The Usual Family Mayhem by HelenKay Dimon (March 11, 2024) Thank you to @libro.fm, @avonbooks, and the author for the #gifted advanced listening copy of this cozy, quirky romantic mystery that gives strong Arsenic and Old Lace vibes! #librofmInfluencer
Kasey Nottingham is about to lose her job unless she comes up with a fresh investment idea – fast. In a moment of desperation, she blurts out a wildly unplanned pitch: her bosses should buy a small-town dessert company run by her Gram and her not-so-platonic best friend, Celia. She never expects them to take it seriously. But they do. Now, Kasey’s being sent back home to close the deal. And she’s immediately faced with three major problems:
- Gram has zero interest in selling.
- Jackson, Kasey’s childhood crush (and Celia’s nephew), seems to be everywhere.
- She’s pretty sure Gram and Celia are hiding a huge secret.
As Kasey digs deeper into a string of suspicious deaths involving abusive men in town, she starts to wonder – could her grandma and Celia be serving up more than just muffins? With a reluctant but increasingly supportive Jackson by her side, she sets out to uncover the truth. Along the way, she finds family, laughter, love, and a long-simmering attraction that’s impossible to ignore.
This book was such a delightful blend of cozy mystery, humor, and heartwarming family bonds! Gram, Celia, Kasey, and Jackson feel like a real family, full of deep loyalty, playful banter, and undeniable love. While the mystery isn’t high-stakes, the how and why of it adds emotional depth, making the story both engaging and heartfelt. And the romance? Absolutely charming! It’s not fully closed-door – more of a “cracked door” romance – but the chemistry between Kasey and Jackson is undeniable.
If you love cozy mysteries with strong family dynamics, small-town charm, and a side of romance, this is a cute one!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts 🎧 Mia Barron delivers a fantastic solo narration, giving life to a wide cast of characters while fully embracing the cozy charm, humor, and warmth of the story. At 9 hours and 25 minutes, this is a quick, binge-worthy listen, especially if you’re a high-speed audiobook lover like me!
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Spice: 🌶️
Book Smart Kate 