Author: Laura DiSilverio aka Ella Barrick
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
Series: Mall Cop Mystery, Bk 2
ISBN: 9780425248034
Pages: 279
Obtained: Library copy
Comments:
This is one of those few exceptions when I get to read the second book in a series relatively close to reading the first. As before I really liked EJ's character as well as the supporting characters. While being a "civilian" means she goes places she oughtn't go, she at least has more reason to do her sleuthing than the main characters in many cozies who are basically meddlers or nosy.
An irritant in her personality? She's so obsessive about her health (it's mentioned why within the book) and it kind of comes off as if she finds people who are unhealthy (read: overweight), um, inferior maybe? Since I am one of those people, it rubbed a little. I certainly need change in my habits, but I'd prefer not to be reminded during my comfort/escape reading.
Regarding the story, this is a slight spoiler, but it happens withing the first half so I don't feel I'm going to far. Unless you haven't read the first book. Then maybe you don't want to continue reading this... Like in the first book, a security officer is murdered at some point after the original murder victim is discovered. Both times it's someone EJ doesn't care for or respect. It felt rather convenient. But otherwise it was fine.
EJ has a better position open up at the mall for which she applies and interviews. I still don't know if she gets the position, but I could relate as I have been through that several times during the past year, including quite recently. Especially when she says she doesn't want to get her hopes up.
I'm tagging this as a Holidays book because of the Easter connection. It isn't prominent, but it's there - even on the cover.
Despite parts of the above sounding somewhat negative, I enjoyed this book and look forward to trying the 3rd book in the series, Malled to Death.
