My one issue the might be boyfriend either he is or isn't. This is a solid mystery Celeste is a protagonist that anyone can relate too she's juggling life while trying too safe her friend.

I didn’t read the first in the series, but I picked up In the Bag based on the blurb. I like mysteries and this one sounded fun. I chose well.

The cast of characters is great. Celeste is the lead and is a blast. she’s funny, caring, has a tendency to get herself into potential danger, but who can blame her? Her best friend’s the main suspect in a murder investigation. Speaking of Levi, I like him. He’s got his own troubles, but still has time to give out advice, for better or worse. Celeste’s dad’s in town and adds to the confusion. There’s also a bookie whose interest in Celeste is obvious, and a little creepy.

The plotline was good. There are enough suspects, but not too many. The clues tie together pretty well. For me though, the enjoyment was in the characters and the situations they get themselves into, no necessarily the whodunnit.

I was not a big fan of Celeste’s “relationship” with Muldoon. Yeah, he’s a busy detective and he’s got some issues, but I don’t know. He gives her just enough to keep her holding on, but not enough for it to actually go anywhere. Hopefully, that situation will get a little resolution next time around, but otherwise she should just dump him. Of course, seeing how much often she seem to “visit” the police station, maybe she doesn’t want to end up on his bad side. Especially with how little credit being on his good side seems to get her.

Overall, a fun, light read – a good mystery with quirky characters and a touch of romance.

This is a great book; this is the second book in the Celeste Eagan series written by Emery Harper.
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Once again we have another dead body mystery for Celeste to solve, much to the chagrin of her almost/not quite sure/possibly potential other detective boyfriend. What is a girl to do when the accused his her BFF Levi. Now you just know when Celeste is involved things are just going to go a bit wonky. Yeah, wonky...hahahaha!!!! Understatement!

Curiouser and curiouser things that that make this story oh so much fun include a trip to the ER, going undercover, an interesting poker game, a curious bakery, odd crates and a $2000 designer bag. Of course there is much more than that but what really stands out this time is to new characters: Celeste's dad, Gil, and a bakery owner, Gabriel Grady. Gil pops in for a visit but the reason why his is there without his wife drives Celeste nuts. And then there is Gabriel. Oh I liked him...very much! He seems to have this thing for Celeste which has everybody on their toes since his bakery business *cough-cough* is questionable. I'm hoping he becomes a permanent character in the series.

Oh my gosh, author Emery Harper has done it again. In the Bag was a stellar read that had me reading way into the night. I'm honestly having a hard time believing this is her sophomore book. It is not necessary to read the books in Celeste Eagan Mystery series in order as they work very well as standalones. However, I recommend reading them both because they are just that darn good. Well worth the real and perfect for people who enjoy humor with their mysteries.



reviewed by Jac

Read from January 14 to 15, 2017

Book Info
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: January 30th 2017 by Carina Press
ASIN B01LLP8752
Edition Language English
Series A Celeste Eagan Mystery #2
Other Editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

Buy book from
Amazon
B&N

BOOK BLURB


Life as the principal actress at the Peytonville Playhouse is all I ever thought it'd be—and more. I'm practically living the bohemian dream, until my BFF Levi finds a dead body on his property. And is swiftly arrested for murder.

Detective Shaw Muldoon is my almost-but-not-quite-there-yet beau. He knows me. He knows Levi. He knows neither of us is capable of something so heinous. And he knows that despite his strict orders to leave the case with the professionals, I'll launch my own investigation to clear Levi's name.

One more gruesome murder: check.

A dubious bakery owner who's taken a fancy to me: check.

This season's "it" handbag practically falling into my lap: check.

Levi's up the creek if I don't uncover the truth…but my investigation has put me firmly in the murderer's sights.

Life in danger: check.

My Thoughts


Celeste Eagan's quest for the truth is once more the central core story line with plot points following her daughter Paige, ex-husband Colin, Celeste's parents, a bakery owner named Gabriel Grady and Detective Shaw Muldoon.

The crux of this story hinges on investigating the murders of Levi's competitor Arnie Showalter and later that of his girlfriend.

This is only the starting point because soon enough those murders lead to an even greater mystery to solve. Which in true Celeste fashion means bad guys have her in their sights as her insatiable need to know once again proves stronger than her sense of self preservation.

As entertaining as she is infuriating Celeste manages to muddle through, along with Levi, as the clues to what is transpiring hit hard and fast. For Celeste her quest for the truth
is more than just her desire to prove Levi innocent she also feels that the ongoing investigation the police have undertaken is not thorough enough.

Given a choice wouldn’t you go out on a limb to prove the innocence of your best friend? Especially if by doing so you prove your own as well.

That is the reasoning amateur sleuth and danger magnet Celeste Eagan our main character uses to excuse her actions over and over. Never mind some of those actions keep getting her thrown in jail, again.


[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

This book was given to me for an honest review

3.5 stars

I have to say that I love how Celeste finds trouble. No matter what she ends up being in the middle of something crazy, and this story shows you why. She is such a force to be wrecken with. The more she thinks she is helping, well lets just say it doesn't go as plan most of the time. the problem is, its her best friend, godfather to her child, and a person that she holds dear to her heart levi. I think like most I might just want to help to get the person closes to my family out of the mess he is in. I loved how the story develops and how you can see the wheels turning in the head of Celeste at times. It made it fun to follow even though it is a serious mystery.

Celeste is a great character, I don't know how she gets into the messes she does, but she does. I love her fierceness in this book. She will do anything to find out what is going on. Levi is the best friend that you want. He will do anything for Celeste and her child. Not many can say they have a best friend like that. Even though he is in the middle of this story he isn't forced on you, it mixes throughout the book and I like that he is not just thrown at you left and right. For the detective, I just don't care for him. He doesn't treat Celeste right. He seems to be off more than he is on and it throws me while I'm reading the book. I think Celeste deserves better. He is what has me only giving it 3.5 stars.

I really enjoy this series and can't wait to read the next one.