Last Scene Alive (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries) (original 2002; edition 2006)

Although I didn't intend to read more in this series, I figured (since I had the book) I'd fill in the gaps. Not a bad installment. The character is realizing more her own selfishness and at least this time Roe wasn't targeted because some other character was inexplicably obsessed with her. An ok mystery, if a bit obvious. ( )

Murder mystery, romance, loops withing loops. Fun ( )

The Aurora Teagarden books should be read in order, as the messy nature of her personal life is almost a bigger feature than the mysteries.

This one brings back a lot of the characters from the first novel, including the love interest.

I originally picked up the series because I like books that feature bookstores, libraries, etc. in their mysteries. Unfortunately, the library aspect of these books is more in name only than in the plot or theme of the books. I decided to finish out the series anyways, because I found the main character amusing and some of the writing worked for me (although too often the plots did not--sometimes I can solve the murder halfway through the book) ( )

This time Roe's life is turned upside down when her former lover Robin Crusoe returns to town to shoot a movie version of one of his true life crime books. It just happens that the book was based on events that take place in the first novel in the series which makes it personal for librarian Roe. She isn't sure how she feels about Robin being back in town as she is dealing with her own loss and seeing Robin is bound to bring up the past and her complicated feelings.

Robin hasn't exactly been celibate since he left town. He has been dating the actress due to play Roe in the film (art imitating life). Unfortunately though they have split up and one morning she is found dead in her film trailer. Roe and Robin are immediately on the case and looking for who the murderer was.

The story was mixed for me, I guessed correctly who the murderer was this time but didn't guess at their motives which was a nice twist. These books are more about character development and I do like Roe. It was good to see Robin return, I liked him in the first book which is probably the best in the series. ( )