I haven't read anything else by Jane Tara, but this was a great light summer read complete with witches and the ghost of an actor who was dying to play Hamlet.
I'm not a regular reader of romance, in fact, I generally avoid anything that appears to be a "romance novel." On the other hand, I love mysteries, Shakespeare, witches, and ghosts...and I didn't know Jane Tara was considered a romance writer. Which is all to the good because this is a confection of sugar and spice.
Now that my likes are listed, I'll turn to my dislike. Oh, boy, I nearly put the novel down in the first chapter when Rhi discovers her boyfriend and best friend engaged in a new and unique yoga position.
Once that was out of the way, the book proceeds into a cozy mystery set in the tiny hamlet of Hamlet. I'm not really trying to play on words, but can't seem to avoid it. Witchcraft is brewing in Hamlet, and Rhi finds friends and supporters that she didn't have in New York as she tackles turning an abandoned theater into a showplace and heart-felt dream.
If you are looking for a hard-edged murder mystery, you won't find it here. In fact, although there is a death, it was not a murder. This is more of a ghostly mystery with mysterious relationships thrown in.
NetGalley/Momentum Books
Cozy Mystery. July 24, 2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm saving the first in this series, Forecast for Carl's R.I.P. Challenge. Thinking ahead for once.
I think I'd want it based on the cover alone!
Hmm... I think I'd give that book a miss. I think it's nice to have both romance and mystery together but the latter must be good to capture a reader's attention. Maybe this book is more of a character-driven story than anything else.
ReplyDeleteMelody - Except for the scene with Rhi's friend and boyfriend, the romance was almost entirely without physicality. It was a confection, kind of like cotton candy--sweet, but insubstantial. And fun.
ReplyDeleteThe mention of witches and a ghost caught my attention. I am not a fan of Shakespeare though and I probably dismiss a lot of good books that even hint at having a connection to him. I'm terrible that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about this one though, and so will have to keep my eye out for it.
Wendy - I love Shakespeare and taught the plays with great enthusiasm, but he really has little to do with this novel other than an actor who very much wanted to play Hamlet. This is a quick read, very light.
ReplyDelete