The Ugly Truth by Jill Orr is the third book in the “Riley Ellison” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Prospect Park Books, coming June 18, 2019.
There’s been a shocking double murder in Tuttle Corner, Virginia, involving high-profile players from Washington D.C. This brings national attention―and big-city competition for the story―to junior reporter Riley Ellison’s little corner of the world. Beloved café owner Rosalee is the prime suspect in the violent crimes, but she insists on her innocence. In exchange for protection, Rosalee gives Riley and her fellow reporter Holman exclusive information that incriminates a powerful person.
Meanwhile, Personal Romance Concierge™ Regina H. is back, offering once-again-single Riley not just online dating expertise but also a new subscription self-care service that promises such benefits as “the sensation of emotional bravery on a micromolecular level.”
Riley and Holman eventually begin to wonder if Rosalee is telling the truth. They head down separate investigative paths until one of them finds the truth. . . and one of them finds the killer.
This third installment in the Riley Ellison mystery series is rich with all the suspense, humor, small-town charm, and captivating characters that made the first two books a hit with critics and fans alike.
Once again, the author delivers a comedic delight in a book that quickly became a page turner as I could not put it down. This multi-plot story was cleverly written with a comfortable tone making it easy to follow along in this lighthearted whodunit. The fast-paced and action-packed drama had me immersed in all aspect as Riley went through an assortment of issues from online dating to self-care to looking for clues in the latest murder that hit a little bit closer to home.
The author did a great job in creating a mystery that kept me glued to the pages as I had to know how this was going to end. It was fun watching this all play out with suspects here and there and strategically placed clues that in some instances, gave me pause, but when the author tied it all together, I knew I was reading a finely-tuned drama. With interludes of hilarity, a quirky cast of characters and a small-town atmosphere, I enjoyed this enticingly entertaining tale, but it was that climactic ending that has me eager to read the next book in this endearing series.
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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher.
This is a really fun series. I enjoyed the first two books, and I’m looking forward to release day for The Ugly Truth.