(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

DNF @ 50% but I feel obliged to give a review.

DNF reasons:

1. Too many fandom references

2. MG needs to get off her high horse and stop looking down at people who isn't a nerd (can't believe I'm typing this)

3. This sentence right here

"You just don't get it, and you never will."
"Condemned without trial, it seems...."

me: ....


(also guess which is MG and which is Matteo)

4. FFS tone down the fandom references

5. Have I mentioned that author tried to cram as many references as she could which ruined the book tbh

6. It was past half the book already and the plot still went nowhere, except for the fandom references of course

Even my friend (who is a part of many fandoms) said (and I quote): "omg you cant just ask someone what their fandom" and "u need lv 5 friendship unless you met offline".

The only redeeming quality was Matteo, and it's not even enough.

What a fun book! A clever mystery combined with a rom-com, The Frame-Up ticked all my boxes for a satisfying read--a witty, relatable sleuth, quirky secondary characters, interesting setting, rapid pace, mystery, and mayhem! I know nothing about the comic-con culture and it doesn’t matter. If you like mystery, fun, and light romance, read this book!

Thank you NetGalley and 47North for this arc.

Oh was this one fun! Hard to believe it's Ms. Molin's debut!

I found this to be a well written, entertaining and fast paced mystery with a charming romance thrown in. I really liked the geekiness (surprised me, too). The characters were great, some "over-the-top", but all felt genuine to me. Well developed and coherent mystery with a little romance added in (but it didn't overwhelm the mystery story). I see where there's at least one more book to this series and I will definitely keep an eye out for it (yes, I'm following author... call me a professional "stalker").

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
There are some posts I'm not sure how to start. Introductions are probably the hardest part for me (I say this today, tomorrow I'll be struggling with a conclusion). I thought about starting this post this way:

If you liked . . .
* the Dahlia Moss books, but want something less sit-com and more dramedy
* the Kirby Baxter books, but wish that Molly was the star?
* Seanan McGuire's Antimony Price, but wish you didn't have to put up with the cryptozoology?
and/or
* the Castle pilot episode

...then this is the book for you!

But that just seemed frivolous. So I abandoned it.

A chance encounter in a slow-moving coffee shop line and an overheard offhand remark leads to LAPD Narcotics Detective Matteo Kildaire consulting comic book writer Michael-Grace (call her "MG") Martin about an unusual crime. A couple of drug dealers had been tied together and left for the police, a photo printed in the newspaper (or at least an online version of it) reminded MG of one of her favorite comic book panels when she saw it -- a panel from a comic in the Eighties. It turns out that there are additional reasons to tie the crime scene to that particular comic, and the detective could use some help. He's clueless about this kind of thing and is desperate to get any kind of line on the vigilante responsible.

Matteo is concerned for various and sundry reasons that MG and her coworkers at Genius Comics might be a target for trouble (and/or responsible for it). MG is intrigued by the entire thing (and the fact that an incredibly hunky detective is talking to her about it doesn't hurt, even if he is the Muggle-ist Muggle around) -- actual crimes being committed around town by someone very inspired by the comics that shaped her early geekness?

Now, Matteo doesn't want word to get out about a. MG consulting for him; b. the close eye Genius Comics employees are being watched with; c. really anything about the vigilante. So he poses as someone MG's dating, without really consulting her on it. Spending time with her in social settings allows him to investigate her coworkers and friends -- although he really seems interested in getting to know her better.

MG's dealing with several things in her own life -- she's up for a big promotion at work; her side project of designing costumes (for cosplay, and her friend Lawrence's drag queen act) is dangerously close to turning into something more than a hobby; and somehow she has to work in a fake relationship (without tipping off the true nature of things to her roommate or Lawrence).

The chemistry between the two main characters is fantastic -- Matteo comes across as a very nice guy, the kind of person you'd like to think every detective is -- driven, honest, kind. MG's the kind of person I'd like to hang out with -- creative, funny, geeky (although her LOTR views means we won't be best friends). When you put the two of them together they work really well -- on a detective/consultant basis, or as a couple. It's obvious from at least Chapter 2 that the sparks are there, so I don't feel too bad talking about this -- but they do keep it pretty professional. Mostly. Whether they're being professional, or they're in one of their more personal moments, these two are a great pair.

Now while the pair are getting to know each other, the crimes associated with the comics continue to pile up, get more serious and start to involve significant damage and danger to human life. Other than Matteo, the police and the FBI aren't that convinced that MG can really help them. And at least one of her friends becomes a person of interest in the investigation. These two things spur MG to do some independent investigating in addition to her consulting. Which goes about as well as you might think for a comic book writer/would-be fashion designer starring in a comedic novel.

