Review & #Giveaway – The Corpse Wore Stilettos by MJ O’Neill #cozy @melindajONeill #5paws
The Corpse Wore Stilettos
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Red Adept Publishing, LLC (April 30, 2019)
Print Length: 246 pages
Synopsis
SHE WORE A DONNA KARAN MARKED FOR REPOSSESSION
Since Kat Waters’s father took a trip to the slammer on what she’s sure are trumped-up racketeering charges, life’s been tough. All their assets are frozen, and she’s down to the last few pairs of Jimmy Choos she can swap for rent. To keep her family out of the homeless shelter, the former socialite took a job at the local morgue—a job she’s about to lose when the body of a murder victim goes missing on her watch.
HE WORE A CAPTIVATING SMILE
While Kat’s processing the latest victim in the prostitute serial killings, ex-Special Forces soldier Burns McPhee strolls in with an air of confidence, expecting access to the Jane Doe. While Burns tries to flirt his way into examining the latest victim, whom he thinks is connected to the death of his best friend, someone else steals the body right out from under them.
THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS
Dodging questions from the cops and kidnapping attempts from a body-snatching psycho, Kat and Burns forge a deal. He’ll clear her name and keep her safe if she gets him information on her peculiar coworkers, one of whom he’s certain is involved with the body heist. But digging up secrets can lead to a lower life expectancy. The unlikely team will need all their talents not to end up as the morgue’s next clients while they hunt for a murderer, the missing corpse, and a pair of diamond-studded stilettos.
Review
This new cozy series kept me guessing and laughing until the end. The characters are quirky, hunky, and a bit frightening, but all of these just add to the story and will keep you riveted to your seat. I know I didn’t want to put the book down even when my eyes were drooping at night.
This was one of my favorite lines in the book and really sets the book up for the rest of the characters and what might possibly happen next.
“Damn, you’re like a moron crime magnet.”
I’m not sure who my favorite character is in the book because they all contribute to the wackiness of the book. DC is Kat’s best friend (or at least my interpretation) and he is a mess and a half and he sometimes steals the spotlight from Kat. Grand reminds me of Grandmother Mazur in the Janet Evanovich books – she is old and will do what she wants and she is probably more together than the rest of us. I had to chuckle every time she went “shopping” at their family home. Oh and the drag queen that buys Kat’s shoes when she needs money, now there is a story I’m sure!
There is a potential romance between Kat and Burns McPhee so hopefully, there are more books to come that pursue this storyline. Kat deserves a break after her fiance dumped her once her father was arrested for racketeering.
I was totally gobsmacked when the killer was revealed and the whole reasoning behind it all. I never saw that coming but looking back there were a few subtle clues that might have clued someone in that something wasn’t quite right with this character. There is a cliffhanger on several fronts so I am hoping that the author doesn’t leave us hanging too long with the next installment.
We give this book 5 paws up and suggest you rush out and pick up your own copy (or enter the giveaway below).
About the Author
As the owner of a boutique chocolate factory in Atlanta, MJ O’Neill loves to write lighthearted, romantic mysteries with a sweet twist. She has a degree in business communications from North Carolina State University. When she’s not spinning a sweet yarn or creating delicious confections, she spends time with her husband, their kids, a hyperactive cocker spaniel named Devo (after the band), a princess tabby cat named Twilight (before the book stole her name) and a collection of stray fish. The whole gang can be found tooling around the back roads of the South in their RV where MJ uses the downtime to hatch her next sweet plot.
Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook
Giveaway
StoreyBook Reviews
It was a VERY fun book! you won’t be disappointed!
Anita Yancey
It sounds like a fun book, and I love the cover.
StoreyBook Reviews
Oh now I can’t wait for book 2!
MJ O’Neill
Thanks so much for the lovely review and for hosting me today. I loved the line you chose! Book two is almost finished. Our Kat has been through a lot of change, so she’s going to be processing a bit before she trusts herself to jump back into a relationship, but I think you’ll like her journey.