This is a first in a new cozy mystery series. It is not a very large volume and had an interesting premise, which meant that it would be a quick read. On that front, it delivered.
This series has an unusual leading lady: The happily married Daphne, who recently started as a celebrant on the move. This way, her husband and herself get to see new places as well as continue to earn during the travel. She is not the usual age or type of woman who sets about solving mysteries. She encounters an odd family set-up when she goes to check out her next clients. There is a lot of ill will floating around for it to be a happy occasion. Against her best instincts, she goes ahead with the wedding, only to be seen as a suspect for the death that happens soon after.
I must mention at this time that I am in the minority when it comes to my reaction to the story. Most of the other people who read it liked it much more than I did. It is not easy to pinpoint where the issue lay, but I did not understand Daph’s motivation into getting involved. Although she did figure it out, it seemed like there was no express requirement for her to investigate. She did not even enjoy the process!
It is an interesting plotline, and I could not have guessed the ending even with the few clues scattered about. It also lays enough groundwork for personal histories to play a huge role in later books, but this first one was not as much of a hit for me.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Superfluous Reading 