Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Peril in Pink is a murder mystery set in a brand new Bed and Breakfast in a cozy small town. Unfortunately the dialogue is awkward ( it reminds me of old white men writing dialogue that’s supposed to be “hip” or “hood” for teen movies) and the characters are insufferable (even the main character. Everyone is so wrapped up in gossip or trying to be a hero that they’re all in one another’s way). Our main character thinks that she can solve crime better than the police because she listens to true crime podcasts but spends more time defending people against her better judgment and commenting on the brands of clothes people are wearing that the author honestly lost me. I struggled to make it through the second half of this one. Unfortunate as the blurb made this one sound really charming and fun.
This book was such an easy, cozy, and most importantly fun read. Set in a fully pink B&B, I already knew that this book was going to be perfect for me.
With a glass of rosé in hand, I joined along for the ride on the B&B's opening weekend, that ended up not going quite as planned. The second the dead body was found, I was putting on my own detective hat and trying to figure out who did it. Who did this and almost ruined opening weekend?
The murder mystery wasn't as much of a mystery as I'd expected, but I don't mind because it was still fun and twisty and I had an absolute blast trying to figure out who'd done it.
I loved the pink setting, the extravagant characters, the hints of a troubled past and the swoon-worthy detective. (Who doesn't love a handsome detective?)
Immediately looking for a pink B&B to spend my next summer vacation at
Review of “Peril in Pink” by Sydney Leigh.
3 ⭐️
Thank you so much to the author, Sydney Leigh, for giving me an ARC of her book in exchange for a review. Peril in Pink is out on March 19, 2024.
I finished this story in one sitting! That definitely means it kept me hooked until the finale. I liked Jess and Kat a lot, and the B&B certainly feels like a place I’d like to spend a weekend once (minus the murders obviously) 💘
This book was a nice, quick read that had a good finale, although I did guess the plot quite easily. That’s fine though, I’ve spent a very cozy Sunday morning with this book. It’s not too much of an edge-on-your-seat thriller, but it sure is entertaining and it has some minor twists and turns that I appreciated. There’s many characters involved, but you’ll get to know them quickly enough to understand the story.
This was a quick and easy read with lots of humour! This was a great mix of cosy mystery with crime fiction all done with some lighthearted fun.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one - they were true to life and realistic.
The plot was filled with so much humour but also had suspense and unexpected twist.
This was a perfect palette cleanser after reading some hard hitting thrillers and I recommend this one to anyone!
"Peril in Pink" offers a delightful blend of charm and suspense in this sparkling debut mystery. Jess Byrne's dream of a grand opening for The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley takes a dark turn when her ex-boyfriend, reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong, becomes the prime suspect in a murder. The witty narrative, reminiscent of "Schitt’s Creek" and "Only Murders in the Building," unfolds as Jess races to clear Lars' name, navigating a web of secrets, scandals, and a second murder.
The author weaves a captivating tale against the picturesque backdrop of Hudson Valley, immersing readers in the glamorous yet perilous world of reality TV stardom. The character dynamics, particularly between Jess and Lars, add depth to the narrative, while the humor provides a delightful counterbalance to the mystery at hand.
As Jess unravels the truth, the B&B's reputation hangs in the balance, and the stakes are raised with each twist and turn. The lockdown scenario adds a layer of tension, making the reader feel the urgency of uncovering the real killer before it's too late. Jess's determination, coupled with the support of her best friend Kat, creates a dynamic duo that keeps the story engaging.
"Peril in Pink" not only serves up a compelling mystery but also explores themes of loyalty, fame, and the lengths one will go to protect their dreams. Fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of glamour will find this debut a delightful and engaging read, leaving them eagerly anticipating what mysteries await in the sequels.
This book reminded me of Netflix - sweet magnolias.
I did enjoy this book, it’s a very easy read and easy to follow once I worked out all the characters which did take me a bit of time at the start.
I didn’t guess the murderer I was sure I knew who it was and felt it was so obvious, but I was wrong
Squeeeee! We have been invited to attend the opening weekend of The Pearl Bed And Breakfast where it's "rosé all the way!" And the The Pearl is always Insta-ready, just like me! You will love the ambience, the vibe, the people and the staff; the murder on the property, not so much....
