3 Mystery Book Reviews

This month I thought I’d share 3 mystery books I’ve read recently and give my reviews on them! (I also realized as I was putting this post together that these are all written by women featuring women protagonists which is awesome!)

1. A Murder In Time by Julie McElwain

The premise of this book is that a 21st century FBI agent ends up back in time to the 19th century to solve a murder. It’s a pretty long book, but it doesn’t feel like it since the plot moves along pretty quickly. It was a cool read for the concept, writing and overall feel. Trigger warning for gruesome murders.

Book Review (spoilers):

Since she’s a profiler in the FBI the murders she’s trying to solve are from a serial killer. As a result, they are written to be extremely gruesome since they need to be something she can profile. (Something that would come out of Criminal Minds, except without Spencer Reid to soften the blow). It’s not just that someone died, but the serial killer sexually tortured them as well. Which is also how the book starts. Honestly, as a woman, reading that level of violence against women was hard. I understand why they were written that way, though, since it would need to appeal to her specific skill set. And I did continue reading to make it to the end. There are also other elements of the plot that obviously helped make up for it. 

The main character is fun, I liked her and sympathized with her position a lot of the time. I appreciate that she won in the end and overcame the murderer in a fight to prove that her tactical skill set wasn’t just for show. It felt like a realistic and satisfying note for her to end on.

This book ends in a way that hints at another book since the ending is a bit ambiguous, (looking it up, there is a sequel) but it’s still an ending that can stand up on its own. And I liked it even though I don’t normally like loose ends. 

Overall, though the subject was a little hard to read, I did like the book and would read the next one. I give it a 7/10.

2. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutanto

A complete 180 from the previous book I talked about, this is ultimately the most wholesome murder mystery ever. It is a great read and fills your heart with the warmth of found family and love and I totally shed happy tears at the end. (And the person who died sucked so we’re not that sad about it.)

Book Review (spoilers):

The representation of Asian aunties is not only accurate but amazing to see in a main character. Vera is pushy and controls everything and gets her way and yet we all love her for it. It’s the epitome of when your mom forces you to do something and you complain but by the end you are better for it and would hate to admit she was right. It’s lovingly infuriating sometimes but it all works out in the end.

The other characters are also fun, each bringing their own worries and insecurities which in turn makes them feel real as well. I love the little pairings and friendships and found family aspects between all of them (which, of course, center around Vera Wong).

An amazingly heartwarming book that I recommend 10/10!

3. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

The book starts with the main character at an extremely low point in her life which then serves to make all the crazy stuff that happens after feel that much more satisfying. There’s a surprisingly comedic element to some of the book which makes it a fast read. It’s also an interesting twist on a murder mystery since she is directly involved with the execution of the whole thing which is intriguing. 

Book Review (spoilers):

I read this for the book club I run, and all my members said that the main character mostly just continues to have things happen to her instead of because of her. It’s an interesting observation since she is in the thick of it, and yet I would agree that things continue to happen to her. Given that her profession is writing, it’s almost poetic that despite literally being in the murder scene, she still feels (to the reader) as an observer the way a writer would. 

Another popular topic of that book club meeting was Vero being the coolest side character. And also the only one actually supporting Finlay in her endeavors. It’s extremely wholesome, and telling, to see that the only support this woman has, is another woman. There is a lot about Finlay basically being a single mom and overlooked by men and Vero is a fantastic character to foil that.

Finlay never really commits any of the murders (partly why the club felt like she was passive) but there is another book in the series and I’m interested to see how she continues having the murders work around her. Though I haven’t read the second book yet.

Overall it was fun and quick read given the thriller-esque nature of the book and I give it a 8/10.