And it is funny. MG is a great narrator -- honest about herself and her foibles; snarky about the foibles (and strengths) of those around her; clever, witty and her narration is chock-full of geek-culture references. Molin tends to over-explain some of MG's references. You don't need to tell me that "Winter is coming," is a Jon Snow line. You can just say it and everyone will know you're talking about Game of Thrones (or Death and Boobies, as MG prefers). I don't remember noticing that later on, I either got used to it or Molin course-corrected. Either way, it's not a major problem.

The story is strong, the culture around Genius Comics is interesting (and rings true), the secondary and tertiary characters are fun -- it's a very satisfying debut novel. I do think that MG's roommate and coworkers could've been developed a bit more. At least we could've spent more time with them, not much, just a little (except the roommate, we could've had more time with him -- but that seemed intentional). But that's about my strongest criticism, come to think of it. There are some scenes that are just fantastic -- Matteo watching the original Star Wars trilogy with MG and her coworkers for the first time is magic. There's a moment in the last chapter that's a little better, too (but I won't spoil anything). Molin can tell a good story and capture small elements well.

I started this by joking around about the kind of people that'll like this book -- but seriously, there's something about this that'll appeal to most. Just thinking of friends/family/workplace proximity associates who read novels -- I can't think of one who wouldn't find something in this to enjoy. My mother would like the interplay between the characters (particularly between MG and Lawrence) and the story, even if she didn't get most of the fandom references; my buddy Paul would like MG's spirit, the mystery, and Matteo; Nicole would dig the mystery, MG, and the fandoms (even if she doesn't share them, she'll get it), MG's design work, too; I've got another friend who'd like the mystery but would roll his eyes at some of the relationship stuff; Rosie would get a kick out of it all, especially MG's voice -- and so on. Okay, to be honest, I can think of one reader I know who wouldn't like it -- between the subject matter, the voice, the crime story -- it'd be beneath her (unless Molin gets interviewed by NPR, then she'd be a big fan). My point is -- there's at least a little something here for everyone to get into, if you don't let any of the particulars of the setting or character get in the way.

Sure, I liked Dahlia Moss/Kirby Baxter/Antimony Price/Castle without any of the conditions that I started things off with -- so this was definitely in my wheelhouse. But more importantly, it was a fun story well told, with charming characters that you want to spend time with. If I'm reading Molin's tweets correctly, we're looking at at least a trilogy with these people -- I'm all in for that, I'm very interested to see where she takes the story and the characters. I fully expect that I'm not going to be alone in my appreciation for The Frame Up.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from 47North via Little Bird Publicity and NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to all for this great read.

Sometimes you come across a book which sounds mildly interesting, only to be blown away when it turns out to be everything you could have hoped for and then some more. Such was the case with The Frame-Up. Sure, I was intrigued. It sounded like a lot of fun, like something I would really enjoy, but I did not expect to fall as head over heels in love with it as I did.

In fact, I went above and beyond being addicted to this one. I adored it, I could not get enough, and I am desperate to get my hands on the second Golden Arrow book.

Seriously, give me The Queen Con now and I’ll be extremely happy.

Megan Scott Molin had me hooked from the very first page. I was a goner, unable to put the book down. With every page I turned, I found myself sucked in ever deeper. I was lost to this book on so many levels, powering my way through so many things I adore.

A cosy little mystery? Check. An adorable romance? Check. Fabulous characters? Check. Humour that is actually funny and not just a label to lure people in? Check. Numerous geeky references? Countless checks. I could go on, I could list so many other things, but all you need to know this book had me on so many levels. I was in love with all that was going on, and putting the book down was impossible. I wanted more, and I refused to let real life interrupt.

In fact, this is one of those cases where my rating is more of a four-point-five-star rating rather than the four-star rating I gave it. Anyone who follows my reviews is probably rolling their eyes right now, sighing that such has happened again. It’s always the little things that hold me back from giving a five-star rating, and such was the case here.

As much as I enjoyed the geeky references, I feel as though some of them are going to result in the book aging badly. There are plenty of classic references, the kind that will hold out in geek cultures for years to come, yet others are very much a product of the current times. I enjoy current references as much as the next person, but I know from reading other popular books with such references after the fad has ended that such books do not have the same impact as they could years down the line.

Nevertheless, I adored The Frame-Up on countless levels. I was cooing and giggling my way through this one, addicted and in love on so many levels.

Without a doubt, I’ll be grabbing book two as soon as it is out. Sure, I have an idea where certain plot lines are going – some elements were a bit on the obvious side, meaning there are likely to be a few predictable aspects to the second book – yet such has failed to dampen my eagerness.

I need book two, and I need it soon.

The Frame-Up is the first book in Meghan Scott Molin’s brand new series of mysteries about an on-the-edge comic book writer who falls in love with a straight-laced cop – and the series of comic-based murders that binds them together.

