In the Bag by Emery Harper Series: Celeste Eagan Mysteries #2
Published by Carina Press on January 30, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Contemporary Mystery
Pages: 242
Format: eARC
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Life as the principal actress at the Peytonville Playhouse is all I ever thought it'd be—and more. I'm practically living the bohemian dream, until my BFF Levi finds a dead body on his property. And is swiftly arrested for murder.
Detective Shaw Muldoon is my almost-but-not-quite-there-yet beau. He knows me. He knows Levi. He knows neither of us is capable of something so heinous. And he knows that despite his strict orders to leave the case with the professionals, I'll launch my own investigation to clear Levi's name.
One more gruesome murder: check.
A dubious bakery owner who's taken a fancy to me: check.
This season's "it" handbag practically falling into my lap: check.
Levi's up the creek if I don't uncover the truth…but my investigation has put me firmly in the murderer's sights.
Life in danger: check.
I didn’t read the first in the series, but I picked up In the Bag based on the blurb. I like mysteries and this one sounded fun. I chose well.
The cast of characters is great. Celeste is the lead and is a blast. she’s funny, caring, has a tendency to get herself into potential danger, but who can blame her? Her best friend’s the main suspect in a murder investigation. Speaking of Levi, I like him. He’s got his own troubles, but still has time to give out advice, for better or worse. Celeste’s dad’s in town and adds to the confusion. There’s also a bookie whose interest in Celeste is obvious, and a little creepy.
The plotline was good. There are enough suspects, but not too many. The clues tie together pretty well. For me though, the enjoyment was in the characters and the situations they get themselves into, no necessarily the whodunnit.
I was not a big fan of Celeste’s “relationship” with Muldoon. Yeah, he’s a busy detective and he’s got some issues, but I don’t know. He gives her just enough to keep her holding on, but not enough for it to actually go anywhere. Hopefully, that situation will get a little resolution next time around, but otherwise she should just dump him. Of course, seeing how much often she seem to “visit” the police station, maybe she doesn’t want to end up on his bad side. Especially with how little credit being on his good side seems to get her.
Overall, a fun, light read – a good mystery with quirky characters and a touch of romance.
About Emery Harper
Born in Alaska, relocated, reared and still residing in North Texas, Emery started writing at a very young age—pretty much before she knew what writing was. She’s always had stories running around in her brain—doesn’t everyone?!? She penned several short stories, poems and one attempt at a novel when she was still a teen, but it wasn’t until she was pregnant with #4 boy-child that she seriously developed her manuscript chops.
A little murder, mayhem and maybe a twist and turn keep her plenty occupied in her make-believe worlds, though she is often grounded quickly from any one of the four boy-childs who live in her casa along with the man-child who’s been her personal hero for over twenty years.
It does look funny
Glad you enjoyed it. a new author and book for me.