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Linda J. (Urbana, OH)
The Just Okay Assistant Scores
The title was enticing enough for me to request an ARC from Book Browse when offered the opportunity. The read did not disappoint.
Told in the voice of "the just okay assistant," who was just hired by the self-named "World's Greatest Detective." WGD is called by the daughter of a woman whose death was determined to be a suicide which the daughter has trouble accepting.
The number of people of interest does get a little confusing but that is a minor issue. Most compelling to me was the sandpaper abrasiveness of boss and employee (see title). I'm thinking that this is probably the first of a series. I'll be along
…more for the ride with comes later. (less)I really enjoyed The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liz Tully. The book had everything I look for in a mystery. The characters were well-rounded and believable. I especially liked the main characters. Aubrey Merritt instantly appeared in my mind as Helen Mirren, both for her appearance and manner. Olivia Blunt could be played by any reasonably attractive young actress with smarts and snark.
The setting came alive for me, even though I have never been to that part of the country. The clues were well distributed between suspects, keeping me guessing on the final outcome. I will
…more definitely recommend this book for the Mystery Discussion group I facilitate at the local library, when it comes out, and I look forward to sequels! (less)A very great read. The mystery and intrigue were great. I loved how the "Okay Apprentice" worked diligently to solve the mystery and was not deterred by the not so flattering comments and 'missing' statements that the detective provided. The Apprentice diligently stayed with the case and added twists to the plot.
Gwen C. (Clearfield, PA)
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
What a rollicking fun mystery as the delightful title portends! With renowned and snooty Aubrey Merritt and inexperienced but eager Olivia as the awkward crime solving duo, this novel rolls along at an excellent pace. Is the case a murder or a suicide? I particularly liked the chapter titles (fun to speculate) and "Ollie's" written questions to herself as she did her very best to impress her new boss. The locale and character descriptions were apt.
Told through Ollie's perspective, possible suspects pile up, while Merritt reveals nothing. I almost cheered
…more when we had a classic reading of the will when Merritt revealed all - much more than a murder…and like Ollie I missed an obvious clue and only get C for deduction skills…but this book gets an A with me. I'm looking forward to a sequel and a long series! (less)This was a fun, easy read, full of interesting characters and luxurious settings. Olivia Blunt is bored in her research job and applies for the job of assistant to Aubrey Merritt, the great detective. Olivia is young, carefree, overly confident in her abilities and very inexperienced. Aubrey is wealthy, demanding, impatient, critical and hard to please. What could go wrong?
Olivia finally gets the chance to work on a case when Aubrey, who insists on being called Merritt, is asked to investigate a death that has been ruled a suicide. The pair heads to a luxury resort on Lake Champlain to investigate. Right away
…more we see that this will be a huge learning experience for Olivia. She jumps to conclusions and misses important clues. She is eager to learn and does so as the novel unfolds. Olivia has the personal skills, whilst Merritt has the brains and experience.
The setting and characters are a bit over the top, in a quirky way, but nothing is too dark or disturbing. This makes the novel a perfect beach book. The chemistry between the characters is fun and intriguing. I am eager to see how the relationship grows and changes. This could evolve into a fun series, which I hope it will! (less)Oliva is a young mystery reader who is eager to prove herself to her new boss, an older & successful detective. Olivia soon learns that reading mysteries doesn't necessarily translate into skills for the job but she does have enthusiasm and a very focused attitude. This fun and cozy mystery involves many suspects, lots of clues, and a number mishaps by the young dectective. I greatly enjoyed this book & am looking forward to the next in what I hope is a series.
Linda V. (Independence, KY)
Nuanced and engrossing
Finally someone who sticks to the PI genre!! Both main characters have believable interplays as professional and newbie. The storyline gathers momentum and the ending is a surprise. I could see this being a screenplay and an ongoing series because of the the main characters having a connection. Delightful read.
Linda M. (Ocala, FL)
A New Dynamic Duo
I really enjoyed this book, especially being privy to the inner most thoughts of the hilarious "just okay" assistant. This book was pleasing on several levels. First, the story mostly takes place on the lovely Vermont side of Lake Champlain with lots of descriptions of the scenery and countryside. Second, it's really an intriguing whodunit with interesting characters who lie often and very slowly expose their many secrets. And third, the dynamics and repartee between the detective, Aubrey Merritt, and her assistant, Olivia Blunt, are hilarious. The book reminded me of a good Agatha Christie mystery with all the
…more clues falling into place in a very orderly fashion at the end. Anyone who likes murder mysteries should love this book and its exciting new crime-solving team. I sure hope it's the beginning of a new series. (less)
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