Jess and her best friend, Kat, buy out her aunt's house and renovate it into a pink paradise, along with her brother, who opened a bar, and her sister-in-law, who is the in-house yoga instructor/coach and it is time to open it up to the public. Even her ex-boyfriend, who became famous after their break-up, offered to perform on opening night.
Things are going great, the pink cocktails are flowing, until early the next morning a body is found lying facedown in the pond, dead. Of course, the guests are not allowed to leave until the police clear them and Jess is "all hands on deck" to help the rather handsome policeman, who happens to be a blast from the past, wrap up the investigation quickly.
Some of the characters, and there are many, are greater than others but Kat is definitely my spirit animal and I want to make her my whole personality! I loved Jess, her aunt and her brother, too, but I didn't really feel for the rest of the main players; and of the side characters, oh my gosh, the twins (when you first get to know them) are beyond adorable! Unfortunately, this leads to many, many suspects which can be very hard to keep track of, sometimes.
I enjoyed the whodunit (mystery) aspect very much, but I do feel that Jess maybe needs to calm down with all her conspiracy theories and just leave it to the detectives next time. What with all the suspects being in the same place, you soon get a Knives Out kind of scenario; however this is a little light on the Thriller.
The little love interest between Jess and the detective was nice and I did hope for a little more between these two but I also really hope for more from The Pearl B&B.
If you love cosy mysteries and whodunits, then grab yourself a copy and meet me in the lounge for a glass of pink rosé; cheers!
As someone who enjoys cozy mysteries but doesn’t read them often, this one was just what I didn’t know I needed. I was hooked on the lightness of it, the fun banter between friends and relatives alike. The romance aspect was cute and clean too, which I loved.
Overall, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book! It was easy breezy and full of giggles and I'm already looking forward to the author's next book....
This new cozy mystery was so good. I absolutely adored Jess and Kat and throwing in the ex boyfriend as a murder suspect is always a great idea. This was so good I read through this quickly and really loved it.
I just reviewed Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh. #PerilinPink #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
A witty, enjoyable and lighthearted (considering it's a whodunnit) read. Some great characters and well written. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
“Peril in Pink” delivers a delightful blend of cosy mystery, small-town charm, and a touch of celebrity glamour. Set against the backdrop of the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in the picturesque Hudson Valley, the story unfolds with the perfect mix of humour, intrigue, and a dash of romance. The narrative kicks off with the sparkling debut of The Pearl B&B, orchestrated by the determined Jess Byrne and her best friend Kat Miller. The B&B’s opening takes an unexpected turn when Jess’s ex-boyfriend, reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. The victim? Lars’s stepfather and manager, Bob.
As Jess endeavours to clear Lars’s name and protect the reputation of her newly opened B&B, the story takes unexpected twists and turns. The author skillfully weaves a web of secrets and mysteries, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The small-town setting and the locked-door scenario add urgency and tension to the plot, creating an engaging reading experience. The characters in “Peril in Pink” are a standout feature. Jess’s quirky personality and determination make her a relatable and endearing protagonist. The interactions between the characters, particularly Jess and Lars, provide moments of humour and cringe-worthy nostalgia. The supporting cast, including Kat and Detective James, adds depth to the story, and the dynamics between them contribute to the overall charm of the narrative.
The cosy mystery genre is well-executed, offering a perfect balance of sweet and suspenseful moments. The plot unfolds with a sense of fun and lightheartedness, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the genre. The reveal of the murderer is well-paced, and the author keeps readers invested in the story from beginning to end. “Peril in Pink” successfully captures the essence of a cosy small-town murder mystery with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and touches of humour. Whether you’re a seasoned cosy mystery enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this debut novel promises a satisfying and entertaining read. Leigh’s ability to blend elements of mystery and humour bodes well for future additions to the genre, leaving readers eager for more from this promising author.
This was a quick, fun, enjoyable - albeit a little unbelievable - read.
I didn’t particularly like Jess, but other than that I definitely enjoyed Peril In Pink!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Sydney Leigh for sending me an advanced digital copy of Peril In Pink via NetGalley in exchange for review.
Although I love the concept of a murder mystery set at a small-town bed and breakfast, the execution of this book took away from the overall experience for me.
This book is full of "telling" rather than "showing". Some readers might not be bothered by this, but it makes the reading experience less immersive for me. I'm someone who likes to piece together clues by myself without being explicitly told about things, and I think this book could have benefitted from more of that.