Michael-Grace – MG - Martin is a somewhat brusque geek, comic book writer, costume designer and genre aficionado who knows more about variant covers than homicide.  She spends her days yearning to write for The Hooded Falcon, the comic book that saved MG’s life in her youth.  Editor Casey Edwards Junior constantly rejects her ideas, then accepts them, rephrased, from male colleagues.  MG doesn’t know that she’s about to be swept up in mystery and intrigue herself when she realizes, while waiting in line at a coffee shot, that a bronze age scene from The Hooded Falcon has been replicated at the scene of a recent murder.

When her remarks are overheard by a detective who happens to be working the case, the man – whom she dubs Officer Herbal Tea due to his beverage of choice and officious attitude but whose real name is Matteo Kildare – proves to be both handsome, annoying, and severely tempting to her after her last boyfriend used to her leverage YouTube hits.  It turns out that Matteo is much more bashful and awkward than she knows, and is completely out of his element when it comes to her geekery -  and MG is his only hope of blending in with the nerd world for long enough to solve a string of crimes tied to the White Rabbit drug ring.  MG soon finds herself ensnared in the case, as clues pile up and lead back to the death of Casey Edwards Senior – long thought to have died of a heart attack.  When the note left at the first scene links back to MG’s place of work, she starts wondering if she knows the identity of the killer. The mystery steadily gets more complex, leaving the reader to wonder – what does this would-be vigilante - dubbed the Golden Arrow by the public - want?  Is he tied to the White Rabbit drug ring?  Are the staged murders covering for something more sinister?  And Will MG get a handle on her feelings for Matteo and keep her nerd tribe safe before the situation gets out of hand?

MG is an engaging heroine and The Frame Up is a great little mystery, one that’s easy enough to grasp even if you’re not a nerd with comics cred.

MG and Matteo each shine for different reasons, and the supporting characters really work.  MG has a great circle of friends in her life; Lawrence, called L, her drag-queen best friend for whom she designs costumes; Ryan, her video-game obsessed friend and roommate, who understands her well but whom she can’t bring herself to feel for romantically, and her corgi Trogdor (nicknamed Trog). Compare this to lonely Matteo, who drives a Prius, sips tea, and whose utter cluelessness about MG’s geekiness is a lot of fun (he has no idea what a TARDIS is and thinks MG might be British, what with her love for Doctor Who and her corgi). They give good banter to one another, and are frustratingly struck by lousy timing in a way that really works to build romantic tension.

Thematically, The Frame-Up doesn’t skimp on the frustrating sexism MG experiences in her job, and it doesn’t ignore the annoying parts of being a female nerd.  Molin also does an excellent job capturing the diversity of life in nerd culture.  On top of it all, everyone’s harboring a secret that hovers temptingly just out of MG’s reach, and those are revealed slowly and will likely be well-used in further volumes of the series.

The mystery itself is decently paced, and builds nicely, although by the end, it’s clear that there are overarching threads that leave the audience waiting for a solution that - in one case - doesn’t arrive (the one reason this is getting an A-). One of the mysteries is left dangling – presumably for future instalments - but overall, The Frame-Up is one good, fun, funny book.

Buy it at: Amazon

The Frame Up is a great start to this series, and with it being the author's debut, it will be fun to see what happens next.

MG is a geek and loves comic books and works for one of the biggest. But something is going on, that runs deep after an encounter with a detective that’s when it all begins.

This was a fun read, with twists and turns. MG is an awesome character. She’s passionate, and she has no issue with saying what she feels.

Overall, I give this Four Boundless Stars.

Michael-Grace is a cheeky bit of talent. She is also capable, independent, and determined to achieve a promotion at her job.

It’s an off-the-cuff comment about a newspaper picture that has MG connecting with Detective Kildaire in a way that only a comic book artist can.

A vigilante is out rounding up the bad guys and clues left at the scene are passing references to a favourite comic book of MG’s. Her astute observations have her soon acting as a police consultant for the case.

Rapid-paced, geeky, a bit of awkward romance, and so much fun. A departure from my usual noir recommendations and absolutely worth a read.

Ah, something new and refreshing and totally geeky. The Frame-Up is light enough to be a relaxing read, but also so very smart and clever. Thoroughly enjoyable, with fangirl references galore (some of which I'm sure I didn't catch, but that just makes the world of the lady comic book writer character all the more geek-glamorous to me), I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

Meghan Scott Molin's THE FRAME-UP is a skillfully written blend of pop culture references, romance, and puzzling mystery. Our heroes MG and Matteo (she's the writer of a popular comic book series and he's a homicide detective) are instantly likable, and I was rooting for them from page one.

Molin never stoops to heavy handed tactics, such as the romantic interests withholding information for no reason or keeping the mystery protracted through artificial means. Instead, the story develops organically and the characters -- even when they make mistakes -- behave rationally. And that just makes me like them even more!

