I read the first in this series without high hopes, frankly, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It had great characters, with a strong focus on friendships and family, and I really liked the chemistry between the MC Amy-Faye, and Detective Hart.

This second entry still has all of that - including the great chemistry - and those are the things that carried the story for me. I've read enough cozies now that it's impossible to not feel weary when certain over-used tropes are trotted out, and the family/friend in peril is one of the most threadbare. Still, I could have over-looked it (because there really are only so many reasons a girl can get herself involved in a murder mystery) but plots that involve the amateur detective and her friends running "investigations" that involve questioning suspects always make me roll my eyes. I always end up with the sense that these characters are playing dress-up and make-believe.

Still, if a cozy fits the mood, there's at least as much to like as there isn't. DiSilverio can write well, and it's one of the better edited books I've read (especially from Penguin) in awhile. ( )

I'm just not a big fan of the Readaholics series. ( )

Amy-Faye Johnson is an event planner. She planned the grand opening of her brother's (Derek) pub when his hotheaded jerky partner is found murdered and Derek is the #1 suspect. Amy-Faye and her friends in her book club try to find the truth. Not bad although A-Faye talked about her copper hair a few too many times for my taste and it was a bit too much school girl crush romance for my taste - but not bad.

I will read absolutely anything having to do with Agatha Christie, especially when it's an entry in a cozy mystery series that I already know I enjoy.

When her brother's business partner is murdered during the opening night festivities at their new bar, Amy-Faye takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and clear her brother as a suspect. But along the way, she discovers that almost everyone in her small town has a secret to hide, and some have a possible motive for murder.

DiSilverio does a really nice job of weaving in the themes of Murder on the Orient Express along with some discussion of plot points (though be warned, if you haven't read the source material, the ending will be spoiled for you in this book--and if you haven't read the source material, go and read it now, it's one of my all-time favorite books!).

The characters are unique and entertaining without becoming stereotypes, and Amy-Faye is a strong narrator and protagonist, with a great supporting cast. The romance is also well-handled with a light touch, an important part of the story without overpowering the mystery.

This is definitely a cozy series I would recommend. DiSilverio has made a fun mystery series centered around famous mysteries, and I'm excited to read the other Readaholics' stories. ( )

Using Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, Amy-Faye solves the murder of her brother's business partner.

The cast of characters is fun as the Readaholics are working to solve the murder while being warned by the police to stay out of it. They have cast everyone having to do with Gordon Marsh as the murderer. It's fun to see the evidence they give then the disappointment when someone counters with an argument of why that cannot be the person.

I like seeing Amy-Faye and Hart starting a romance while Doug returns to town permanently. I love love triangles. I hope she stays with Hart but old flames have a way of interfering. I also enjoy how the Readaholics are gossips and always try to find out about Amy-Faye's love life.

I look forward to the next book of the series. ( )