Killer Content by Olivia Blacke Series: Brooklyn Murder Mystery #1
Published by Berkley on February 2, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Also by this author: Vinyl Resting Place, A Fatal Groove
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
About Killer Content
Killer Content is the first in a new cozy mystery series by Olivia Blacke. Odessa from a small Louisiana town is catsitting for the summer in her aunt’s swanky NYC apartment. To earn money, Odessa is a server at Untapped Books & Café, a Brooklyn bookstore, and cafe. Untapped serves local microbrews, delicious food, and the bestsellers complete with a dog mascot.
Although Odessa often feels like a fish out of water – she still hasn’t braved the subway – she’s starting to make friends and explore the city. Until the shift when a coworker asks Odessa to cover for her because she has to meet someone. That’s the last time Odessa sees Bethany alive. What the police are calling an accidental death, Odessa is sure is murder even though no one including her boss or the other servers believes her.
My thoughts about Killer Content
Odessa is sassy, full of heart, and always wants to do the right thing. On a budget, she loves scoping out thrift stores so she can reimagine and repurpose her buys into new clothes. She’s relatable as a twenty-something, unsure about what she wants to do long-term. It was nice to have a chunky main character who’s comfortable with herself.
As a former server, I could totally relate to Odessa’s trials and tribulations with demanding customers, flaky coworkers, and a downer of a boss. At least I didn’t have to wear a neon green polo or walk the dog as part of my tasks.
This was a fun and enjoyable read, with lots of banter. If you read a lot of mysteries, there won’t be many surprises.
Your thoughts
One of the cozy mystery tropes is the fish out of water main character – a lot of times it’s a big city person moving to a small town or the reverse. And so often they seem so confused by their new setting that I have to question if they’re really going to be smart enough to solve the murder lol.
Do you think it’s good shorthand character creation or overdone? Tell me what you think in the comments below.
Other Books
If you’re looking for other cozies with fun quirky characters, try the Cupcake Bakery mysteries by Jenn McKinlay. Start with Sprinkle by Murder, the first in the series. Read my review of Pumpkin Spice Peril.
You might also try the Cookie House mysteries by Eve Calder. The first one is And Then There Were Crumbs. Read my review of Sugar and Vice.
In conclusion
This the type of cozy that you read because you enjoy Odessa not for the puzzle-solving. It’s a perfect lazy day read.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.
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