The Museum Murder is book two in writing team Katie Gayle's Epiphany Bloom series. You don't need to read book one, The Kensington Kidnap (read my review), to enjoy this book. And I have to tell you I enjoyed book two much more than book one.
Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.
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| March 2021; Bookouture; 978-1800193420 ebook, print (242 pages); cozy mystery |
One of the things I found quite annoying in book one was Pip's sister Flis and her never getting words or idioms correct. Flis was prominently featured in book one. She is much more in the background in this book and her quirkiness was more fun than annoying.
What I truly loved about this book was the cast of secondary characters. I loved the museum staff and I truly hope that they show up in future books. Jimmy, Madison, and Matty from book one make an appearance so it is possible.
I'm still not sure if I like the idea of Pip continually needing to find a new job. While it puts her in new situations and provides opportunities for her to be awkward (who isn't awkward at a new job), which of course adds levity to the story. But I think it could get boring after a while. I kind of wonder why she hasn't thought to put out her own PI shingle. I'm sure the UK has a licensing board for PIs that's similar to the U.S. and her training could lead to all sorts of amusing mishaps. Perhaps that will happen when she gains more confidence in her sleuthing abilities.
I'm kind of hoping she keeps the museum job as I really liked the characters that work there. I think they would be good for Pip. She needs more friends than just her roommate Tim and boxing instructor Jimmy. She needs more girl time than just hanging out with her sister. I really liked the character of Henry but I'm not sure how his role could be incorporated in future books at least beyond just a passing appearance.
And working at a museum could lead her into the world of high-end art and fashion investigations. (I just finished watching the TV show White Collar and there are plenty of art world thefts and more for Pip to somehow get involved with).
If you were left a little "meh" with book one or haven't picked up this series yet, I highly recommend reading The Museum Murder. I'm now looking forward to future books in this series.
Buy The Museum Murder at Amazon
About Katie Gayle
Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. Unlike their sleuth Epiphany Bloom, neither of them have ever stolen a cat from the vet.
Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.
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This does sound better than the first, I just added it to my pile, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though I have the advantage of being new to this series and therefore not having read the first book. Perhaps this is one of those series which is going to improve with age!
ReplyDeleteI really like the constructive honesty of your thoughts and comments. My spot on the Blog Tour is April 3rd and I too, loved this story :)