Blind Dates Can Be Murder (2006) - Plot & Excerpts
I don't usually read mystery, but I got this book for $1.00 at my church bookstore. It's written by Mindy Starns Clark and is part of a series, although I didn't realize that until I finished reading it.I'll start with the pros: The mystery is solid and believable. The romance is clean and sweet. Both of the main characters are Christians, and it reminds me of when I was involved with a singles' group in church. There's really no Christian message coming from the author, as it's more of a way of life for some of the characters. They go to church, a singles' group, and their faith makes them who they are and plays a part in their choices. If you are a Christian, you'll relate to them. If you aren't a Christian, I think you'll still enjoy the story, as it doesn't preach at you.Now for the cons: I really didn't relate with the main female character for two reasons. The first being that Tulip makes her living by running a blog about household hints and tips. She's highly organized, and I'm the complete opposite personality wise. The second reason I didn't relate is that the story is told from four different people's point of view, which was great for getting me to anticipate things before they happened but didn't help to get me too involved with one person.Overall, I thought it was a good read and gave it three stars. I think I would have given it four if it hadn't been for the very last page. Apparently, this is the second book in a series. I just didn't know that by looking at the cover. It does say, "author of The Trouble with Tulip" in small letters at the bottom. However, it doesn't say book two or series really anywhere on the cover. The great mystery part of this book stands alone, but the romance is where you'll want to read the entire series. I was at the very end of the book thinking I had a complete story, and then BAM!!! The last page throws in a punch that had me going, "What?" That's when I looked a little deeper and realized I'd have to read the first and second book if I want to find out what happens with her personal life. I have no problem with reading a series, as that is what I write and usually read. However, I just wish I knew what I was getting into when I started the book. I wish the cover had given me more warning. Looking at the book on Amazon, it's easy to see that the book is the second in a series--just not so if buying from a bookstore.If you like cozy mysteries, you might enjoy this one. Just be sure to start with The Trouble with Tulip before reading this one.
This is the 2nd book in a trilogy about household hints expert Jo Tulip. Jo is branching out with her household hints business by starting to have a blog. In an effort to promote her business, she agrees to a blind date. When her blind date drops dead, Jo finds herself embroiled in mayhem as she discovers that the death was really a murder.I love Mindy Starns Clark's writing. I have read her Million Dollar Mystery series and loved them, so was glad to pick up this new series. This 2nd book was just as good as the first. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book.
What do You think about Blind Dates Can Be Murder (2006)?
Great book!! Love this author!! I couldn't get my hands on the first book in this series, so I decided to start with the second. (Since I've had both the second and third ones sitting at home just waiting to be read. Now that I've read the second, I do wish I'd read the first one because it seems to refer back to it alot, and now I kind of know how that one ends, so I probably will never get around to reading it.) Anyway, this was a great book, suspense and romance, and of course it ended with you wanting to quickly grab the third one! Lucky me, it's sitting right here and I'll start on it right away!!
—Heather
Well, first, I'd like to say that this is the first time I've actually read a series in order. (Yay, so proud of myself!) It's pretty terrible, really, but I only get books from the library OR as a birthday/Christmas present so....ANYWAY, Blind Dates Can Be Murder is definitely more jam-packed than Trouble with Tulip. You can't help but say to yourself, 'Hurry up, Danny. Just tell her!" Danny is so cute by the way, I love how he's so protective of Jo. :3(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]
—Alsie
