Member Reviews

"Film Crews and Rendezvous" is an entertaining mystery that I enjoyed more than I was expecting. Great character development and a plot that kept me guessing until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved the concept of this book and the characters, but the story was all about descriptive details at the expense of a clear plot.

A major Hollywood production comes to film at Jules’ idyllic “glamping” resort, but a series of murders lures Jules into investigating. The characters are colorful and engaging, and the settings are artfully described. But more attention to detail is given to the meals being eaten than to the development of the action. Ultimately, after a puzzling climax, the mystery is abruptly solved. The ending of the book felt sudden and unsatisfactory.

There’s so much potential in the setting and characters for a good story - this one just didn’t quite get there. I’d love to visit Jules’ resort. But I’m not quite as enthusiastic about reading another book about her.

Was this review helpful?

What a fantastic addition to the series! This has to be my new favorite in the series! I love the setting - Blue Ridge Mountains, the characters (Jules, aunt Roxanne, Jack, Pixel and of course, Jules' dog Bijou), and this time we have a film crew on set. So, more drama, more saucy gossip and rumors, and more action... with a dash or two of murder.

One character that stood out from the rest was the Fatal Impressions' main actor Chavis Ratner. He was the perfect example of how fame and arrogance go hand in hand. Jules initially finds him in the arms of the kimono-clad writer - who is found dead the next day. Then, he's found with the makeup artist.

The mystery behind the murders kept me guessing till the end. We have Jules' best friend Pixel help her with solving the case. Pixel is Jules' go-to person when in need of background information. Pixel is a white-hat hacker who knows how to dig up dirt on someone - purely for the purpose of helping Jules solve the case, mind.

A couple of twists in the second half of the story made it difficult for me to identify the killer. We have a shocking twist - just before the ending - and this was nothing short of a Hollywood-movie sequence.

This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend you to read book #1 too. Absolutely fantastic storytelling and likable characters. The mystery behind the murders is sure to keep one guessing till the end.

If you are looking for an entertaining, juicy, engrossing and unique cozy mystery, I recommend you to give Film Crews and Rendezvous by Heather Weidner a try.

Was this review helpful?

Drama And Divas..
The second of the Jules Keene Glamping mysteries and the apparent arrival of Hollywood in Fern Valley is raising more than a few eyebrows. The glamping resort has, in fact, never seen anything like it - as the divas and the drama arrive in droves. Amidst the menagerie, however, a killer lurks and it’s not too long before chaos ensues and bodies pile. Jules needs to act fast before her previously booming business goes bust. With a cast of eccentric characters, a pacy plot and a frothy narrative this is an entertaining entry in the series.

Was this review helpful?

An entertaining story and I like the idea of the tiny houses. They intrigued me and off I went researching them. I do like stories that pique my interest in something new. There were a lot of characters and I sometimes felt disconnected from them, but overall I enjoyed it. I received this book from the author via NetGalley as an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Was this review helpful?

With the inviting setting of a luxury camping resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a plucky protagonist, and a twisty murder to solve, FILM CREWS AND RENDEZVOUS has all the ingredients that appeal to cozy mystery readers. This second book in the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries by Heather Weidner features Jules Keene, who remains calm and resourceful in the face of calamities that seem to crop up in her Fern Valley camping resort. The Hollywood crew for the hit Fatal Impressions has descended upon the resort. They bring all sorts of mayhem, including murder. I really enjoyed the themed tiny houses and the clever use involving the victim… you can just envision the scene of the L. Frank Baum tiny house with the victim sticking out beneath, wearing the trademark red soles of Louboutin shoes. The author does a marvelous job bringing the scenes to life with her strong descriptive voice. The bevy of characters—both admirable and irritating—are well-developed. With the large cast needed for the film crew, they each have their own individual personalities, which made it easy to follow.

The mystery itself was well-plotted and had a quick pace. There were certainly plenty of suspects to choose from. As I followed Jules’s investigation, I bounced from guess to guess… there were lots of people who hated the first victim. When another body shows up, the mystery becomes even more puzzling. There are clues for the armchair detective to follow but the with a surprising and crafty twist at the reveal, I think most will appreciate the clever resolution. While I haven’t read the first book in the series, this whet my appetite to catch up and read more from this author.

Jules enjoys spending time in the kitchen and the author includes several recipes at the end of the book for the home cook to make.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

It’s always good to read something different as wouldn’t usually read this one! Enjoyed the story and the way it forms! Keeps you guessing on who the murderer is!

Was this review helpful?

I liked this! It was something different for me to read, something that I didn’t particularly pick up before but I was pleasantly surprised. This was
Great!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would. It’s fast paced and has lots of excitement. I enjoyed the characters, the author did a good job on their personalities even though there was lots of them. I was surprised by who the killer is. #FilmCrewsandRendevous #NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?