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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Harley Jane Kozak's DATING IS MURDER.
Beth from Fountain Valley, CA
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
I haven't read Harley Jane Kozak before, but I am anxious to catch up and read her debut novel.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Lisa Gardner, Patricia Cornwell and Jonathan Kellerman, to name a few.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
DATING IS MURDER is a fun, engaging read with great characters and an intriguing plot. It kept me constantly guessing as to who was the villain. It left me wanting to know more backstory for each of the main characters.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Yes. In fact, I can't wait. I hope to see future storylines featuring Wollie and her friends.
Cherie from Owasso, OK
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No, I have never read a book by Harley Jane Kozak before.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I have never read a mystery book before.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
I thoroughly enjoyed Harley's book and look forward to ready more of her work.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Yes, I intend to purchase her book, DATING DEAD MEN, very soon! I realize it's not a "future" book and that DATING IS MURDER is the sequel. Once again, I would like to thank Bookreporter.com for choosing me to receive Harley Jane Kozak's novel.
Kris from Houston, TX
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Not many --- just when recommended, but I would like to read more. Picoult --- although her books are not really mysteries, there is some intrigue to some of them. Christie, of course. I'll usually others if they are bestsellers.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
I really enjoyed it. I liked being surprised by the twists in the story. It kept me interested and curious to find the au pair. I thought it was written well, because you are the main character trying to find her friend. You discover the clues as you go along. I liked that you didn't get everyone's view of the story.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Yes.
Jean from Chanute, KS
What other mystery writers do you read?
I like to read Diane Mott Davidson, Jill Churchill and Mary Higgins Clark, plus many others whose names I can't recall right now.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
Thanks for the opportunity to read DATING IS MURDER. I enjoyed it and would consider reading a future book by Harley Jane Kozak.
Kristin from Cedar Falls, IA
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No, I have not read her books before.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I enjoy John Sandford, Clive Cussler, Laurie King, Lee Child, Marcia Muller, Ed McBain, Janet Evanovich, Sarah Andrews, Sue Grafton, Robert Crais, Dana Stabenow and Sara Paretsky, to name a few!
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
Overall, the book was an enjoyable read. At first, it was hard to "warm up" to Wollie, to see her as a real character. (Perhaps her aloofness stemmed from her breakup with Doc.) As the novel progressed, Wollie became more real and definable as a character. The different predicaments Wollie encountered are reminiscent of Stephanie Plum, especially the break-in. There were two quotes that really stuck with me. One was said by P.B., Wollie's brother: "Most people are visual --- they don't hear what they can't see." The other was said by Wollie, "I felt like someone had grabbed my remote and was channel surfing through my psyche." The plot had a nifty turn as the ending was action packed and quick. I would like to read her first book now to see how Wollie started out.
I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to receive a copy of this book and the chance to lend my opinions.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
I would more than likely read her next book as Wollie evolves in time. Enough was left unsaid and unresolved to make another book a good read. For instance, how do Wollie's friends enjoy those frogs she painted in their kitchen? And, of course, there is Simon Alexander and even Peter Cziemanski lurking behind the scenes. Now that Biological Clock is defunct, what next? Will the greeting card business perk up or the bookstore become a possibility? So yes, another book seems likely.
Donna from Penfield, NY
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Yes, I read DATING DEAD MEN.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read a lot, but some of my favorite mystery authors include: Patricia Cornwell, Diane Mott Davidson, Janet Evanovich, Linda Fairstein, Leslie Glass, Sue Grafton, Jonathan Kellerman, Perri O'Shaughnessy, James Patterson, Lisa Scottoline, Stephen White and Stuart Woods.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
I loved DATING IS MURDER. I thought DATING DEAD MEN was excellent, and this follow-up book was even better! The continuing characters have really taken on flesh; loved the introduction of her mom into the mix. I loved that she immediately disappointed me by removing Doc from the scene, but then spent the whole book allowing Simon to more than take his place!
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Absolutely....hope more are in the pipeline right now.
Yvette from New York, NY
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
This is the first Kozak book I've read and I loved it!
What other mystery writers do you read?
I usually read works by Anne Perry, Faye Kellerman, Michele Martinez and Linda Fairstein.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
This reader was "hooked in" from the very beginning of the book. I especially enjoyed the author's use of humor, and the preponderance of female characters --- all of them are intelligent and "tough cookies," down to baby Emma. I immediately noted how the vocabulary and sentence structures were on a more educated level than the average present-day American author. Initially, I thought the novel was going to be a bit of "popcorn for my brain" but eventually turned out to consist of appetizer, snacks, plus meal with a whopping unexpected "gelled" ending. In my opinion, the moral of this novel can be summed up in a Greek proverb: "believe nothing you hear and half of what you see!"
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Absolutely, yes! And I will recommend [the author] to friends who read this genre.
Patti from Bloomington, IN
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
I never have read anything by this author. Honestly, I had never heard of this author before.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I have read Patricia Cornwell, Dan Brown (not a fan), Janet Evanovich, Stephen King, Jonathan Kellerman and almost any author whose mass market paperback is on-sale at airports and train stations when I've finished the book I was previously reading.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
The story is part Chick Lit, part murder mystery --- Shopaholic meets Miss Marple. Harley Jane Kozak creates an interesting read without falling into the predictable pitfalls of either genre, with the exception of our protagonist getting stuck in a window. The book was not too predictable, and the mystery is able to overcome some of the shortcomings of the novel had it been Chick Lit, and the Chick Lit angle glosses over some of the holes in logic necessary for a good mystery.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
I think I would. She has created an interesting niche for her character, which leads me to believe that future books would be worth my time to read.
Tom from Tucson, AZ
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No, but I sure will now.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I have a long list but Robert B. Parker is among the top, as well as Evanovich, Connelly, Patterson, Sanders and Stanford.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed DATING IS MURDER! Wollie takes off on a fun ride that lasts to the end. Kozak's characters are alive with all kinds of twists and turns. I found Wollie a bit frustrating at times, but that keeps you wanting more. I look forward to her next book!
Would you ever read a future book by Kozak?
Definitely! Loads of fun.
Susan from Haddonfield, NJ
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Martha Grimes, Dick Francis, Lawrence Block, Donald Westlake, Tony Hillerman, Harlan Coben, John Le Carre, P.D. James, Stuart Woods, Elizabeth George, Ed McBain, Dennis Lehane, John Grisham and Jacqueline Winspear, among many others.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
I thought the dialogue was well written, and I enjoyed the comedy and the romantic tension between Wollie and Simon. I liked how Wollie turned so many situations into potential greeting card themes. However, the plot was weak and somewhat contrived, and several characters seemed one dimensional and stereotypical. Did every member of her family have to be so wildly dysfunctional? The character names were somewhat annoying, a little too cute, but that's a minor point. I also wish Wollie was a little more intelligent and assertive. The climax of the story was exciting, but not terribly logical.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
I am planning to read her previous book, DATING DEAD GUYS, based on the awards that it received. There were enough things that I enjoyed about DATING IS MURDER that would make me try another book, hoping for a tighter plot. Thanks for the opportunity to read and respond to this book.
Billie from Oklahoma City, OK
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
This is the first book by Kozak I have read.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Other mystery or suspense writers I read are John Grisham, Terri Blackstock, Lisa Scottoline and Robert Whitlow.
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
Her writing is quite different from other suspense authors I read. At times, It was hard to stay interested. It seemed to lag in excitability at some points, and did not move forward as fast as I would have liked. However, as you get closer to the end, the excitement picks up and continued to hold my interest to the very end. I really liked Wollie and Joey. They always seem to get in a mess somehow, and it was interesting to watch them wiggle out of them.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
Future books might be a possibility. One book does not always show the real ability of an author, especially one you have never read before. However, if a second book failed to hold my interest, I probably would not read a third.
Mary from Media, PA
Have you previously read a book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Robert B. Parker, Sue Grafton, Diane Mott Davidson, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton and Ed McBain (RIP).
What did you think of DATING IS MURDER?
I looked forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it became a chore. I made myself honor my commitment to read it. I enjoy books that I cannot put down. I had to make myself pick this one up to continue and fulfill an obligation. Too many characters; not enough interest. It plods along, and does not sweep me up in the plot and characters.
Would you ever read a future book by Harley Jane Kozak?
No.
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