I think this is more for readers who just want a fun time, rather than an authentic or realistic story. The way that the investigation was taken care of and even the way that James (the detective) acted took me out of the story because it wasn't realistic. However, that is just my preference!
I did think that the Pearl B&B made a great setting. I also want to note that I switched who I thought the murderer was multiple times throughout the book - many characters were set up to seem like suspects.
I would recommend this for cozy readers who do not need a realistic plot to stay engaged in the novel! I definitely think it has an audience with those who like pop culture references, quirky characters, and "amateur sleuths".
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Whizzed through this! Couldnt resist reading 'just one more chapter' to find out who did it!
Absolutely riveted by this cosy amateur sleuth mystery. So many subtle twists and suspects, it really did keep me guessing till the end. Love a mystery like this where it isn't obvious who the killer is but at the end you see the hidden clues.
Great banter between Kat and Jess as the work to solve a double murder on the opening weekend of their new B and B.
Some great characters in this book, such a mix. I'm hoping there are more books to follow. Especially with the little hint of a blossoming romance at the end and how well these two worked together to solve the case.
Definitely one I'll be wanting to read again and add to my bookshelves when it releases.
A story with an interesting premise but an execution that I personally didn't connect with. It may still be worth a try. for others!
This is a charming and fizzy cozy mystery that I found to be fun and a quick read. I thought that the mystery had the right amount of twists and turns, with some good red herrings and some viable suspects that kept me guessing for a lot of the narrative. I also liked the cast of characters, whether it's our protagonist Jess and her best friend/business partner Kat, or the eccentric cast of characters at the Pearl Bed and Breakfast. The banter was witty, the mystery was fun, and the vibes were cozy. Overall it was enjoyable and if Sydney Leigh writes more stories at the Pearl with Jess and Kat, I will definitely read them!
Nothing wrong with a cozy mystery. Wrap it up in pink and it’s even better.
This was an easy mystery with no major twists and turns. Jess needs to solve a murder to save her B&B and her ex who happens to be the prime suspect.
This book was cute if not a little silly. I wasn’t mad about it.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Peril in pink is a cozy small town murder mystery and a real page turner with a cute pink barbie aesthetic. c'mon just tell me what's there to not like? Out of the two people that died one was a lying stealing creepo and other was a homicidal board certified asshole so i truly didn't care about these victims anyway. in fact i might've rejoiced a little along with the townspeople. I mean this Pearl B&B in Fletcher lake in New York was giving dragonfly Inn in Stars hollow in Connecticut and i was living for the nostalgia of it all. You even have Jess and Kat just like Lorelai and Sookie albeit a bit boring. tbh Kat seemed more interesting than Jess. Although I will admit, Lars was way too annoying that what I'd expect of a man in his late twenties who is also a celeb. But Whatever. As if I'm the one to talk about annoying high school first loves lol. Also I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who felt the sparks fly between the ex-lovers, guess the sparks didn't land at the right place because instead we're going on a date with this detective who pretty much did nothing besides the interrogation??? thank god he's pretty. That reminds Duke, the little baby, the sweet dog solved more of the case single-handedly than all these characters did combined. The ending wasn't something I didn't see coming because I found them shady from the very beginning but given its a cozy mystery thats alright.
(Can you believe this is second time I'm writing this review and it's just so damn annoying because Netgalley couldn't just save it the first time around and now i don't even have my footnotes like wtf man!)
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND SYDNEY LEIGH FOR THE E-ARC
I enjoyed the book and laughed out loud quite a bit! A new author for me and I am so happy I liked it! It was sweet and banter was unmatched!
This was such a cute, cozy mystery! I loved Kat & Jess! They were awesome friends and co-owners of the B&B. I could see myself being friends with them in real life. Sydney did a great job writing all the characters, but Kat & Jess were my favorites. I totally could relate to Jess with her love of lists! I loved Auntie M as well. I was worried about her with her odd behavior. But, I got my answer at the end of the book. The reason in the book was much better than what I thought in my brain.
I enjoyed the entire book. It was a cute book that gave me a few giggles.This book ends neatly and with a HEA! What more could you want? The answer is nothing, friends. Nothing!
The synopsis on GR says Schitt's Creek meets Only Murders in the building. This is 100% spot on. I loved both of those shows!
Read this Book If:
You want a HEA
You want to giggle when reading
You want characters you can relate to or want to be friends with in real life
You want a cute, cozy mystery on your TBR