Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews

 Murder Out of Character

Book Summary

Marvey, a small-town librarian,
finds a mysterious list of names…
and what happens next can’t be a coincidence!
If you love Hallmark mystery movies,
you’ll love this cozy mystery
with humor, intrigue, and a hint of romance.

Marvey, still adjusting to life in Peach Coast, Georgia, is at a library fundraising event when she comes across a list of four names. One is the name of someone who recently died—and who may have been murdered. Another is Spencer Holt, the handsome newspaper owner who’s become one of Marvey’s best friends.

The four people appear to have nothing in common other than living in Peach Coast. Spencer dismisses the list at first, but before long, he has to admit he may be in danger. As Marvey prepares for a visit from her parents, can she, Spencer, and their intrepid librarian friends stop a killer bent on long overdue revenge?

My Thoughts

Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews is the second novel in A Peach Coast Library Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read Murder By Page One.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Peach Coast, Georgia.  It sounds like a charming southern town.  We are introduced to quite a few characters in the first chapter.  It is difficult to keep them all straight.  We are given scant details on them (name, what they look like, and their occupation or the business they own).  I wish there were fewer characters.  I would like the characters including Marvey to be fleshed out.  I like that the library is part of the community.  Marvey is finding ways to interact with the townspeople and bring new patrons to the library.  The mystery was interesting, but it was uncomplicated.  I correctly identified the killer early in the book (before Marvey found the note with the list of names at the kickoff party).  I did feel the mystery progressed slowly.  Marvey with help from some friends sets out to learn how the people on the list are connected and who is behind the murders.  There is some repetition of information.  Marvey is told multiple times by various characters to leave the investigating to the professionals (it becomes annoying).  There are some events (it would be a spoiler if I was more specific) that I find hard to believe (could only happen in a fictional world).  I liked that there was more activity near the end.  

I do feel there is too much romance for a cozy mystery.  Marvey and Spencer are friends, but Marvey is clearly attracted to Spencer.  Her whole reason for investigating the murders is to keep Spencer safe.  I did tire of hearing (Marvey’s thoughts) how perfect Spencer is (attractive, kind, charming, helpful, etc.).  Marvey’s parents are a little overprotective.  Marvey is an adult (despite the fact that she sometimes acts like a teenager having her first crush).  Her parents subscribe to the Peach Coast Crier so they can keep tabs on Marvey and what is happening in the town.  They worry about her about her safety since there have been two murders in a short amount of time (she lived in Brooklyn where I am sure the crime rate is higher).  I enjoyed the Southernisms in the story. They are phrases that you only hear in the south. Pecan Pralines were featured in the story and there is Anna May’s recipe for them at the end of the book.  I liked the idea of a book swap at a library.  It is a clever idea, and it is one that more library’s should implement.  Murder Out of Character is a lighthearted tale with library revelry, a note with names, a dead friend, pet adoption, puzzling pennants, scrumptious pralines, picturesque Southernisms, and sleuthing librarian.  

Murder Out of Character is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Peach Coast Library Mysteries is Murder by Page One.  Olivia Matthews has Against the Currant coming out January 24, 2023.  It is the first book in A Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries.  Hard Dough Homicide is the second book in the series, and it will be out on May 23.  You can find Olivia Matthews' other novels here.  I appreciate you joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Whiskers and Lies by Sofie Kelly. It is the 14th A Magical Cats Mystery.  I received a wonderful gift today.  I read the Cherry Ames series when I was a tween.  I have wanted to own the complete set ever since.  I have been trying to get the complete series for many years (some are harder to find than others).  Today I received the last elusive book to complete the collection (Cherry Ames, Ski Nurse).  I have had the rest of the collection for a few years but finding an older copy (not a reprint) proved to be a challenge (I saw one copy sell for $300).  It is an early birthday gift from my mother. I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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