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Julie P. (Fort Myers, FL)
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
I had recently been reading several more serious books so when I saw the title of this one, I thought it might be just what I needed. And I was right. This is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. The two main characters are a mix of old and young, knowledgeable and lots to learn, confident and full of self doubt.
I enjoyed the conversations that Olivia has with herself (and with her none-too-patient boss). The mystery itself was entertaining without being too violent. One minor complaint is that Olivia's love interest seemed rather half-hearted. Almost as if why include it at all? I wonder if there
…more will be more in a series? (less)A famous detective, a rookie assistant, a secret filled family, and a suicide (murder?) are the perfect ingredients for a good mystery. You will find all of them in '' The World's Greatest Detective and her Just OK Assissant''
I found this to be a good read and I definitely recommend it. Our detective, Aubrey Merritt, was largely closed mouthed about her conclusions but never fear her just OK assistant,Olivia Blunt, loves to make lists of questions, clues, and preliminary conclusions so you won't lose your way.
The story begins as an investigation of a death ruled a suicide. It quickly expands to include the
…more previous accidental death (murder?) of the family head as well as a later murder (a real murder !) of another family member. Needless to say there is lots going on. As the story develops, we learn about the family, it's business and its history, Each member and the characters traveling in their orbit is revealed along the way.
I enjoyed trying to find facts and clues and exploring several potential explanations of the actual course of events. I particularly enjoyed the dénuement conducted by our ace detective during the reading of the will. It reminded me of the an episode of the TV series, Death in Paradise.
This is not a police procedural or a fast action thriller of a mystery. Instead you'll find a tale well told , a good many potential outcomes and a set of quirky yet methodical private investigators They really ought to have a series ! (less)The titled "World's Greatest Detective " is up for debate. I appreciate the effort of Liza Tully. However, the plot of this book is far from original. The dichotomy between brilliant detectives and their assistants has been featured in many stories. Think Holmes & Watson, Poirot & Japp as a couple of famous examples. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to read about two women detectives for a change. This book has real potential to become the beginning of a series. I hope it develops into a lasting relationship between two different characters.
Watson,
Deborah C. (Highland Park, NJ)
Formidable Female PI meets Eager Young Assistant
The writing in this novel is clear, and especially evocative of the beautiful Vermont setting where the action occurs. However, as the title might predict, the opening involves some rambling and wordiness, which recurs at some points in the story.
Olivia Blunt, 25-years-old, narrates the story of her becoming the assistant to well-known and successful Private Investigator Aubrey Merritt, a formidable woman in her sixties. The fastidious Ms. Merritt has very high standards for all behavior and work, and is vocal when these standards are not met. Olivia is enthusiastic and dedicated, but untrained, and somewhat
…more clumsy interpersonally. Her only experience is as a company's fact checker, a skill she puts to good use in their sleuthing.
A clever murder in a Vermont resort setting involves complicated family and business dealings. It also tests Olivia's talents and commitment, and her ability to stand up to Merritt's criticism and condescension. It seems a new detective partnership has begun, which hopefully will be followed up in other books, though with fewer pages. (less)Book moved very slowly for the first half. I did not learn to appreciate the two major protagonists until the action picked up later in book. This book did not lead the reader to the final reveal adequately in my view. It was a challenge to apply the title of the book to content; a little silly. The end with Trevor and his mother was too easy. This book would be great for the reader who just follows the author on the trail they lay out.
Borderlass, Belmont, MA
A Cozy Mystery with Series Potential
Styled as a fun, cozy romp with two quirky female main characters, this meticulously constructed murder mystery should find a ready audience of eager readers. I would merely caution this young author to find editors or a horticultural expert that would never allow spring daffodils to be written into a Vermont garden scene alongside zinnias in late July.
That detail set my teeth on edge and would do so to anyone with the slightest gardening knowledge. Decades ago, famed novelist Eudora Welty thought this sort of error all too avoidable in the fiction writing of her day, and I stand with her on this point as
…more applies here. I suspect a floral designer's input might be of use in a later scene as well. This book otherwise would have been rated a full five stars. (less)4.5 I love strong female characters. This book has two strong female leads. I enjoyed getting to know both the main PI, Merritt and her "just OK" assistant, Blunt. It was also an interesting mystery. I am hoping for more books in this series. Highly recommend.
Sandi W
Who did-in who?
3 stars Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for allowing me to read this ARC. Publishes July 2025
Many murders in this book - all done by different people. But who did-in who? And why?
Although I really don't care for books that have a lot of characters, this book did really well introducing them so that I didn't notice them mounting up. There must have been close to 20 throughout the story, but I didn't realize that while reading it.
Although this book was long - 400 pages - it didn't seem to bog down at any point, there wasn't a time when I did not want to pick it back up and read more. There were a few twists
…more and turns throughout the novel that I was not expecting, which added to the enjoyment. A few unlikable characters added meat to the plot and the detectives unwillingness to mollify her critique of her assistant kept the girl on her toes.
This was a first read of this author and although I really think this will end up being a series, I would like to read something else by Tully. Something besides a cozy. Which is very possible since Tully is a pseudonym for Elisabeth Brink, who writes dark thrillers under the name Elisabeth Elo, as well as literary fiction under the name Elisabeth Panttaja Brink. (less)
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