Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell is a humorous and quite quirky cozy mystery set in fictional Rustic Woods, Virginia. Main character Barbara Marr, a serious film buff and soon-to-be movie reviewer & blogger, is a likeable and realistic 45-year-old stay-at-home mother of three daughters: Callie, Bethany, and Amber. Her husband, Howard, out-of-the-blue, recently announced that he "needs space" and has moved out. Meanwhile, Barb, needing a diversion from the frustrating and depressing mid-life crumbling-marriage drama, gets involved in investigating the bizarre goings on at the house next door with some help from her friends Roz and Peggy (as well as from her hunky ex-boyfriend, now a PI, Colt Baron). Hilarity and hijinks ensue as the plot twists and turns and goes way over the top, but all in good fun!I look forward to reading more about the life and adventures of Barbara Marr and company! First, do not be put off by the cutesy title. The first 2/3 of this book is smart/cozy, reminiscent of Susan Isaacs. Very entertaining. Unfortunately, that's where the train goes off the tracks. The last 1/3 is barely comprehensible and not even remotely believable. 101 Dalmatians unbelievable. The impeccably-dressed guy in an Armani suit who suddenly pulls a gun from a previously unmentioned raincoat was startling. And the ending just goes on and on... I really wanted to like this one, and will try another by this author, but this was a disappointment. On the bright side, it was exceptionally well copy-edited!
What do You think about Take The Monkeys And Run (2010)?
I like it however the characters weren't developed enough for me I think.
—bola
Cute, funny, and reminded me of early Stephanie Plum novels.
—Moscha
