Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Killer Words by V.M. Burns

Posted December 5, 2021 by meezcarrie in contemporary, cozy mystery, giveaway, mystery/suspense, V.M. Burns / 2 Comments

KILLER WORDS by V.M. Burns
SERIES: Mystery Bookshop #7
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
PUBLISHER: Kensington
RELEASE DATE: November 30, 2021
PAGES: 257

Bookstore owner and mystery writer Samantha Washington comes to the aid of the cop who once arrested her own grandmother . . .

Sam and Nana Jo are back in sleepy North Harbor, Michigan, where Sam is eagerly awaiting the publication of her first book. In search of more immediate excitement, Nana Jo hits the casino with her fellow Shady Acres Retirement Village gal pals—but they get more than they bargained for when they witness Detective Bradley Pitt decking mayoral candidate John Cloverton.
As Sam well knows, mystery novels are full of brilliant detectives, genius sleuths, and hero cops. Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt”—is another story. In the past, the dull-witted detective has mistakenly accused members of Sam’s family for crimes they didn’t commit. Now, it’s his turn: when Cloverton turns up dead, he’s arrested. With his predilection for polyester, Pitt has been wanted by the fashion police for years, but Nana Jo knows her former elementary school math student would never commit murder—it doesn’t add up. Somebody’s framed the flatfoot to take a fall, and Sam and Nana Jo must step in to restore the reputation and good name of Detective Pitt.

Other Books In This Series

Whenever I learn about a new Mystery Bookshop installment, my reader heart leaps with glee! I love the characters & the warm relationships between them. I love the clever mysteries and the fun subplots. I love the ‘story within a story’, courtesy of the protagonist’s novels in progress. And, of course, I love the bookshop. What’s not to love, am I right?

Samantha is a fabulous main character! She loves her family – the one she was born into & the one she has gathered around here – and pours her heart into the next generation. While she has suffered great loss in her life, she also exhibits great strength. All of these traits make her an excellent amateur sleuth, and Burns once again gives us a smart plot to keep Sam on her toes. I really enjoy not only Sam but also Nana Jo and Irma and Frank and Dawson and Sam’s dogs … and all the other supporting characters in Sam’s life. And after reading Killer Words, I have even developed a sort of fondness for Detective Pitt, thanks to the deeper layers Burns introduced for him.

Bottom Line: Killer Words met all of my preconceived, series-fan expectations, and then some. It was delightfully clever, sweet, and fun with some surprising twists and turns – and even some lovely romantic moments, too. Another entertaining & warmly written visit to the Mystery Bookshop!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / loved it!

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V.M. Burns was born and raised in the Midwestern United States. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Dog Writers Association of America, Thriller Writers International, is on the national board for Sisters in Crime. She currently resides in the warmer area of the U.S. with her two poodles. Readers can visit her website at http://www.vmburns.com