One of the things I want to mention up front is how much I enjoyed not just the easy give-and-take between Jill and Greg but that all the characters rang true.They care about each other and are easy to like, well, mostly, and had distinct personalities. Even Emma, Jill's lovely Golden Retriever, has a way of making her opinions known, which any dog owner can vouch were realistic. Oddly enough, Jill didn't seem as involved as usual in Greg's murder investigation although we do discover that she's not bad at axe throwing. Keep that in mind, Greg. <G>
So, who killed the lead singer of Matt's band? They're on the verge of a record contract if they can win the town festival's battle of the bands. Then, whoa, Axle turns up dead, strangled, but a replacement is found almost instantly. Suspicious much? Although Matt doesn't quite seem as driven as drummer Jules, would he kill to win the contract that would help him fulfill other, non-musical dreams? Or, maybe it was Jules? She seems to crave being a real "rock star". Would any of them have stood to benefit from the death of a lead singer? Hmm, maybe the almost-instant replacement singer? He sure had reasons to see the gig as a potential route to fame and fortune. Someone in the town? Who was determined to see their favorite win?
Jill is a worrier. She's also got the knack of being in the right place at the, sigh, right or wrong time. The things she overhears. Why is the police station suddenly in such a state of disorganization? Can Jill's chocolate chip cookies help? Will Jill and Greg find time to take the couple's pre-wedding finance class with Pastor Bill? Speaking of Pastor Bill, what's going on with him and Sadie? And, hmm, what secret is Aunt Jackie keeping? Hmm, and that isn't the half of it for Jill. There's Toby's confused sadness and a major author event to put on and....well, lots more.
Bottom line, although the intro seemed a slow build, it was setting the scene nicely for what was to come. As noted, the characters are realistic and likable, and though I marvel how Jill keeps everything moving along smoothly, we see the role her friends and co-workers play. In other words, this is a character driven book, my favorite kind. Music festivals are fun but lots of work, let's just say. Relationships need work and change is inevitable, but Jill tends to look for the good in everyone.
I did get a kick out of the pleasure Jill is finding in learning to utilize a planner and lists, all while trying to eat a more healthy meal....occasionally. Fish-and-Chips is her go-to comfort meal, however, which the author notes is a trait she shares with Jill, so it's a bit of a struggle. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #LyricalUnderground for letting me spend some time hanging out with Jill and her friends and family. Loved the music theme and am looking forward on checking up on Jill's success with her best intentions of eating better next visit.
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