction Can Be Murder had an interesting premise. A mystery writer whose own work was used to murder her agent. I wanted to get a peek into the life of a mystery writer. Unfortunately, Fiction Can Be Murder has a terrible main character in Charlemagne âCharleeâ Russo. Charlee comes across as paranoid, annoying, judgmental and unstable. She thinks that anyone on the street can be a killer and they might attack her at any moment (she wonders if the lady with the double stroller is carrying an Uzi). I forgot to mention she is also clumsy. She is known for having coffee spills on her clothing (she needs a sippy cup). Of course, Charlee is also scattered brained. She forgets to charge her phone and is frequently late (let's face itâshe is never on time). I could have done without her using an alley for a restroom. There is a lack of character development, so the characters come across as flat. Now and then the author sticks in a detail or two. The mystery consists of Charlee âquestioningâ her friends (verifying their alibis) in an accusatory manner (when she is not hiding in her apartment) and endless speculation. Charlee was not subtle in her questioning. I am amazed that any of these people are willing to be her friends after the case is solved. The term âbull in a china shopâ is apropos for Charlee. The solution was laughable, and the ending was rushed (considering the 90% of the book was devoted to Charlee questioning people). I did find the method of murder unique and imaginative (I liked it). Fiction Can Be Murder is told in the first person and the story rambles (there is also repetitionâCharlee's Kia is mentioned 20 times). The writing lacked an ease and flow. I found the story to be disjointed. Please be aware that this book does contain a small amount of foul language. Fiction Can Be Murder was not a good fit for me (It felt more like a rough draft than a finished novel). Please get a sample and see if Fiction Can Be Murder is the right book for you. We are all individuals with different reading tastes.
Fiction Can Be Murder had an interesting premise. A mystery writer whose own work was used to murder her agent. I wanted to get a peek into the life of a mystery writer. Unfortunately, Fiction Can Be Murder has a terrible main character in Charlemagne âCharleeâ Russo. Charlee comes across as paranoid, annoying, judgmental and unstable. She thinks that anyone on the street can be a killer and they might attack her at any moment (she wonders if the lady with the double stroller is carrying an Uzi). I forgot to mention she is also clumsy. She is known for having coffee spills on her clothing (she needs a sippy cup). Of course, Charlee is also scattered brained. She forgets to charge her phone and is frequently late (let's face itâshe is never on time). I could have done without her using an alley for a restroom. There is a lack of character development, so the characters come across as flat. Now and then the author sticks in a detail or two. The mystery consists of Charlee âquestioningâ her friends (verifying their alibis) in an accusatory manner (when she is not hiding in her apartment) and endless speculation. Charlee was not subtle in her questioning. I am amazed that any of these people are willing to be her friends after the case is solved. The term âbull in a china shopâ is apropos for Charlee. The solution was laughable, and the ending was rushed (considering the 90% of the book was devoted to Charlee questioning people). I did find the method of murder unique and imaginative (I liked it). Fiction Can Be Murder is told in the first person and the story rambles (there is also repetitionâCharlee's Kia is mentioned 20 times). The writing lacked an ease and flow. I found the story to be disjointed. Please be aware that this book does contain a small amount of foul language. Fiction Can Be Murder was not a good fit for me (It felt more like a rough draft than a finished novel). Please get a sample and see if Fiction Can Be Murder is the right book for you. We are all individuals with different reading tastes.
