STORY-LINE LITERALLY DEAD BY ERYN SCOTT:
Pepper, college student, Nancy Drew fanatic, and lover of things Shakespearean, finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Entering her favorite professor’s office, she finds visiting Dr. Campbell dead; along with what seems a suicide note. However, the police decide murder not suicide’s the cause. They believe Dr. Ferguson, aka Fergie, murdered Campbell. Pepper decides to investigate on her own and prove Fergie innocent. Pepper has a slew of suspects; setting her sights on Professor Evensworth, better known by Pepper as Evilsworth, is prime suspect number one.
Meeting handsome, Alex, at the library desk, Pepper’s horrified to find he’s the lead detective’s son. Their beginning is far from cordial; Alex tells her an amateur messed up the crime scene. Pepper realizes immediately, she’s the amateur. Alex tries to dissuade Pepper from her investigation. However, Pepper will have none of it. They decide to loosely join forces. Who murdered Campbell and why? Could romance be in air the between Alex and Pepper? My mystery book review of Literally Dead follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Author Eryn Scott filled this book with mystery, suspense, and Shakespearean quotes. I loved reading all the literary quotes in this murder mystery. Scott had a quote ready for every situation. Including a varied cast of suspects, Scott‘s portrayal of Pepper as she jumps from one suspect to the other is great. Scott kept the suspense and mystery at high peak and as the suspect‘s revealed each appeared plausible. That is, until they came up with an alibi. Who did it and why; sorry, you will have to read the book to find out. Personally, I am never good ferreting out the murderer; it’s always someone I did not expect.
Including the budding interest between Alex and Pepper, as well as, Pepper’s dog added extra elements to the story. You will laugh over the dog’s name; it is so cute. You would expect him to have a Shakespearean name, but you are in for a surprise. Also, including Nate aka “Naked Newt”, is hilarious. What a character Scott created in Nate. I laughed and laughed at his antics
I found Literally Dead well-written with a strong cast of characters and suspects. Scott‘s characters are well-development and her writing easy to follow and read. Scott‘s scenes transition smoothly and she brings her plot threads together skillfully. Scott set this story in a college literature environment and included a lot of Shakespearean quotes into this story; which I found entertaining even though I am not a Shakespeare fan. However, if you really hate Shakespeare this book may not be for you. Literally Dead’s a clean mystery suspense suitable for anyone who loves a solid murder mystery. I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend.
LITERALLY DEAD RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with honest cozy mystery book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary cozy mystery book reviews.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ERYN SCOTT:
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