Picture Not Perfect
(The Not So Reluctant Detectives #2)
by D.E. Haggerty
A picture tells a story. But is it the truth?
When the police find pictures of Melanie hanging up at her murdered colleague’s house, they’re convinced he was stalking her. Maybe she even killed him. Melanie was not being stalked! And she certainly didn’t kill her supposed stalker – as if. But Mel – always up for a bit of drama – jumps at the chance to go search for the real killer. When Mel’s ex-boyfriend, Owen, discovers her plans, he pulls out all the stops to ensure she’s safe and to win her back. No matter what happens with the murder investigation, he’s not letting her go. With the police setting their sights on Mel, he may need to jeopardize his own career on the police force to protect her.
Will Mel find the real killer before the detectives arrest her for murder?
My Rating:
Favorite Quotes:
Please, you could find danger at a knitting club full of old ladies.
Wow. You don’t jump to conclusions. You take a flying leap to them.
My Review:
I take considerable pleasure in humor, which is a talent that D.E. Haggerty puts to good use by so deftly tucking it into her cozy mysteries. I am enjoying the levity and intriguing storylines of her new series, as well as the humorous chapter titles that read like headlines. But I had a hard time enjoying her main character of Mel. Mel’s personality would be rather vexing to anyone unaccustomed to dealing with someone with an Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity issue. And Mel had a whopping dose of ADHD with many annoying and exasperating personality traits. She was fidgety, easily frustrated, emotionally immature, impulsive, stubborn, reckless, craved drama, and was loud and thoughtless of others. How she could be a successful high school guidance counselor had me scratching my head as she didn’t listen to others, lied easily, and obsessive in her thinking while prone to jump from one ridiculous far-fetched conclusion to another in attempting to prove her point. Being her friend would be an extremely difficult endeavor and only for those with endless patience and tremendous fortitude. Lucky for her, the delicious Owen had the patience of a saint, a few sexy saint. And lucky for me, I don’t have to have that anymore because retirement is swweeeet!
About the Author
I grew up reading everything I could get my grubby hands on from my mom’s Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew to Little Women. When I wasn’t flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed. College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although on the odd occasion I did manage to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear. After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic after returning to the law. But being a lawyer really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out being a B&B owner wasn’t my thing either. I polished off that manuscript languishing in the attic before following the husband to Istanbul where I decided to give the whole writer-thing a go. But ten years was too many to stay away from adopted home. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.
Oooh that’s nice you loved this book… Ahemmmm…. I didn’t…
Maybe I didn’t understand the nuances… Sigghh
I found her too vexing
I also don’t jump to conclusions, I fly to them😂 Great review!
Great review. I like when the author throws in a bit of humor!
Lovely review!
You always share the most hilarious quotes! 😂
Great honest review as always. Thanks for sharing.
Gemma @ http://www.gemmasbooknook.blogspot.com
Delightful review! I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
Great review! Sounds interesting!
I’m glad you enjoyed the book despite not loving Mel. I absolutely adore Mel. But she’s a very strong character, so I will have to adjust myself to the idea that not every one will love her. I can do this… maybe.
Thanks again for taking the time to read and review. You are a rock star blogger!
great review, as always! thanks for sharing 🙂
Great review. The book sounds intriguing.
I love this review. I want to read the story but feel ready for Mel now thanks to you!
Great review my friend, this book is new to me and it does looks and sounds like an great and very intriguing book. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post DJ.