Tamara Berry

overall this was enjoyable! a cozy mystery involving a famous crime/mystery author? absolutely! the lead character knows everything there is to know about criminal activity and catching the bad guy because she writes a popular series involving a fictional detective. this is a good introduction to a fun cozy mystery series. the story is grittier and has more darker elements than what i’ve read in other cozy mystery novels, but there was still plenty of humor to be found as well as a mix of quirky characters who fall into some far-fetched situations. i didn't really connect with any of the characters which made it hard to pay attention to the story as a whole. i wish there was more tension in the scenes between Tess and Sheriff Boyd as i wasn’t 100% convinced of the romance that was brewing between them. but i did like all the bookish references since the main character is an author herself. the ending was great!! i didn't expect the killer at ALLLLLL! i wasn't sure how i was going to end up feeling about this one but wow everything really changes in the last part of the book. i was personally blown away by just how well developed the mystery ended up being and it kept me guessing right through to the last reveal… (meer)

In book three of the By the Book series, we meet Tess's mother who pops into town unexpectedly with a younger swain in tow. It's clear Tess gets her unique approach to life from her mother--though both would probably cringe to hear it, and the scenes between them and with Gertie are highlights of the book. Gertie recognizes Grandma's boyfriend as an accused swindler, and when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Tess has to step in to protect her mother. It doesn't help that Sheriff Boyd has extended his hospitality to a true-crime podcaster who's been on the trail of the swindler who's left behind several dead women. This was a great way to lighten a dreary weekend!

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.… (meer)

If you are looking for a cozy mystery series with more of an edge and a bit darker than the numerous other ones in this genre, By the Book Mysteries by Tamara Berry, is a series you should check out.

The main character, Tess, is a thriller writer which is what gives this series a bit more grit. She’s not as naive as other amateur sleuths, and it shows especially when she (or her daughter) are trying their hand at lock picking or getting out of being tied to a chair… all in the name of research, of course!

Berry really shines in her character development. Gertie, Tess’s daughter, is inquisitive, fearless, and really interested in murder and all that goes along with it. We meet Tess’s mother, who is even more feisty than Tess, and the love interests of Sheriff Boyd and the undercover agent add a fun dynamic to the books. I’m rooting for the younger agent, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens. We also get some great interactions with the town grump, Edna, and I hope we see a lot more of her.

Another great book in the series, and one that I highly recommend.… (meer)