Well, I didn't think I'd be able to refrain from immediately picking up the next book, but I'm a bit surprised by how quickly I devoured it. Almost as good as the first one, though the action got a little bit over the top. I found the premise believable, but the number of times Allison, the MC, found herself in peril stretched the boundaries of believability, even for a cozy. Not cozy peril either: she's shot, she's stabbed, she's kidnapped ... her insurance rates must be hell.

Still, it obviously kept me riveted. I miss mysteries like this; I know they're still out there, but there just harder to find, which makes me all the happier that I can revisit the keepers on my shelves from time to time.

I have the rest of the series on my shelves too, but I'm going to try to hold off starting #3 so I can get some Halloween Bingo reading in. We'll see how long that lasts. ( )

Though I enjoyed this story like the first one in the series, this one seems to have more language and dirty talk that isn't necessary. I liked the interaction between Alison and Bobby and am glad to see them getting closer. I'm not sure if I will read more of them if there is this much language in them though. ( )

I enjoyed this book much more than the first in the series. Alison doesn't faint or get sick when finding dead bodies this time 'round, and the first body is that of her ex-husband. Once again she is embroiled with NYPD detective Bobby Crawford, the Miceli mob family and going head-to-head with the nuns at her college. There were a few too many bodies for me, but the story moved along at a great pace and the relationship between Alison and Crawford enjoys its ups and downs. Looking forward to the next in the series. ( )

When we first met Alison Bergeron, she was the number one suspect in a college student’s murder. Not only did Alison have a past with the victim’s parents, her ex-husband had an affair with the student as well. Just clearing her name from one investigation, Alison soon finds herself involved with another murder. . . her ex-husband Ray. Ray’s death has Peter Miceli’s name written all over it, as his death was a signature Mob hit. As much as she despised Ray (after all he had numerous extra-martial affairs), Alison is stunned by his death and can’t help but to play amateur sleuth once again.

Finding Ray’s killer will also distract her from her on-again, off-again relationship with NYPD homicide detective, Bobby Crawford. Crawford has marital issues of his own: he’s legally separated from his wife, however he failed to mention this at the start of his relationship with Alison. It’s quite difficult for Alison to avoid Crawford because his partner is marrying Alison’s best friend, Max, and he is best man while Alison is maid of honor. And not to mention, with all of Alison’s snooping, she finds herself in situations that only a police officer can assist her with.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Alison is an amateur sleuth with good sense. The plot at times is funny, but not over the top. The author provides enough twists and turns that will make the reader wonder who really is the killer. After the killer’s identity is revealed, we learn why Ray was killed and how Alison is involved.

Alison’s character is one the reader can relate to: she’s hard working, trying to pick herself up after a bitter divorce while contemplating re-entering the dating scene. The reader will hope Bobby figures things out with his estranged wife before Alison moves on. The two definitely have chemistry and both deserve a second chance on love. If you’re looking for a good cozy mystery, I recommend this series. ( )