THE FRAME-UP is a delight from start to finish, and is well worth checking out.

When MG (short for Michael-Grace), a comic book writer, meets detective Mateo Kildaire while waiting for her chai latte at her local coffee shop it could be the start of something interesting. And it is. They discuss a recent crime in the city and soon find themselves wrapped up in solving it.

I enjoyed how Meghan Scott Molin’s story combined the geeky comic book world and the seemingly straight-laced police detective work. The repartee between MG and Det. Kildaire was fun and charming at the same time. There were many pop-culture references that mostly went over my head (and Mateo’s) but didn’t take me out of the story. I liked the colorful supporting characters and I thought the pace was perfect which all make me look forward to the next installment of The Golden Arrow Mysteries.

The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin is a humorous contemporary mystery/romantic comedy with diverse characters: a geeky female main character (Michael-Grace), her drag-queen best friend (Lawrence), and her straight-laced cop boyfriend (Matteo), and along with beaucoup geeksters as secondary characters. The tone is slightly snarky, and the pace clips along rapidly, keeping me fully focused on the novel. Most enjoyable is that MG, tired of men trying to change her, has given up on relationships, yet remains a woman fully-functioning on her own. She is courageous and determined, doesn’t wait around to be “saved” by a man, and remains delightfully geeky and, though comfortable with herself, a bit out of place in the real world. The slow-burn sexual tension between MG and Matteo is charming. The blend of romance and mystery is deftly woven. People who enjoy Star Trek, classic comic books, mysteries, and contemporary romances will enjoy this book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this fun read. Sassy Michael-Grace as the MC kept me engaged. Loved her friends, Lawrence was my favorite, and loved how everyone felt like a suspect at one point or another. Just enough twists, turns and romance to keep me engaged to the very end. Great job!

The Frame-Up was a really fun book to read! I had been eager to pick it up ever since I found out the whole concept of the story and it certainly lived up to my expectations.

MG, or Michael Grace like her parents named her, was a fun, no-nonsense and sassy character who made this book truly shine for me. She is a writer for a comic book company and loves all things geek culture. Her passion and her interest in all things pop culture and comic books really came through throughout the whole book. MG was also a young woman with aspirations to be so much more. It was very much heartening and inspiring to hear about all her goals. Her emotions were also written brilliantly - I connected with her deeply because of that even though my knowledge of comic books is exactly zero and hers is out of this world. Her rage and frustration when her opinion kept getting shut down or her ideas kept getting stolen by men at her company especially rang true. I was as frustrated as she was at the unfairness of it all! Matteo, the detective, who enlists her help and who she partners up with to solve the copy-cat cases, was so dreamy. I loved that he was a pretty straightforward guy and though we don't learn much about him, I liked him a lot and I'm eager to learn more about him as the series progresses.

There's a fun romance between Matteo and MJ. It occurred mostly in the background but it made sense given that their focus was on the case. Even with the romance being mostly in the sidelines, I just loved everything about it. There were some sweet and swoony moments that had my heart fluttering. The case itself was interesting - it was one that was inspired by MG's favorite comic series. It was fun putting clues together alongside Matteo and MJ and the big surprise was done very well. Meghan Scott Molin's writing was also stellar. There is just something about her voice that kept me glued to my Kindle while I was reading this book. It's full of sass, humor and just the right dose of action. I'm quite excited that The Frame-Up is part of a series as that means I get to spend more time with this cast.

The Frame-Up was an entertaining cozy mystery debut with just enough action and an engaging main character. Give this one a try if you like all things comic book culture and sassy heroines!

This book had a lot of potential to be a lot more than it was. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed reading it because it was quite entertaining, but my main problem was that it was so saturated with pop culture and comic book references that it was just too much at times. It's one thing to have your crimes based on comic books and to have comic book culture as a part of the story, but damn it, it got really annoying and almost elitist at times.

The circumstances surrounding the plot were completely unrealisitic. It's one thing for the police to use an outside expert, it's another thing for that outside expert to be a random ass person you happen to meet at a coffee store that you then allow to come to all crime scenes, watch interrogations, etc.

Overall, I kind of liked the characters (at times) and thought the romance was cute, it was just really unprofessional and completely unrealistic. Granted, this is fiction, so that doesn't matter as much, but there is still boundaries to be followed. I would say if you like crime books as well as geeky fandom culture, then this is the book for you. You might not understand all of the references, but that's what Google is for.

The Frame Up is both a fast paced mystery caper and a romantic comedy with a snappy voice. what makes it stand apart is how it immerses itself in geek culture, celebrating it while acknowledging the overt difficulties women in fandom and in the industry have. by blending this all together, Molin has crafted a highly entertaining book that appeals equally to those genres as well as geeky fans who don't always read mysteries.