Book Review
Show Time by Suzanne Trauth
Book 1: A Dodie O'Dell Mystery Series
Publisher: Lyrical Underground / Penguin Random House / Kensington
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Format: Paperback - 228 pages
Kindle - 711 KB
Nook - 416 KB
ISBN: 978-1601837202
ASIN: B0174PKHFG
BNID: 978-1601837196
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.
Book Description:
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
My Book Review:
In Show Time, the first book in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series, author Suzanne Trauth weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that easily draws the reader into following restaurant manager Dodie O'Dell's amateur sleuth adventure as she tries to uncover who murdered Jerome Angleton, a retired high school English teacher and dedicated member of the Etonville Little Theater.
Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in the quaint small northern New Jersey town of Etonville, nestled in the shadow of New York City. This captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale has enough quirky characters, witty humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing.
This entertaining cozy mystery tale will keep you engaged as you turn the pages following along with Dodie's investigative adventure, and you can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as this sassy Jersey Girl (even though she calls herself a Jersey Shore Girl!) tries to solve the murder while rebuilding her life after Hurricane Sandy destroyed her home and the beachfront restaurant that she managed in a Jersey shore town. Dodie's story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
I enjoyed how the author utilized her extensive professional theater experience to provide the reader with an intriguing look behind the curtain into the production and operation of local community theaters. I would be remiss if I also didn't mention how much I enjoyed that the author chose our shared home state to be the setting of this story. From the richly vivid description of the shore and small town settings, the reader gets a wonderful sample of what New Jersey really has to offer its residents and visitors, and gets two thumbs up from this proud Jersey Girl!
Show Time is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with an intriguing mystery to solve.
Show Time is the first book in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery Series.
RATING: 4 STARS
About The Author
Suzanne Trauth is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and a former university theatre professor. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Dramatists Guild. When she is not writing, Suzanne coaches actors and serves as a celebrant performing wedding ceremonies. She lives in Woodland Park, New Jersey.
Author Website
Goodreads
Contest Giveaway
Virtual Book Tour
Tour Schedule:
July 19 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST
July 20 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – REVIEW
July 20 – 3 Partners in Shopping , Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
July 21 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
July 22 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST
July 23 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
July 23 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 24 – Book Babble – REVIEW
July 24 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
July 25 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
July 26 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – SPOTLIGHT - REVIEW
July 27 – Teresa Trent Author Site – REVIEW
July 27 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
July 28 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
July 29 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW
July 30 – The Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
July 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 31 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 1 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
August 1 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – REVIEW
August 2 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW