This book was one of the books on my April TBR. The book club I’m in had selected this as our April read and in true me fashion, I read it the night before. At one point I was surprised that this was the book that everyone voted on, but as I read it I understood. But, I am eager to tell you about this book, so let’s just jump right in and let me tell you about Shady Hollow.
The Summary of Shady Hollow
Shady Hollow is a cozy mystery written by Juneau Black, which is the pen name of authors Jocelyn Cole and Sharon Nagel. This novel follows the residents of Shady Hollow as the body of one of their members is found dead. When it’s found out that he was murdered, the small town is full of those wondering who could have committed such a crime. Such things do not happen in Shady Hollow. Vera Vixen, an investigative reporter, doesn’t have much faith in the police to solve this crime. Especially since the chief is off fishing instead of trying to solve a murder. Oh, and did I mention all the residents are animals?
What I Liked
I honestly loved this book. As I mentioned, I read it the night before book club. But, I essentially read this in the span of 8 hours, give or take. This book was so much fun to read and I didn’t want to put the book down. When I did, I wanted to pick it right back up. Our characters were a lot of fun and had some interesting dynamics. The friendship of Vera and Lenore was probably my favourite aspect of this book. I thought the small town and everyone has a secret was going to annoy me. It usually does, but it was so well done in this book that I didn’t mind.
nostalgia
This book brought me back to memories of when I was younger and reading the Redwall series. Animals that act like people and have to solve something. In Redwall it wasn’t murder, but riddles. The Redwall series is what really grew my love of reading and Shady Hollow seemed to bring me right back to those feelings. I’ve been craving a book that I don’t want to put down, and Shady Hollow delivered.
Downside of Shady Hollow
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book, to be honest. But there were two things. One, there was this romance that was hinted at and then confirmed at the end. I thought it was unnecessary to the book and story. I was told that the next book expands on it a bit more, so maybe there is a purpose to it. The other thing was the wrap up to the case. It felt very anti-climatic. And convenient. I think it could have been done better. But for the most part, this book was very enjoyable.
Rating and Final Thoughts
I have Shady Hollow a 4.5 star rating. It was fun, I enjoyed the pacing of it, and I do believe it got me out of my reading slump. All in all I had a blast, even with the two things that took it away from being a 5 star. If you’re in a reading slump and want to have a book to get you out, this is the book. It’s a short book, cozy so not too crazy, and just a lot of fun to read. It is the first book in a series and I do have an interest in reading the rest of the series. I’m not sure if I’ll buy them or borrow them from the library. Money is tight and I do buy a book every month for book club. We will see what happens.
After Shady Hollow
I am quite far into my next book already. In fact, I should be able to put out the review for it soon. If not this week, then certainly next. Could this be the month I finish my TBR? That would be so exciting. So, I will keep reading and having fun with it. And to make myself more intent on reading, I’ve even designed my own Book Review cards. Right now they are just for Book Club books. I have to figure out where to put them. Maybe I’ll make a journal or something like that. But I am excited to read again and that’s the important thing. Until next time, remember, anything can happen if we try.
