Murder of a Mail-Order Bride: A Love is Murder Mystery

Murder of a Mail-Order Bride is the second book in A Love is Murder Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone if you did not read Death of a Red-Hot Rancher. We learn more about Lizzie in this book. The story is told from Lizzie's perspective which makes us privy to her thoughts. Lizzie is attracted to Max Alvarez, the local park ranger. He definitely consumes her thoughts (and her daydreams). There is chemistry between the pair. I can tell that the author wrote romance novels before embarking on cozy mysteries. The proportion of romance to mystery is out of balance (way too much romance). The mystery is straightforward with a dead woman and an amateur sleuth looking into the crime. The solution was obvious. There are pointed clues to help the reader solve the crime. The mystery did have some interesting bits and there was a unique clue. I do like how the more obscure clues lined up. Charmaine is an over-the-top character. She is one of those people who do not take no for an answer (she is quirky, dresses outlandishly). There are a couple of other off-beat characters in the story. There is humor sprinkled throughout. There is the requisite small town, charming shops, and a cute dog. I wanted to give this series another shot (which I did). I discovered that it is not the right fit for me. For those who enjoy quirky characters, first person point-of-view, a heaping helping of romance, silly humor, and a light mystery, then A Love is Murder Mysteries is for you. Murder of a Mail-Order Bride is a giddy tale with a surprise Russian bride, rapid wedding planning, a quarreling couple, train fanatics conference, curious clues, a butchered bride, and an electric connection.